AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

TOYOTA HIACE POWER VAN GS Price as tested: El 3,249 (ex-VAT).

9th April 1998, Page 40
9th April 1998
Page 40
Page 41
Page 40, 9th April 1998 — TOYOTA HIACE POWER VAN GS Price as tested: El 3,249 (ex-VAT).
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Engine: 2.4-litre diesel, 78hp (58kW).

GVW: 2,800kg. Payload: 1,120kg (with 75kg driver). Fuel consumption (laden): 28.3mpg (10.01it/100km).

When we originally tested the Hiace Power Van (CM 18-24 January 1996), our main criticism concerned the lack of options within the range. It's reassuring to discover that even the mighty Toyota empire listens to us, as now the range has been expanded to include a long-wheelbase version and three levels of trim.

The basic S-model specification includes power steering, pre-tensioners for the outer seatbelts, an engine immobiliser and a side loading door. The GS model tested here adds cloth seats, central locking, height-adjustable seat-belt mountings, rear window guard-rail, heater and wash-wipe, load space mat, mud flaps and a (non-RDS) radio cassette unit for £522 (ex-VAT). Another £546 buys you the top-of-the-range GX version. This replaces the double passenger seat with a single seater, and adds a driver's airbag, tilt-adjustable steering column, electric windows, high-mounted stop lamp and CD-compatible RDS audio.

Strangely, the 114hp (85kVV) petrol engine is not available on the long-wheelbase van, nor is there any sign of a turbo-diesel in the pipeline.

As far as factory-fit options are concerned, you can have metallic paint, but that's it. Fortunately, there is a range of importer-fitted accessories, including a full mesh bulkhead. If you want an airbag you'll have to buy the GX model—we are a little surprised that Toyota considers this to be a luxury item.

• PRODUCTIVITY As the GVW of the long wheelbase is the same 2,800kg as the short version, the payload is reduced by 75kg to a still impres sive 1,195kg. Load volume is increased by lm' to 7m3 (SAE), and includes an additional pair of tie-down points, making eight in all.

The laden fuel consumption obtained during our test was 28.3mpg (10.01ft/1001cm), just 0.5mpg less than on our earlier run out with of the shortwheelbase model. This figure is almost certainly accounted for by the unusually heavy traffic on the urban part of our Kent test route.

The hatch-type rear door remains the only choice, although it retains the handy ability to gain an extra two inches (500mm) of clearance by simply rotating the body of the gas struts.

• ON THE ROAD Although the nearside rear wheel of the unladen van can be provoked into spinning, you would really need to try. With its independent rear suspension and 78hp (58kW), there is no need for traction control. ABS is not available, but the vented front disc and rear drum brake system worked well enough during the test.

The Hiace's power output is never going to threaten the likes of the Mercedes-Benz 120hp (90kW) Sprinter 212D, but the even spread of power from the naturally aspirated indirect-injection engine, combined with sensible gear ratios, means overall journey times won't be an embarrassment. For some reason, the long van's performance on both of our test hills was considerably better than that achieved by the earlier short version, despite running the same gross weight and power.

Ride and handling from the allindependent suspension is impressive, whether laden or not. All of the driving controls are smooth and accurate, although some may find the overall feel to be on the light side. The whole driving experience is more car than truck.

Cab noise levels were excellent, helped by the standard load space mat and the fully lined roof. The loudest noise was in the form of tyre "whoosh". We can honestly say that there wasn't a single creak or rattle.

The cab will immediately feel familiar to anyone who has driven any recent Toyota, with clear instruments and goodquality switchgear. It's a shame, though, that the budget couldn't run to fitting a rev counter in the space obviously reserved for it.

Bizarrely, for a van from a country that drives on the left, the central portion of the dash is actually a:led towards the passenger si e. Perhaps Japanese operators e ploy a driver's mate to ope ate the heater and radio control !

• SUMMARY We have yet to find a 2.8-tonne, 3.5m wheelbase van claiming a higher gross payload than the Toyota's 1,195kg, a fact made all the more creditable considering its solid feel. Now Toyota has widened the Hiace range to appeal to a broader market, anyone after a 2.8-tonner should include it on their shortlist. Build quality is as good as it gets, and is backed up by a standard three-year, 60,000mile warranty, with an option to extend to six years and 120,000 miles.

List price is not the lowest in its class, but it's also a long way from the highest, although you might struggle to match the discounts offered by some other makers.

Our only serious reservation about the scope of the current range is the lack of a higher powered option, but given that Japanese marques are still subject to the import quota "gentleman's agreement" for the next 18 months, their position is understandable.

111 by Colin Barnett


comments powered by Disqus