Toyota Hiace reviews Australia

Toyota Hiace reviews Australia
New Toyota HiAce is a quantum leap from its predecessor; not only in terms of safety but also ride comfort and performance. – as it should be after a 15-year lifespan.

Toyota’s HiAce was never intended to be a campervan. The ubiquitous white-appliance-on wheels have always been about transporting cargo as space-efficient as possible, especially in Asia’s crowded cities. Considerations like occupant comfort or safety seemed secondary and that’s why I’ve never been a fan of the thing as a camper, despite having owned one. Yes, it’s bulletproof, but at what cost?. That, however, was yesterday...
After 15 years of the same-old-same-old, Toyota has boldly gone where it hasn’t been before: The sixth-generation HiAce now sets the standard for occupant safety in its class and takes comfort and convenience to new levels.

As far removed from its predecessor in appearance and design as you can imagine, the most striking
the thing about the new HiAce is its design: In the flesh, it has real road presence and ‘attitude’.
Importantly, that difference isn’t just cosmetic – it encompasses the whole vehicle. No longer do you
sit atop the engine and front wheels, with just a few millimeters of metal between you and significant
injury in the event of a frontal impact. Now, the engine and wheels are out in front, allowing for
proper crumple zones and real ride comfort. Toyota calls it a Short Bonneted design and not only is it pivotal in the HiAce achieving its ANCAP 5-star safety rating, but the increase in ride comfort is also of an order of magnitude. There is now also walk-through space between the front seats thanks to Toyota’s decision not to fit a two-person passenger bench seat, making it perfect for a campervan conversion.

HiAce fans will, however, know this isn’t the first short bonneted HiAce to be sold in Australia. Between 1999 and 2005 the HiAce SBV (short bonneted vehicle!) was sold alongside the conventional HiAce and also featured a front engine and walkthrough cab. I’ve read it was discontinued because the 2.4-liter petrol engine didn’t meet increasingly stringent emission standards, but whether true or not, it’s good to see the body style return – likely for good.

Engineering Report
This review is just about the base van because it will take some time for campervan companies to
adapt or develop fit-outs to suit the new dimensions, plus come up with new pop-top roofs. In particular, I’m reviewing the super long wheelbase (SLWB) HiAce, which has a higher roofline and is likely to be the campervan base vehicle of choice.

The SLWB HiAce has 9.3 cubic meters of load space, a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 3500 kg and a payload of more than 1100 kg in standard trim, which is a good starting point. The test vehicle came with a 4-cylinder, 2.8-liter turbo diesel (3.5-liter V6 petrol power is standard) and 6-speed auto transmission, which is standard with either engine on this model.
Drive is to the rear wheels, while underneath it’s still pretty conventional, although with improved
McPherson strut suspension up front and a traditional rigid axle with leaf springs at the back.
Wheels are 16" steel items, while braking is taken care of by ventilated discs all ‘round.

While talking facts and figures, the new SLWB HiAce is longer (5.92 m v 5.38 m) and wider (1.95 m v 1.88 m) than its predecessor, but more of the length seems to be taken up by the new front-engine design and it will be interesting to see how/if that impacts internal space for fit-out. The braked towing capacity is 1500 kg and the fuel capacity a smallish 70 liters.

The 2.8-liter turbo-diesel is a vast improvement over the previous 3.0-liter turbo-diesel and produces
130 kW and 450 Nm compared to 100 kW and 300 Nm. Ditto the new 6-speed auto versus the previous 4-speeder. To reduce emissions the new engine features a diesel particulate filter (PDF), but in a welcome move, there is a PDF switch to enable a manually activated ‘burn’ if driving distances and speed does not reach the required temperature to activate the automatic PDF burn.

Claimed fuel consumption for the combined cycle is 8.4 L/100 km (33.6 mpg) for the empty van, and I saw an average of 9.3 L/100 km (30.4 mpg) on the trip computer for my week of 600-plus km of mixed city
and country driving. That’s not bad for a vehicle with a tare weight of 2340 kg and a brand new engine, but will of course increase once fitted out.

