Motoring
Latest version of popular van is better than ever
Commercial vans traditionally aren’t particularly good looking, but they can stand out from the crowd, as demonstrated by Toyota’s latest Hiace.
The square-edged shape of the sixthgeneration of a workhorse legend is spearheaded by a glistening chrome grille and stubby bonnet. And rather than generic corners and curves, designers have sharpened things up substantially, creating a bolder – and bigger – look.
The sheer dimensions reinforce that it is indeed a lot larger than the Hiace it replaces, part of a big step up in space and functionality. The new Hiace is more than half-a-metre longer and about 20 centimetres wider.
As before, there are two basic sizes: the regular-long wheelbase (LWB) or the superlong wheelbase (SLWB). The SLWB has a taller roof and stretches front and rear wheels 650 millimetres further apart, adding the same to the length.
Prices start at PGK110,000 for the regular van and step up from there. There are various seating configurations, offering 14 or 15-seat models as well as a 12-seater ‘ VIP’ with more comfortable seating.
While the Hiace is about carrying people and gear, one of the biggest changes with the new model is comfort for the driver. A repositioned engine and larger doors make for a far easier path to the driver’s seat, something helped by steps and grab handles. There’s also good adjustability to the steering wheel to provide a driving position not wildly removed from a regular car.
There’s also genuine thoughtfulness to the storage areas in the cabin. Deep cup holders cater for drinks or phones and there are other storage binnacles to take care of smaller items.
Even the rear sliding doors are 70 millimetres longer, making it easier to load people or cargo.
The clever thinking extends to the core engineering, too. Side mirrors are upright and large to provide a good view of what’s going on around the vehicle.
And the Hiace has a superb turning circle, which makes U-turns and tight manoeuvres that little bit easier. It’s indicative of the vastly improved driving experience, which is impressive given the increase in size. Riding on leaf spring rear suspension, it does a good job with a load on board.
The four-cylinder diesel engine is shared with other Toyotas, including the Hilux. It’s a stout if uninspiring unit, making 130kW and 420Nm when mated to the six-speed manual. An optional six-speed automatic (expected during 2020) ups torque to 450Nm. The previous Hiace placed the driver and front passenger over the engine, something that compromised cabin space and safety. With the new model the engine sits under a stubby bonnet, providing better front impact occupant protection in a crash and much more headroom and storage space inside.