We video test the 2019 Toyota Hiace.

With a staggering half century history in this country spent at the top of the tree when it comes to commercial vehicle sales, Toyota’s Hiace has seen its most significant product transformation yet. Being number one in the 75 percent group of all vans sold in New Zealand, has meant the new Hiace was always going to have big shoes to fill in every respect, and Toyota has delivered.

Toyota has extended its customer appeal to include the hospitality sector as well as that of the courier, tradesperson, fleet and private markets, which over 79,000 Hiace vans currently operate in. 

The 2019 model has an increased payload – 1030kg for the ZR and 1170kg for the ZX – which is a payload increase of 130kg and 55kg respectively. Toyota has used a smaller 2.8-litre engine in the new Hiace, resulting in 30% more power (now at 130kW) and 50% more torque (now at 420-450Nm) than the earlier 3-litre engine. It’s a more efficient engine too, with fuel consumption figures in the 7.5 to 8.4 litres per 100km range.

The new Hiace pushes the engine out from under the driver, making it quieter in cabin and more in-line with an SUV, to ensure all-day driving comfort. Toyota has included its Safety Sense suite from the passenger car line, including blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning and more, while the vastly improved dashboard includes satellite navigation as standard, along with increased connectivity through SIRI and Google Assistant. 

Alongside the latest version, Toyota is carrying over some of the existing models which have served New Zealand so well for so long. The expectation is however, that the advances and improvements of the new generation will quickly overshadow the heritage models.  The sixth generation Toyota Hiace – not an update – it’s a rebirth. 

For more information go to https://www.toyota.co.nz/new-car/hiace/