Published: Commercial Motor, 14 Nov 2002
Power Playby:
Colin Barnett"More power" we cried last time we tested a Toyota Hiace and lo, it has more power. With a 2.5-litre, 101hp engine it pulls like a train when the speed is right.
But is this new lion heart enough - cand can the rest of the van handle it?
Commercial Motor gives the Hiace the full re-test treatment and discovers a van which is remarkably civilized, but is still not quite perfect.
Verdict
Well, we asked for more power and we got it. The result has transformed the Hiace by just the right amount. It now has enough grunt to do the job quietly and efficiently, without having a tiresome ecess. Cost of ownership should satisfy the most pasimonious of fleet accountants; its friendly appearance means that it will be socially acceptable just about anywhere, and its road manners are generally good.
Some aspects of the Hiace still need tweaking. In particular, the steering and front suspension characteristics require a bit more development to suit British roads, and the driving seat could use more tuning to suit British backsides. Throw in some rear-view mirrors worthy of a working vehicle and Toyota would have a product that equals anything in its class.
Vehicle Specifications
Toyota Hiace 300 D4-D GLS
| Fuel Consumption: | 32.8mpg(8.6lit/100km) |
| Average speed: | 73.3km/h |
| Gross weight as tested: | 3,000kg |
| Net payload: | 1,135kg |
| Load Space Volume: | 7.0m3 |
| Price as tested: | £15,435(ex-VAT) |
