Drive Lifestyle

First new HiAce in 15 years to impress

2019 Toyota HiAce Range (L-R) LWB Van, SLWB Van with option pack, Commuter GL and LWB Crew Van.

Sleeker, safer, more stylish plus greater stability and ride

Toyota has launched an all-new HiAce range of vans that delivers 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 to more than meet the needs of commercial, private, corporate and fleet buyers.

Sitting on a substantially longer and wider all-new platform, the new HiAce combines efficient new turbodiesel and V6 petrol engines that 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 HiAce range kicks off with the LWB van with the option of a 207kW 3.5-litre V6 petrol or 130kW 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine and six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Toyota is also offering a LWB crew van that adds a second row of seats enabling it to carry up to four passengers and driver and is available exclusively 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 that is available in two grades with both powered by the turbodiesel/automatic transmission powertrain.

The range-topping Commuter GL is a stylish small bus that offers prestige features including power sliding side door, front and rear air conditioning, six rear USB charge outlets, eight reading lights, premium upholstery and 16-inch alloy wheels.

With the new semi-bonneted design, Toyota 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.

All models feature a 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.

Available later this year, the new HiAce features a broad range of Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance features.

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 help deliver low whole-of-life costs, the new HiAce is covered by the Toyota Service Advantage10 that offers capped price servicing for three years or 60,000km, whichever comes first, up to a maximum of six services.

Test drive one today at your nearest Toyota dealer.