Review: Toyota Mk.5 HiAce van (2005-19)

Review: Toyota Mk.5-I HiAce van (2005-10)

Overview

Released in March 2005, the Toyota Mk.5 Series I (Mk.5-I) HiAce van was available in long and super long wheelbase bodies (LWB and SLWB, respectively). The Toyota HiAce was initially available with either a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel or 2.7-litre petrol engine, both mated to a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The HiAce LWB models had a standard width and roof height, and a sliding kerb-side cargo loading door; the HiAce SLWB, however, had a wide body, high roof and sliding cargo doors on both sides.

The turbo-diesel engine was available in two forms, as the engine in the SLWB models had an intercooler which contributed to a wider torque spread. Furthermore, the 2.7-litre petrol engine was fitted with hardened valves and valve seats to enable LPG conversion and Toyota offered a factory-developed vapour-injection LPG conversion service. Inside, the HiAce had three front row seats and a dashboard-mounted gear lever that had a gated shift for models with automatic transmissions.

In October 2006, the 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine was replaced by a 3.0-litre direct-injection unit which complied with Euro IV emissions standards; the 2.7-litre petrol engine was also upgraded to meet these standards.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Toyota HiAce included dual front airbags and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The centre front seat, however, had a lap-19ly belt.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a long wheelbase Toyota HiAce fitted with a 2.7-litre petrol engine received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 23.5 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious chest and leg injury was marginal for the driver and foot protection was poor. In the side impact test, a default score was applied.

Features

Standard features for the Toyota HiAce included a two speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, central locking, power mirrors and windows and a tilt adjustable steering column.

October 2006 HiAce update

From October 2006, the HiAce was further equipped with an immobiliser. Other changes included the introduction of a front passenger seat recline function, illuminated ignition key lock, fabric and vinyl-covered sun visors, rear under-mirror and front mud flaps.

October 2007 HiAce update

From October 2007, the HiAce featured remote central locking as standard, while a rear door strap was also fitted. Furthermore, SLWB models underwent a slight update with the introduction of a new radiator grille and re-shaped seats.

Related links

• Press Kit: Toyota Mk.5 HiAce Van and Commuter (March 2005)
• Press Release: Toyota Mk.5-I HiAce Van and Commuter engine upgrade (November 2006)
• Press Release: Toyota Mk.5-I HiAce Van and Commuter upgrades (October 2007)

Review: Toyota Mk.5-II HiAce van (2010-14)

Overview

Released in October 2010, the Mk.5 Series II (Mk.5-II) HiAce introduced improved safety equipment and cosmetic updates. Furthermore, the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine was upgraded for greater power and improved fuel economy.

Visually, the Mk.5-II HiAce could be identified by its new front mask with revised headlights, grilles and front bumpers. Inside, there were revised instrument dials, the interior trim colour was changed from grey to dark grey and, for automatic models, the shift-lever bezel was also updated.

Safety equipment

Compared to its Mk.5-I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Mk.5-II HiAce was extended to include ABS and brake assist.

ANCAP crash testing

For models manufactured after 17 September 2011, a four star rating with an adult occupant protection score of 25.5 was awarded following the introduction of improved driver knee protection.

Features

Compared to its Mk.5-I predecessor, standard features were largely unchanged. From May 2012 production, however, the HiAce was fitted with a reversing camera with a 3.3-inch image displayed in the electrochromatic rear view mirror.

Brochures

• Brochure: Toyota Mk.5-II HiAce Van and Commuter (November 2010)
• Brochure: Toyota Mk.5-II HiAce (August 2012)

Review: Toyota Mk.5-III HiAce van (2014-19)

Overview

Released in March 2014, the Mk.5 Series III (Mk.5-III) Hiace van could be identified by its redesigned headlights with daytime running lights, trapezoidal radiator grille with larger openings and reshaped front bumper with sharper edges.

Inside, the Mk.5-III HiAce introduced a bucket seat for the front passenger (previously a bench seat) and a new centre console box between the front seats.

March 2015 update

In March 2015, the HiAce van range was expanded with the introduction of a diesel-powered, long wheelbase ‘Crew’ model which had five seats (two front bucket seats and a three-seat rear bench). Furthermore, the 2.7-litre petrol engine was upgraded and offered with a six-speed AC60E automatic transmission which had a direct-drive fourth gear and overdrive fifth and sixth gears.

Safety equipment

Compared to its Mk.5-II predecessor, standard safety equipment for the HiAce was extended to include seatbelt warnings for the front seats.

In March 2015, standard safety equipment was extended to include electronic stability control, while a hill-start assist function was also introduced.

Features

Standard HiAce features were extended to include a new four-spoke steering wheel with cruise control and the audio buttons and an LCD multi-information display for the time, ambient temperature and odometer.

For models with automatic transmissions, the instrument cluster included a gearshift indicator and an ‘Eco’ driving indicator light which encouraged fuel-efficient driving.

From March 2015, long wheelbase models had a window in the left-hand sliding door for improved visibility.

Related links

• Toyota Australia: Toyota HiAce
• Wikipedia.org: Toyota Mk.5 HiAce