Toyota has revealed a new-generation Hiace van and bus range with “advanced safety features, powerful new engines, increased ride comfort and a host of new specifications”.
The Hiace was launched at a customer meet event over Iftar in Doha.
At the event, Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co (AAB), the exclusive distributor of Toyota and Lexus, expressed gratitude to loyal customers “who have significantly and positively contributed to the continued success and profitability of the company through the years”.
Featuring a semi-bonnet design that enhances reliability, toughness and functional beauty, and offering a wider choice of body sizes the all-new Hiace “is set to strengthen the company’s share of the Middle East’s light commercial vehicle (LCV) market”, according to a press statement issued in Doha by AAB.
In the region, where tourist footfall and business activity across industries have increased tremendously as a result of the ongoing economic diversification efforts by regional governments, demand has risen for passenger and cargo transportation – including tourist minibuses, private buses and vehicles for use in logistics, the statement notes.
The all-new Hiace range has been developed to respond to these diverse and ever-evolving needs.
“The Hiace was developed using the keywords ‘Hiace Pride’ as its foundation, and in line with the concept of being a faithful partner that makes people feel safe, satisfied and proud.
“Owners, drivers and passengers know they are in good hands when they own, drive and ride in a Hiace,” said chief engineer Takuo Ishikawa, who was at the helm of the all-new vehicle’s development.
Yugo Miyamoto, chief representative of the Middle East and North Africa Representative ‎Office at Toyota Motor Corporation, said: “We are excited to launch the all-new Hiace in the region, presenting our customers with the total solution for safe, seamless and cost-effective transportation of passengers and cargo.”
The shift to a semi-bonneted design has enabled the development team at Toyota to implement significant changes, which include a stiffer frame, stronger straight-line performance, greater stability and manoeuvrability, and more pliant suspension.
Complementing the all-new vehicle’s enhanced reliability, toughness, and functional beauty is a dynamic driving experience powered by two new engines.
The all-new Hiace has been revamped inside-out with the objective of addressing two goals.
The first is to create a vehicle that increases productivity, and the second is to provide safe, comfortable and reliable transportation for people everywhere.
The completely redesigned Hiace features a comfortable interior that reduces driver fatigue, even over long distances, and new shape cushions and seatback that contribute to a more comfortable ride and help reduce fatigue for driver and passengers.
Also, the all-new vehicle’s spacious cabin space is built for maximised storage.
In addition, numerous flat-mount surfaces and anchor points have been provided to make it easy to alter the vehicle for specialised use.
Toyota will also offer a detailed guide to assist body-builders in both English and Arabic languages.
The all-new Hiace comes with two drivetrain variants.
A 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine producing 154hp while a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with 24 valves incorporates Dual VVT-i and high compression and direct injection, to generate a maximum output of 268hp. 
Both engines have been paired to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.