Shields Up!
In case you haven’t noticed, across the auto industry safety is a big thing these days. While the light
commercial segment was slow to get going, it’s now racing ahead at warp speed and new HiAce keeps occupants well shielded from on-road mishaps.

New levels of driver assistance and occupant protection are provided by a comprehensive suite of
Toyota Safety Sense technologies and other active and passive safety features. Toyota Safety Sense
incorporates a pre-collision safety system (PCS) with pedestrian detection (day and night) and cyclist
detection (day only); lane departure alert; road sign assist (certain speed signs only) and automatic high beam.

Using camera and radar sensors, the PCS is designed to detect vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, and
assists the driver with visual and audible warnings, braking assistance or even autonomous emergency

braking if the driver fails to heed the warning. The lane departure alert function will warn the driver if
the system detects that the vehicle has deviated from its lane via visual and audible alerts, and if
necessary provides steering assistance via the braking system. New HiAce models also feature a
road sign assist system that is able to recognize speed limit signs and display them on the multi
information display in the instrument cluster.

Other advanced safety technologies standard across the range include blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and front and rear parking sensors. All models also feature cruise control and a reversing camera with guidelines that shows images on the large touchscreen display. On the occupant
protection front, new HiAce vans are fitted with seven airbags – driver and passenger front and side,
front side curtain and a drivers’ knee bag.

At The Helm
Pilots of the new HiAce have a commanding view from the helm, with an expansive windscreen
that makes it feel like a small A-class. That’s because size aside, you sit a long way back from the
windscreen and the A-pillars intrude surprisingly little. This set-back driving position does have a
drawback, though: Judging where the steeply raked and out-of-sight bonnet and front bumper are will
take some getting used to. Fortunately, parking sensors are standard at both ends, but new drivers
will need some time to adjust.

While the seating position is commanding, you do feel you’re sitting ‘on’ rather than ‘in’ the new HiAce. The seats are a bit of a disappointment – flat and with no particular lumbar support – although they
do have a bit of side bolstering. While easy to get into and out of, which makes them fine for urban delivery drivers, long-distance occupants would certainly benefit from aftermarket seats, although the inbuilt side airbags will complicate that. Swivel seat mounts aren’t provided, but that’s no surprise. Expect to see them on campervan conversions, though.
Once seated I was surprised by how little storage space there is for things like phones, wallet, etc.
That’s unusual in a delivery van and even after a week behind the wheel, it was still irritating.
Considering the acres of space atop the dashboard, for example, which looks like it could have housed
all manner of compartments, it’s a real oversight.
That bugbear aside, the feeling of spaciousness is enhanced by a wide, flat dash and there’s plenty of
space for you to swing around and move aft, between the seats.

The tilt and the reach-adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel is a beauty which, like all new
vehicles, requires some study to become totally familiar with all its features. Ditto the trip computer.
Toyota says that to ensure drivers are fully connected at all times while out on the road, "The HiAce features the latest generation multimedia system with a large 7-inch touchscreen display. It offers AM/FM/DAB+ radio, CD player, full Bluetooth connectivity for audio and phone, USB and AUX inputs, satellite navigation with SUNA live traffic alerts, and voice recognition, Siri eyes-free for compatible iPhones and Toyota Link apps. Available from the fourth quarter this year, the new HiAce multimedia system will also be compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which will also be offered to retrofit at no additional charge".

Naturally, cab air conditioning is standard, as are one-touch electric windows, remote central locking
and electric (and folding) side mirrors.

Taking Her Out
 Despite the multiplicity of new systems it doesn’t take long to at least get the basics set up and
ready to go. The engine starts instantly and did so even on three degree Celsius mornings on the
Southern Highlands. While the gear selector wins no prizes for subtlety or seamless integration, it’s
straightforward and also has a manual sports function. I was surprised how sensitive the brakes
are at low speed, but again it’s something you quickly get used to and will be less noticeable with a
full camper conversion.

