Toyota PH holds global premier of the all-new 2019 Hiace

In this light, TMC has chosen the Philippines as its avenue to unveil to the world its latest generation Hiace with the help of its local business unit, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP). In a recent event held in BGC Taguig, the Japanese carmaker pulled the sheets off the all-new Hiace slated for the 2019 model year. In this iteration, the Hiace boasts updated styling inside and out, plus a host of amenities to keep up with the modern tourist.

As seen in these photos, the all-new Hiace looks sleeker despite its size. The front end carries the brand’s global design platform, with redesigned side panels and rear end to complete the look.

But the most evident design change has to be at the front. Notice that it now has a more pronounced hood? That’s due to the engine’s new location just ahead of the front wheel axle. Yes, drivers - no more vibrating’ hot butts as this latest Hiace has no engine components placed under your seats! Toyota says that this decision to relocate the engine rides on its aim to provide added safety and comfort. Also, the absence of the engine under the driver’s seat gave way to more leg space for the driver and passengers up front.

Inside, Toyota increased cabin space even more to not just provide added safety and comfort, but also to help increase productivity. For example, the doorway space has now been increased, as are the walkways between seat rows and the amount of assist grips found throughout. These help ease the process of getting in and out of the van. Toyota has also added more storage space overhead and around the cabin.

To give added enjoyment on journeys in, out, and around the metro, Toyota bestowed the all-new Hiace with amenities such as multimedia entertainment system with Bluetooth support (available on mid and top-end variants) and manual air-conditioning (with additional vents on mid and top-end variants) to name a few.

And while on the subject of variants, TMP is offering the all-new Hiace in 3 kinds; the 15-seater Commuter Deluxe, the 12-seater GL Grandia, and the 14-seater GL Grandia Tourer. Still, a diesel-fed 2.8L inline 4-cylinder motor powers the all-new Hiace across the range, with a choice between a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

The thing is, the motor would deliver varying amounts of performance depending on the variant. The reason being was to account for the size of the vehicles and their weight with and without passengers. The Commuter Deluxe and GL Grandia both produce 173 hp, but the latter pulls stronger with a torque figure of 450 Nm vs. the former’s 420 Nm. On the other hand, the GL Grandia Tourer is rated at 160 hp with the same torque figure as the Commuter Deluxe.

Of note, the all-new Toyota Hiace Commuter Deluxe and GL Grandia will be available starting March 5. Meanwhile, interested buyers of the Hiace GL Grandia Tourer will have to wait until early April to drive it home. Check below for the complete price list.

• Commuter Deluxe – P1,590,000
• GL Grandia MT – P1,973,000 (will be P1,988,000 with Luxury Pearl Tonic paint)
• GL Grandia AT – P2,048,000 (will be P2,063,000 with Luxury Pearl Toning paint)
• GL Grandia Tourer MT – P2,145,000 (will be P2,160,000 with Luxury Pearl Toning paint)
• GL Grandia Tourer AT – P2,220,000 (will be P2,235,000 with Luxury Pearl Toning paint)

Photos: Paolo Lesaca