Larger loads for Ilene
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• Toyota has launched a larger Liteace with a diesel option. Body volume and payload are increased and Toyota claims the newcomer is safer than its predecessor.
At 4.26m3, body volume is increased by 22%. Payload rises to 870kg for petrol models (including a 75kg driver); an increas of 65kg. The heavier diesel offers an 850kg payload. Wheelbase is up 130mm, the body is 365mm longer and 35mm wider than before. A side sliding door and rear tailgate with heated window and wash/wipe come as standard on both models.
The 1,975cc naturally aspirated diesel engine is lifted from the Carina car range. It produces 51kW (68lip) at 4,600rpm and 125Nm (921bft) of torque at 3,000rpm. The 1,486cc petrol engine, producing 52kW (70hp) at 5,000rpm and 118Nrn (87113ft), is unchanged from the previous mrxlel.
Both engines drive the rear wheels through a five-speed allsynchromesh gearbox.
Improved safety was part of Toyota's design brief. Both front doors and the side loading door are fitted with side impact beams. The forward-control chassis now has Y-shaped chassis frames at the front, linked with beams and crossmembers to improve frontal impact protection. The brakes have also been uprated with larger and thicker ventilated discs at the front and larger drums at the rear.
All models carry Toyota's three-year/100,000km war
ranty; three-year paintwork and surface rust warranty; and sixyear unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty with a year's RAC membership. Basic prices are £8,336 for petrol and £9,379 for diesel.
Driving Impressions
According to Toyota, the increased wheelbase, wider front and rear track and reduced height give a 9% improvement in cross wind stability. A brief drive in both petrol and diesel models showed that they are still prone to wander in side winds, however, and the live rear axle meant that the back end was on the lively side when lightly laden.
The diesel was a bit noisy, but no more than could be expected in a forward control van. Despite the modest difference in torque, the diesel pulled noticeably better than the petrol model.
From the driver's seat, there is a family resemblance to the larger Hiace, instruments and controls are similar and the steering has the same light feel as the larger model.
A full roadtest of the new Liteace will appear in Commercial Motor soon.