The Toyota HiAce comes with a robust look. It still holds the title as one of the Filipino’s most trusted vans. In February 2019, the Japanese manufacturer introduced the sixth-generation update of the Toyota Hiace. The model received massive changes on both its interior and exterior. The current generation features a nose that serves as the dedicated engine room. It provides more cabin space and flat fascia that’s lacking from the former under-the-driver engine design. In terms of designs, horizontal slats are present in the huge grille that accentuated the massive headlamps. Toyota Motor Philippines offers the Toyota HiAce in three variants: the 15-seater Commuter Deluxe, 12-seater GL Grandia, and 14-seater GL Grandia Tourer. The HiAce has a different interior configuration depending on the variant. The common feature in all three trims is the shift stick mounted at the dashboard. A touchscreen display is available in the GL Grandia variants. A 2.3L 1GD diesel engine lies under the hood of the Toyota HiAce – similar to that of the Toyota Fortuner. It has varying power outputs that depend on the trim-level. The Commuter Deluxe produces 176 horsepower and 420 Newton-meter of torque. The GL Grandia creates 176 horsepower and 450 Newton-meter of torque. The power output of the GL Grandia Tourer is 163 hp and 420 Nm of torque.
Launch
The global launch of the sixth generation Toyota Hiace was held in the Philippines last February 18, 2019. The launch introduced the HiAce in a new shape. It replaced the older generation’s thin and long rectangular profile. It was replaced with a broader look and a longer nose.
The Toyota HiAce has gone through a lengthy period of five generations. The latest generation arrived in the Philippines with a spacious interior and all new features. Aside from the contemporary design, the Toyota HiAce uses an efficient and powerful engine. It makes the vehicle a highly suitable car for commuting people without worrying about refueling again and again.
The Toyota HiAce is available in four colors – Dark Grey Metallic, White Pearl, Luxury Pearl Toning, and Black.
Exterior
All the variants of the Toyota HiAce have the same exterior design. There is a slight difference in the front bumpers, which can either be black or keyed and with the grille. The grille also depends on the variant, which can be silver or chrome. The Commuter Deluxe and GL Grandia have halogen headlights with bi-beam and multi-reflector features and integrated turn lamps, which come as a standard on both variants. LED daytime running lights are exclusively available for GL Grandia Tourer AT variant only. The GL Grandia variant has fog lamps that come as standard. This feature is lacking in the Commuter Deluxe trim-level.
The rear part of the vehicle comes with larger headlights and lengthier bumper running to both sides' rear wells at the bottom end.
All the variants of the Toyota HiAce have the same exterior design
Interior
The cabin of the Toyota HiAce also depends on the variant. The Commuter Deluxe features a black-themed cabin while the Grandia variants come with a beige theme interior. The Toyota HiAce can be had with either vinyl or fabric seats. The seating configuration also depends on the variant, which can either be 12, 14, or 15. This allows users the flexibility to choose the variant as per the requirement.
A standard analog gauge comes as standard on all variants, but the GL Grandia Tourer gets an advantage with TFT multi-information display measuring 4.2 inches. The center console is completely revamped with new HVAC controls.
The Toyota HiAce can be had with either vinyl or fabric seats
Technology & Safety Features
The GL Grandia variant is equipped with a display audio system with DVD, CD, MP3, USB, FLAC with AUX, Bluetooth, and smart mirroring function. The mirroring technology originated from Toyota's proprietary T-link system that can mirror Android and Apple devices. The infotainment system is also equipped with K2 technology. A six-speaker system delivers the audio of the GL Grandia variants.
The infotainment of the Commuter Deluxe variant is handled by the 2-DIN head unit along with tuner, CD, Aux, MP3, Bluetooth, and USB capabilities. The audio is sent via a four-speaker system.
The GL Grandia variant is equipped with a display audio system with DVD, CD, MP3, USB, FLAC with AUX, Bluetooth, and smart mirroring function
The Toyota HiAce comes with various standard safety features for a safe ride. It includes dual front airbags and ABS. The Commuter Deluxe is equipped with an extra center airbag for the center passenger. Vehicle stability control, brake assist, hill-start assist, and rear parking sensors are available in GL Grandia and GL Grandia Tourer. The backup camera comes as a standard in the Tourer as well.
Platform & Chassis
The Toyota HiAce is a 4-door van with a front-engine rear-wheel-drive layout. It sits on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform. The McPherson struts handle the front suspension while a new rigid, leaf spring combination handles the rear setup.
Ventilated discs deliver the stopping power for the front brakes. The rear brakes vary depending on the variant, which can either be drum brakes or disc brakes.
The fuel consumption of the Toyota HiAce also depends on the variant and fuel type. In terms of dimension, the Toyota HiAce has a length of 5,300 mm, the width of 1,970 mm and a wheelbase of 3,210 mm. The car's ground clearance is 175 mm.
>>> Toyota Hiace for sale in the Philippines at the best prices
Engine & Drivetrain
The current model is doing away the old 3.0L engine. The new model of the Toyota HiAce is now powered by the 2.8L 1GD-FTV diesel engine. It is the same engine found in the Innova, Fortuner, and Hilux. The engine’s output varies depending on the variant. The Commuter Deluxe trim-level produces pumps out 176 horsepower and 420 Newton-meter.
The GL Grandia variant has an output of 176 hp and 450 Nm of torque. The power output of the GL Grandia Tourer gets a maximum output of 163 hp and 420 Nm of torque. It comes with either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission option.
The current model is doing away the old 3.0L engine
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