Toyota showcases its full-size premium MPV, the Hiace at the 2014 Auto Expo in Greater Noida. The Hiace can accommodate a total of 10 passengers in comfort and offers huge cabin space. The Hiace is on sale internationally in African, Middle-East, Australian and other Asian markets and has been a successful product in its segment. The Hiace is part of Toyota’s QDR (Quality, Durability & Reliability) zone and is sharing space with the LC 200, Land Cruiser Prado, Fortuner, Innova and the Etios.
The Toyota Hiace was first launched way back in 1967 and has been on sale ever since in different body styles namely MPV, pick-up, taxi and ambulance. The current generation model has been on sale since 2004 and is one of the most sort after vehicle for fleet operators, hotels and tour guides.
The Hiace MPV measures 5380 mm in length, 1880 mm in width and 2285 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3110 mm. It is powered a 2.7-litre VVT-i petrol engine and a 2.5-litre common rail, turbo diesel engine with intercooler. The diesel mill is capable of churning out 134 HP of power at 3400 RPM and 300 Nm of torque at 1200 RPM. The MPV also gets ABS and dual airbags as part of the safety kit. The fuel consumption recorded for the Hiace is 10.6 km/l; however that may vary depending on the region, driving conditions, fuel quality and so on.
While Toyota is not saying much about the reason of its showcase at the auto expo, we believe that the Japanese automaker would like to enter the commercial fleet segment with the Hiace for high profile customers. Toyota might want to showcase the product and gather feedback on its feasibility for Indian markets. The Hiace if sold in India will be catering to hotels, resorts, tour operators, inter-city and intra-city commutes. The Hiace is available with 10 and 14 seat configuration internationally. The large windows at the sides give excellent view for the passengers, making it perfect for sightseeing. You also get a good build quality and interior quality compared to competition.
The Toyota Hiace will be competing against buses from Tata and Eicher and the current segment leader the Force Tempo Traveller, which offers a similar setup as the Hiace. Expect the Hiace to be priced in the Rs. 20 – 25 lakh price bracket in India. We hope to see the Hiace making it to the Indian shores, but don’t expect it anytime soon, at least not for another two years.
