Well, this is something you don’t see every day. Toyota has introduced a 14-seater MPV in India in the form of Hiace. The Hiace is a utilitarian vehicle, with this model being sold internationally for almost 2 decades. That is the reason the international markets saw the launch of the latest-generation Hiace in 2019. The one we are getting is the last-generation model and will be a full import. These kinds of tourers and MPVs are not too popular for personal use in India. That is the reason Toyota is bringing an initial lot of 50 units to our shores to test our market response. There is currently no demand for such a product, but with this option available to the buyers, will they opt for this or not remains to be seen. If the response is overwhelming, then Toyota could think of bringing the latest model of the Hiace to India. Until then, however, we will have to contend with this variant. Let us take a look at what the Hiace has to offer.
Also read: 4 reasons for long waiting time for your new car!
Toyota Hiace – Exterior and Interior
If you have seen any MPVs from Toyota before or any RVs (Recreational Vehicle) in the movies, then you know what a 14-seater MPV would look like. From the outside, it is a typical big MPV with a slide-opening door on just one side for the ingress and egress of the passengers. The Hiace will come only in white or silver colours. The things to talk about are all on the inside. The cabin is very spacious and every bit of it feels practical and utilitarian. That is exactly the purpose of it. The seats are very comfortable and wide with reclining features for added comfort. The last row can be folded down if you need to fit in a lot of luggage for all those passengers you are carrying. The dashboard and all the materials used are very basic signifying the age of the MPV. The typical dashboard-mounted gearbox makes it look like a proper MPV to save some space.
Toyota Hiace – Safety and Features
The Toyota Hiace is the last generation model and therefore, doesn’t come with plenty of modern or safety features, which is just disappointing considering the price segment that it comes in. Still, there are features like Dual Airbags, ABS with EBD, Power Steering, AC Vents for each row, Rear Defogger and Power sliding door. The infotainment system in the Hiace is really old school with very last-generation equipment like 2-DIN Music System with CD changer, AUX and USB. These are the only options to connect your other devices to the MPV. All-in-all the basics are covered and everything is focussed on practicality rather than comfort or modern technology.
Also read: Difference between Mild, Plug-in and Full hybrid powertrains!
Toyta Hiace – Engine, Price and Rivals
The Toyota Hiace comes with the same 2.8-litre diesel powertrain which does duty on the Fortuner and Innova Crysta albeit in the lower state of tune. In the Hiace, this engine produces 151hp and 300Nm. The only transmission option is a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The price of the Hiace is Rs 55 lakh and it is only available in a single trim. There are no rivals for the Hiace in India at this price point. The only other MPV in India with 9, 12, 13, 14-seater configuration is the Force Traveller which costs between Rs 13.95 lakh and Rs 17.04 lakh, ex-showroom. Other premium MPVs costs upwards of Rs 80 lakh, ex-showroom like the Toyota Vellfire and Mercedes V-Class.
