Bangkok 2019: All-New Toyota Hiace Commuter Launched In Thailand; THB 1.3 million

Toyota Thailand has officially introduced the sixth-generation Toyota Hiace at the ongoing 2019 Bangkok Motor Show. Thailand is the second market in ASEAN to market the popular van – after Philipines – with official sales slated to start mid-2019, priced at THB 1.3 milion.

The all-new Hiace now adopts a new ‘semi-bonnet’ design as opposed to the traditional cab-over design for increased front-collision safety protection, better refinement and better ergonomics for occupants. On display at the Bangkok Motorshow is the ‘high-roof’ long-wheelbase Commuter variant, which depending on customer requirements, can seat up to 17 passengers.

Toyota will continue selling the current fifth-generation Hiace in Japan due to different local market requirements and regulations.

The Hiace is built on a specially revised platform; the wheelbase is now over 3.2 metres, and 640 millimetres longer in the standard van specification when compared to the previous generation. The Commuter variant on display though is even larger, with a wheelbase of 3,860 mm, which is a whopping 750 mm longer than its predecessor, at 3,110 mm.

The Thai market receives the 2.8-litre turbodiesel (1GD-FTV) four-cylinder which produces 177 hp and 450 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm. The powerplant also sees duty in the locally supplied Toyota Hilux 2.8 L-Edition.

Along with the increase in space and refinement, the sixth-generation Hiace also introduces an industry first centre-mounted airbag for its front-centre passenger.  Advanced driving assistance systems – as part of Toyota’s global initiative to reduce road accidents and fatalities – such as Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Monitor (part of the Toyota Safety Sense package) are also offered on the Toyota Hiace.