Toyota launches 2019 Hiace; aims for Euro NCAP five-star safety rating

KUALA LUMPUR: Toyota has introduced the 2019 Hiace with a completely new design. Also, the van is now longer, wider, and taller than the outgoing model. The sixth-gen vehicle will be available in the Philippines first, followed by other countries.

As per the company, the platform of the van is specially built for the model itself. The changes in terms of the design include a semi-bonnet at the front to fit the new engines better.

The 2019 Toyota Hiace will feature either a 3.5-litre V6 petrol or a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel powertrain. The output is likely to be similar to the Hilux and Land Cruiser. Buyers can choose between a six-speed automatic and manual transmission options.

The 2019 Hiace is available in two different body options  -Long/High Roof and Normal/Standard Roof with multiple seating layouts. The manufacturer has introduced three different categories in terms of seating capacity - Commuter, Van, and Tourism. The Commuter can carry up to 17 people whereas the Van and the Tourism can carry 12 and 14 passengers, respectively.

The new Hiace gets a more pointed front fascia in comparison to its predecessors. The front bumper is now larger with grated intakes, whereas, the headlights are now more angular.

The front doors of the Hiace get a larger aperture than the previous model. The cabin gets a new position and is pushed to the back. The rest of the designing is the same as seen in other windowed vans. Also, the door arrangements depend on the selected seating layout.

Inside, there is a new dash layout, which makes it feel more premium. The Hiace also comes with a new instrument cluster along with a new steering wheel. Considering Toyota is focusing on a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP for the 2019 Hiace, the van receives Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance systems.