2c1S;B TECHNICAL
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Roomier Hi-aces for UK market
NEW versions of the Toyota Hi-ace range of light commerdals are to be introduced in the UK.
Like their predecessors, the vehicles are a forward control design and use Toyotas own 1588cc (97cuin) four cylinder petrol engine driving the rear wheels via a fourspeed gearbox.
The gearbox is controlled by a column selector lever and is all synchromesh.
Lowering the platform height in the van version has largely accounted for a 100mm (0.4in) increase in the interior height.
Easier access is claimed for the van with a single lift-up rear door and a sliding side door. The rear door is self supporting and the side door is 245mm (9.6in) wider and 160mm (6.3in) deeper than the previous model. Toyota claims that the load capacity has been increased by 12 per cent on the van to give 5.47cum (193cuft) of useable space.
In standard pick-up form. the Toyota has a platform area of 444sqm (47.8sqft). The biggest area in which the new Toyotas differ is in the bodywork.
Passenger accommodation is said to be more generous, largely due to curved side panels which allow increased width at shoulder height in the wider three-seater cabs. An increase of 4mm (1.6in) in the rear track is said to give greater stability, while the front suspension has been stiffened and lowered.
Three thinner (7mm thick) leaves are used for the rear springs to give a softer ride and better handling characte ristics.
A vacuum Servo is now fitted as standard and a dual circuit braking system with a load sensing valve and tandem master cylinder is used on all models.
The detailed body revisions and use of phosphoretic paintwork in addition to a galvanised chassis are aimed at a long corrosion-free life, says Toyota.