Toyota reveals all-new Hiace in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC) and the country’s automotive industry leader Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) jointly unveiled the new generation Toyota Hiace during a global launch held at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

With the arrival of the all-new Hiace, TMP asserted that the Philippines’ reamins to be a primary market for Toyota’s range of iconic vans. Aside from being the preferred family van of Filipinos, previous generations of the Hiace have also become a common fixture in providing mobility services to both public and private sectors, helping promote education, tourism, healthcare and more.

“We at Toyota Motor Philippines are honored to host the World Premiere of the All-New Toyota Hiace. For the first time, the world’s eyes are on the Philippines, to witness the unveiling of the Full Model Change Hiace, never before exhibited elsewhere,” said Satoru Suzuki, president of TMP.

TMC and TMP officially introduced three variants of the All-New Hiace: the GL Grandia Tourer, the GL Grandia, and the Commuter Deluxe. Both the Commuter Deluxe and the GL Grandia will be available for retail in all Toyota dealerships nationwide starting March 5, 2019. The GL Grandia Tourer will be available in early April.

Redesigned inside and out

Paired with a highly rigid body, the All-New Hiace offers better riding and driving pleasure that is worth beyond its price point. Released

There are two key inspirations in the design and engineering of the All-New Hiace. The first is to create a vehicle that increases productivity. The second is to provide safe, comfortable, and reliable transport for people everywhere.

It has been revamped inside-out to address these goals. At the literal forefront of the refreshed modern look is the new semi-bonnet design, which means that the engine is no longer mounted atop the front wheel axle.

By changing the engine’s position, both driver and passenger can experience better ergonomics, without the heat and vibration emanating underneath their seats. This also results in better serviceability, as the engine becomes easier to access compared to the previous make.

Paired with a highly rigid body, the All-New Hiace offers better riding and driving pleasure that is worth beyond its price point.

Maximized space, guaranteed comfort

The GL Grandia Tourer, GL Grandia, and Commuter Deluxe comfortably fit a maximum of 14, 12, and 15 people, respectively. Released

Inside the cabin, satisfaction is guaranteed by the maximized storage capacity and optimized riding comfort. Store anything and everything inside your trusted utility van with its large overhead and console trays, in addition to the ample space beneath the front row seats for the Commuter Deluxe.

A number of improvements have also been adopted by the sixth generation Hiace for easier ingress and egress.

There is a noticeably bigger legroom, providing a riding experience enhanced by wider door steps, strategically-positioned assist grips, and illuminated entry system. The plush headrests are making a comeback on the GL variants for their passengers to relax on, while the entire line-up prevents its daily passengers from suffering the usual discomforts of long-haul travels by improving overall suspension.

The GL Grandia Tourer, GL Grandia, and Commuter Deluxe comfortably fit a maximum of 14, 12, and 15 people, respectively.

Trusted performance

The All-New Hiace is powered by a new 1GD-FTV 2.8 L engine that has a high-boost turbocharger, 176 horsepower, intercooler system, Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), and Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF) that leads to reduced cabin noise by absorbing engine vibrations. It also offers better handling with variable power steering, lighter gear shifting, and a MacPherson strut front suspension system with leaf spring rear suspension.

The All-New Hiace is powered by a new 1GD-FTV 2.8 L engine. Released

Advanced safety features

Considered a Toyota hallmark feature regardless of vehicle segment, the All-New Hiace is equipped with advanced safety features.

The transition from a cab-over design to semi-bonnet additionally increases collision safety. Toyota is also the first manufacturer to include a center seat airbag on a utility van for its front center passengers, for a total of 3 Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags for the Commuter Deluxe and 2 SRS airbags for the GL Grandia and GL Grandia Tourer variants.

The All-New Hiace’s GL Grandia and GL Grandia Tourer variants come with Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Anti-Lock Brake System, and Emergency Brake Signals. The Commuter Deluxe also has Anti-Lock Brake System and Emergency Brake Signals.

Continuing the legacy

Empowering the local population throughout its 25-year presence, the Hiace was first introduced on Philippine shores in 1994 and since then has sold more than 135,650 units. Known and trusted by many Filipinos, the Toyota Hiace is the leading model of the utility van segment with a 55.6 percent total market share last 2018.

Toyota aims to offer a modern and practical solution with the new generation Hiace—functional made even better.

Toyota is also the first manufacturer to include a center seat airbag on a utility van for its front center passengers. Released

In a statement, the All-New Hiace model’s Chief Engineer Takuo Ishikawa from Toyota Motor Corporation said, “The Hiace is a faithful partner that makes people feel safe, satisfied, and proud. Owners, drivers, and passengers know they are in good hands when they own, drive, and ride in a Hiace. They know it can be trusted, and that it has excellent resale value. There is simply no substitute.”

For more information on the All-New Hiace, visit TMP’s official website at www.toyota.com.ph or join the official Facebook group at www.facebook.com/ToyotaMotorPhilippines. You may also visit Toyota’s global website at www.toyota-global.com for the latest news and updates from the world’s number one automotive brand.

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