Once underway, anyone who has driven the old 3-liter turbo-diesel HiAce automatic will be amazed. What a difference 30% more power and 50% extra torque make, along with two extra speeds in the gearbox! Whilst a little noisy under acceleration, at cruise the new HiAce is sublimely quiet – and that includes an absolute absence of wind noise (at least in the test vehicle). At 110 km/h the new engine is turning over at a lazy 1800 rpm, yet what feels like acceleration to warp speed is just a prod of the accelerator away. No longer will HiAce drivers feel like second class highway citizens, nor apologetic for being a mobile traffic jam! It’s a revelation – and one that’s remarkably stable even in blustery crosswinds.

Ride comfort is good and certainly enhanced by the longer wheelbase, plus the new front axle
location, and the new HiAce simply goes about its business with a minimum of fuss. I was particularly
appreciative of the digital cruise control, which allows precise speed setting, plus the inclusion of
a speed limiter. The cruise control had the added bonus of slowing the vehicle down on the overrun –
like when you crest a hill and on long descents – to keep you legal. Nice!

Lack of oddment storage aside, for a new model there are few ‘opposes’ designers need to address in the first facelift. The sun visors are too short to be of much use when swung across to the side window, while the indicators are too quiet to hear at normal speeds. Also, the spring loading on the indicator stalk is too light when you’re just trying to activate the quick, three flash lane-change function. Too often you get the full indicator, which if you miss you’re unlikely to hear.
Electronically, I found the lane departure warning a bit eager to activate the brakes and steer me back into the middle of the lane, especially on country roads.
Finally, the lack of adaptive (radar) cruise control is a disappointment, especially as it’s standard on the likes of the new Peugeot Expert – a direct competitor.

Captain’s Log
Minor niggles aside, the new HiAce is easy and enjoyable to drive. It’s the one vehicle I’d have
no hesitation jumping into tomorrow and driving around Australia, with the expectation of total
reliability. It’s a truly quantum leap beyond its predecessor.

Priced on the high side of $50,000 as tested it’s not cheap, but then Toyotas never are. There’s a price to pay for the quality and engineering that goes into legendary reliability, but the payback comes through peace of mind during ownership and at resale time.

I’m looking forward to trying out the first camper conversions and hear Bus 4x4 Australia even has a
four-wheel-drive version close to release, which could just make it the most useful campervan base vehicle ever. To put it another way, "It’s a HiAce Jim, but not as we know it"

GENERAL
Make Toyota
Model HiAce
Type SLWB Van
Berths N/A
Approved Seating 2
License Car

VEHICLE
Engine 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 130 kW @ 3400 rpm
Torque 450 Nm @ 1600-2400 rpm
Gearbox 6-speed Auto
Safety Rating ANCAP 5-star
Fuel 70 L
Fuel Consumption 8.4 L/100 km (33.6 mpg)
Front Suspension McPherson Struts
Rear Suspension Leaf Springs with Rigid Axle
Wheels 16” steel
Spare Wheel Full Size
Brakes 4-wheel discs – front ventilated

WEIGHTS
Tare Weight 2340 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3500 kg
Max Payload 1160 kg
Braked Towing Capacity 1500 kg
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length 5.92 m (19' 5")
Overall Width 1.95 m (6' 4")
Overall Height 2.28 m (7' 6")

STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Air Conditioning Manual
Remote Central Locking Yes
Electric Windows One-touch
Electric Mirrors Not automatic
Auto Stop/Start Yes - brake pressure dependent
Cruise Control Manual
Day Running Lights Yes
Side Door/s 2 x Sliding
Rear Door Lift-up tailgate
Parking Sensors Front and Rear
Reversing Camera Yes, with guidelines
12 V Sockets/USB Outlets Yes
Multi-Function Display 7-inch color with GPS
Steering Wheel Leather with multi-function controls
Apple Car Play/Android Auto Available late 2019 - 2020

PRICE
On-road NSW - from $53,348
Warranty – Vehicle 5 years/Unlimited Km

Contact Toyota Australia 155 Bertie St PORT MELBOURNE. Vic. 3207. T: 1800 869 682 E: guestexperience@toyota.com.au W: www.toyota.com.au