TAKING OFF AROUND Australia can be done in many different ways, and as many over-50 Australians have discovered, one of the most sensible is in a Toyota HiAce fitted out for touring.
Now there’s a new one on the way, and it’s been a long time coming. It arrives mid-year (the first new HiAce for 15 years!) with powerful and efficient new engines, comprehensive safety features and a long list of standard equipment.
It has been completely redesigned with a new semi-bonneted configuration to more than meet the needs of commercial, private, corporate and fleet buyers.
Toyota Vice President Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said, “Its impressive carrying capacity is even more flexible and user-friendly with increased internal width and height, and dual sliding side doors on van models which, for the SLWB variants, can take a standard Australian pallet.
“At the same time, we’ve built on the HiAce heritage of quality, durability and reliability – factors that underpin its strong resale values and popularity as the world’s best-selling compact commercial van. Independent studies show that HiAce has the strongest resale value in its segment, retaining 68 percent of its value after four years.
“We are also providing HiAce customers with the same level of safety as people who buy our passenger cars and SUVs with a full suite of advanced Toyota Safety Sense technologies,” Mr Hanley said.
Priced from $38,640 (plus on road costs), the new nine-model HiAce range kicks off with the LWB (long wheelbase) Van with a choice of V6 petrol or four-cylinder turbodiesel engines and six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
The LWB Crew Van adds a second row of seats enabling it to carry up to four passengers and driver and is available exclusively with the 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine driving the rear wheels through the six-speed automatic transmission.
Even more suitable for those with a yearning to set out across the wide brown land, the automatic-only SLWB (super long wheelbase) Van, starting at $48,640, provides up to 9.0 cubic metres cargo capacity and is also offered with petrol or turbodiesel power.
Importantly for older buyers, the bottom edge of the front door is lower than before and comes with a wider step for easier and more secure access. Larger front door glass and a lower beltline combine for improve visibility, and towing capacity has been increased to a maximum of 1900kg on key variants, up to 500kg more than before.
Safety will be a major consideration if you plan to cover long distances and has been a major priority for Toyota in developing the new HiAce and aside from its improved driving dynamics, all models across the entire range incorporate an extensive array of driver assistance technology as standard.
The Toyota Safety Sense suite of features includes a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist 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. Toyota anticipates a five-star ANCAP rating.
All models feature height-adjustable driver’s seat, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, manual air conditioning and extensive storage areas with big front door bins and 1.5-litre bottle holders.
All controls for the audio, infotainment and cruise control systems are conveniently located on the steering wheel.
The latest generation multimedia system features a large 7-inch touchscreen display and offers AM/FM/DAB+ 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.
For even greater comfort, style and convenience, an option pack is also available for the new HiAce turbodiesel Vans (standard on Crew Van) that adds additional features.
The $1000 option pack includes body-coloured front and rear bumpers and door handles, halogen front fog lights and front and rear chrome trim. Inside, it adds an innovative auto-dimming digital rear view mirror that can display images from the vehicle’s rear camera when the internal view is obstructed.
In addition to offering a three-position second row bench seat with a 60/40-split fold seatback, the Crew Van also gains rear side curtain airbags, two rear ISOFIX child restraint anchors, opening rear windows and a rear vent for the air conditioning.
As well as the HiAce Vans, Toyota will continue to offer a passenger variant with the Commuter available in two grades, both powered by the turbodiesel/automatic transmission powertrain.
Based on the SLWB platform, the 12-seat Commuter incorporates passenger comfort features including reclining seat backs, front and rear interior lights, rear air conditioning with vents for every seat position and floor carpet throughout.
The Commuter GL takes the exterior style and function to a new level with body-coloured front and rear bumpers and door handles, halogen front fog lights, LED daytime running lights, chrome trim garnishes, power rear sliding door, 16-inch alloy wheels and increased sound insulation and acoustic glass.
Inside, the seats in the Commuter GL are finished in premium materials and feature a seat pocket, cupholder and coat hook integrated into the reclining seat back.
Rear passengers also benefit from USB charge outlets, eight reading lights, and independent controls for the rear air conditioning.
Like all new Toyota vehicles, the new HiAce will also be covered by a full five-year Toyota Warranty Advantage.
Toyota HiAce Pricing
| Variant | Engine | Transmission | Price |
| LWB van | 3.5-litre V6 petrol | Manual | $38,640 |
| Automatic | $40,640 | ||
| 2.8-litre turbo-diesel | Manual | $42,140 | |
| Automatic | $44,140 | ||
| LWB crew van | 2.8-litre turbo-diesel | Automatic | $47,140 |
| SLWB van | 3.5-litre V6 petrol | Automatic | $48,640 |
| 2.8-litre turbo-diesel | Automatic | $52,140 | |
| Commuter | 2.8-litre turbo-diesel | Automatic | $67,140 |
| Commuter GL | 2.8-litre turbo-diesel | Automatic | $70,140 |
The standard Toyota Warranty Advantage period is 5 years, with unlimited kms, from delivery. It excludes vehicles used for a commercial purpose, such as taxis, hire vehicles and vehicles transporting people or goods for payment including rideshare. The commercial vehicle Toyota Warranty Advantage period is 5 years from delivery or 160,000kms (whichever occurs first).