New Toyota HiAce imminent
Long-serving cab-over van to be replaced by 'hooded' version with more tech and safety for 2019Toyota looks set to replace its now 14-year-old HiAce van range with a redesigned model in early 2019.
The sixth-generation HiAce and HiAce Commuter range is expected to receive a new look, revised turbo-diesel and petrol engines, and an optional new six-speed automatic transmission, replacing the aging powerplants that have seen service in Toyota’s cab-over vans since 2004.
Significantly, the 2019 Toyota HiAce will be differentiated by a new snub-nose bonnet. Owing to tightening safety regulations, the new HiAce will ditch its traditional cab-over design in favour of a look more reminiscent of the Ford Transit, Hyundai iLoad and Renault Trafic.
Replacing the current model’s bluff front-end, the 2019 Toyota HiAce’s frontal design could mimic that of the Toyota ProAce (pictured), a rebadged version of the third-generation Citroen Dispatch and Peugeot Expert released in Europe in 2016.
Locally, the new HiAce’s engine bay is tipped to feature the same 130kW/420Nm 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel found in the Toyota HiLux and Fortuner, and the same 122kW/245Nm 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine found in the current HiAce and HiLux WorkMate. In other markets, 2.5- and 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engines will be offered alongside a 2.2-litre petrol.
Rear- and all-wheel drive variants are rumoured to be available, depending on the market. Australia is again likely to take only the rear-drive format.
The change in body style will illicit an increase in overall length for the HiAce, with Japanese publication Carsensor suggesting an overall length of 4790mm for the SWB variant.
The wheelbase reportedly grows to 2985mm (+415mm) while height reduces 15mm to 1965mm. In accordance with Japanese design rules, the HiAce will retain its 1800mm width. The long wheelbase variant could grow to as long as 5265mm.
Payload and cargo area dimensions are yet to be announced, though we anticipate a modest increase in volume to accompany the aforementioned changes in body size. The cab is expected to be easier to enter and exit, and offer more occupant space, amenity and safety.
Given Toyota released a 50th anniversary HiAce special-edition in Japan earlier this year fitted with the Toyota Safety Sense system, it’s certain the next-gen HiAce will gain automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and automatic high-beam lights. The current HiAce received a four-star ANCAP rating when tested back in 2011.
It’s not clear when the new 2019 Toyota HiAce will hit Aussie showrooms, but we believe it could be in showrooms as early as February.
Pricing is yet to be divulged, but we don’t expect too much change from the current line-up ($34,470-$63,030).
HiAce sales are down 6.3 per cent to October this year, but Toyota’s trusty commercial van still leads its market segment with more than 5800 sales, ahead of the Hyundai iLoad (3682), Volkswagen Transporter (1773), Renault Trafic (1657) and Ford Transit (1632).
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