The 2019 Toyota Hiace has started reaching
dealerships. Spy shots apparently snapped at a stockyard have surfaced online. From
the rear and the sides, the shape of the next-gen Toyota Hiace doesn’t differ
much from the current model. The all-new model has taller tail lamps. The most
noteworthy change is actually at the front.
There's a bigger bonnet just like Japanese reports
had claimed in 2016. That’s because while the fifth generation has the engine
placed under the front passenger seat, the sixth generation model has the
engine laid out conventionally, under the bonnet. Other key changes include
more angular headlamps, bolder grille design, more compact lower air intake and
sportier bumper. Also, it looks like the designers have added vertical LED DRLs
above the fog lamps.
As the Hiace typically has a lifecycle of well over ten years, Toyota
will have to future-proof the sixth generation model. Hence one can expect a
slew of new advanced passive safety technologies in the all-new people mover.
The sixth generation Toyota Hiace range will include
a luxurious ‘Regius’ variant that will slot between the standard variant and
the Toyota Alphard. Even the standard variant should offer enhanced comfort and
convenience. The redesigned model is expected to come with only clean diesel
engines, possibly the 2.4-litre 2GD-FTV and 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV units.
In Japan, all-new Toyota Hiace should go on sale
soon.
