The Toyota Hiace is a premium MPV with a seating capacity of 10 people and will draw power from a 3.0-litre diesel engine. It is aimed at commercial buyers.
First showcased at the Auto Expo last year, Toyota India will be tapping into a completely new segment this year with the Hiace people mover. A first-of-its-kind offering in the country, the Hiace is a 10-seater luxury MPV and was recently caught testing on the Pune-Bangalore highway with covered badges. The luxury van was running on MH12 number plates indicating that the vehicle was at the ARAI centre for testing purposes. Usually, Toyota vehicles carry the KA42 number plate as the company’s facility is located near Bangalore.
Based on the IMV3 platform, India will be getting the Grand Cabin Long Wheelbase version of the Toyota Hiace that is powered by a 3.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine producing 168 BHP of power and is paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The Hiace is already a highly preferred vehicle overseas amongst hotels, tourist operators, airports and many more due to its spacious cabin that can haul passengers and luggage with equal ease. The Japanese auto giant will be targetting a similar target group in India as well.
While details are not confirmed yet, it is believed that Toyota will be bringing the Hiace via the CBU route with prices expected in the range of Rs. 35-40 lakhs (ex-showroom). Come early 2016, Toyota will be launching the next generation Fortuner and Innova, most likely at the Auto Expo in February. Recent reports also suggest that the automaker will continue to sell the outgoing Innova, rebranded as the Innova Cross and the same will be competing against the Honda Mobilio, Maruti Ertiga and the upcoming Chevrolet Spin. The Honda City competing Vios could also see its launch next year.
Source – MotorOctane.com
