2019 Toyota Hiace with up to 17 seats unveiled in Philippines

Toyota has unveiled the sixth-generation Hiace. It is designed with focus on emerging markets and will be available first in the Philippines with prices starting at around Rs. 21.66 lakh from March 5, 2019.

The Hiace will be offered in two sizes - a normal / standard roof and a long / high roof. The former measures 5,265 mm long, 1,950 mm wide, 1,990 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 3,210 mm, while the latter measures 5,915 mm long, 1,950 mm wide, 2,280 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 3,860 mm.  The new vehicle is bigger than the outgoing model.

The interiors feature a dashboard mounted gear lever, a 2-dial instrument console with a digital MID and a 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel. The Hiace can seat up to 17 occupants in 5 rows. A cargo van version will also be offered with no rear windows.

The 2019 Hiace gets a new body based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). The engine has moved from the under-seat position to the conventional location. Toyota claims this has improved the ergonomics, reduced the heat and vibrations as well as offer better serviceability of the engine. The Hiace comes with a 2.8-litre diesel engine and a 3.5-litre petrol engine with a choice of manual and automatic gearboxes.

Safety features include triple or dual front airbags according to the seating configuration, ABS, hill start assist and Vehicle Stability Control amongst others.