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Toyotas new-generation HiAce hits the road

First new model in 15 years gets semi-bonneted redesign

 New HiAce.JPG

Toyota Australia has taken the wraps off its new-generation HiAce vans, putting the spotlight on “vast improvements in driver comfort, performance, safety and functionality, with the same expansive carrying capacity as its predecessor”.

As the first new HiAce in 15 years, it has been completely redesigned with a new semi-bonneted configuration.

Sitting on a longer and wider platform, it comes with new turbodiesel and V6 petrol engines that Toyota says deliver more power, refinement and driveability, the latest suite of Toyota Safety Sense features and a redesigned cabin “with improved ergonomics for greater driver comfort and convenience”.

The new HiAce is offered in a choice of nine variants to cater to a diverse variety of users.

Van versions are available in long wheelbase (LWB) and super long wheelbase (SLWB) variants with a choice of new turbodiesel and petrol engines, manual (LWB-only) or automatic transmissions and two-seat or five-seat capacity.

Priced from $38,6401, the LWB van is available with a 207kW (278hp) 3.5-litre V6 petrol or 130kW (174hp) 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine and six-speed manual or automatic transmission.


Read how Toyota lifted the lid on its new HiAce design, here


The new V6 petrol engine provides an increase in power and torque compared to the previous model’s four-cylinder unit, with peak power boosted by 89kW (119hp), while peak torque is increased by 108Nm to 351Nm.

Although total capacity for the new turbodiesel engine has been slightly reduced, it also offers more peak power and torque with an increase of up to 30kW (40hp) and up to 150Nm compared with its 3.0-litre predecessor, Toyota says.

Official combined cycle fuel consumption for turbodiesel variants has been cut by up to 8.7 per cent – due in part to a new stop/start system – with the manual LWB turbodiesel van variant returning a figure of 7.5L/100km.

Both new engines are offered in the SLWB van variants as well, mated to the automatic transmission.

A LWB crew van adds a second row of seats, enabling it to carry up to four passengers and driver, and is available with the turbodiesel engine driving the rear wheels through the six-speed automatic transmission.

For carrying passengers rather than cargo, the new HiAce lineup also includes the 12-seat Commuter model powered by the turbodiesel/automatic transmission powertrain.

“We focused on making the new-generation vehicle an even better tool of trade through an all-new semi-bonneted design, increased performance, a quiet cabin, smooth ride and improved handling and agility,” Toyota vice president sales and marketing Sean Hanley says.

“Its impressive carrying capacity is even more flexible and user-friendly with increased internal width, and increased height on LWB versions, and dual sliding side doors on van models which, for the SLWB variants, can take a standard Australian pallet.

“We are also providing HiAce customers with the same high level of safety as found in our passenger cars and SUVs with a full suite of advanced Toyota Safety Sense technologies.”

HiAce2.JPG

SEMI-BONNETED BENEFITS

With the new semi-bonneted design, Toyota says it has been able to move the engine forward ahead of the front axle and seats, providing easier access to the engine bay, improved safety and greater stability and ride comfort.

The LWB variants are 570mm longer and SLWB versions 535mm longer than the previous generation models, which, together with a wider (up to 215mm) interior space, ensures large cargo capacities of 6.2 cubic metres and 9.3 cubic metres respectively.

All models feature height-adjustable driver’s seat, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel with controls for the audio, infotainment and cruise control systems, manual air conditioning and extensive storage areas with big front door bins and 1.5-litre bottle holders.

The HiAce features the “latest generation multimedia system”, which includes a seven-inch touchscreen display, AM/FM/DAB+3 radio, CD player, full Bluetooth connectivity for audio and phone, USB and AUX inputs, satellite navigation with SUNA live traffic alerts, and voice recognition, Siri eyes-free for compatible iPhones and Toyota Link apps.

HiAce dash.JPG

A five-star ANCAP safety rating complements Toyota’s Safety Sense driver assistance which includes a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist (certain speed signs only) and auto high beam.

Further standard safety features include cruise control, anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability control, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors and up to nine airbags depending on the model.

To deliver rear-vision under all conditions, the HiAce Crew Van and Commuter GL also feature an optional auto-dimming digital rear view mirror.

If the internal view to the rear is obstructed by a load or other occupants, the driver can switch the mirror to digital mode to display wide-view images from the vehicle’s rear camera.

The HiAce is covered by the Toyota Service Advantage that offers capped price servicing for three years or 60,000km, whichever comes first, up to a maximum of six services and is covered by a five-year Toyota Warranty.

Service intervals for all HiAce and Commuter models are six months/10,000km – for turbodiesel versions the cost is capped at $240 per service or just $180 for petrol variants.

HiAce inside.JPG

KEY SPECS

Overall length: LWB Van/Crew: 5265mm; SLWB Van/Commuter: 5915mm

Overall width: 1950mm

Wheelbase: LWB Van/Crew: 3210mm; SLWB Van/Commuter: 3860mm

Towing capacity (braked): LWB Van TD/petrol man: 1900kg/1400kg; LWB Van/Crew auto: 1500kg; SLWB Van/Commuter: 1500kg

Turbo-diesel engine: 2.8-litres DOHC turbodiesel in-line 4-cylinder, DPF with manual switch

Van/Crew power: 130kW/174hp @ 3400rpm

Commuter power: 120kW/161hp @3600rpm

Van/Crew manual torque: 420Nm @ 1400-2600rpm

Van/Crew auto torque: 450Nm @ 1600-2400rpm

Commuter torque: 420Nm @1600-2200rpm

Petrol engine: 3.5-litres V6 DOHC, Dual VVT-i

Power: 207kW/276hp @ 6000rpm

Torque: 351Nm @ 4600rpm

Transmissions: RC60J six-speed manual; AC60E six-speed automatic

Emissions: Euro 5

Fuel tank capacity: 70 litres

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