Toyota launches sixth-gen Hiace at ongoing 2019 BIMS

KUALA LUMPUR: The sixth-generation Toyota Hiace has been unveiled at the 2019 Bangkok International Motor Show. After the Philippines, the Thai market is second among the ASEAN countries where this new-gen van will be available. The sixth-generation Toyota Hiace ditches the traditional cab-over design, to get a new ‘semi-bonnet’ makeover. It helps the van increase front-collision safety protection and also provides better ergonomics as well as refinement. At the 2019 BIMS, Toyota has displayed the ‘high-roof’ long-wheelbase Commuter model, which can accommodate up to 17 passengers depending upon customer requirements.

Toyota Hiace is based on a specially revised platform, and it comes with 3200 mm of wheelbase. The van’s length is 640 mm more than its previous iteration. However, the showcased long-wheelbase Commuter measures even more. It has a wheelbase of around 3,860 mm, which means 750 mm longer than its predecessor. The Thai-spec Toyota Hiace comes with a 2.8-litre turbodiesel (1GD-FTV) four-cylinder variant. It belts out a maximum power of 177 hp, while the peak torque is 450 Nm, which comes at a range of 1,600 to 2,400 rpm.

Apart from increasing the refinement and space, the sixth-generation Hiace has a lot of new equipment too. It features a centre-mounted airbag, and it is the first van in the industry to receive it. As a part of Toyota’s global initiative to reduce road accidents, the van is equipped with a host of advanced driving assistance systems. It also features Blind Spot Monitor and Lane Departure Warning, which are the part of the Toyota Safety Sense package.

Toyota has said that the sale of the popular Hiace will begin from mid-2019. The sixth-gen van carries a price tag of Thai baht 1.3 million, which is equivalent to RM 166,790.