Toyota may launch the Hiace MPV for the Indian market later this year. The vehicle was showcased at the recently held 2015 SIAM Bus & Special Vehicle Show. The Hiace will sit above the Innova in Toyota’s hierarchy but is expected to be targeted at fleet operators, hotels and schools.
We in India are expected to get the super LWB Hiace which measures 5.3 metres with a wheelbase of 3.1 metres making it significantly spacious. There is room for 14 people and it boasts of a significantly large boot. Pictures reveal that it gets very similar interior design to that of the Innova but with a slightly upgraded feature list.
Under the hood, the Indi-spec car will get a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that produces 141bhp and 241Nm of torque. The model showcased at the show was fitted with a four-speed AT but we believe that for cost reasons Toyota will also offer the five-speed manual version in India.
It is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 22 lakh to Rs 26 lakh which by the look of things will only be possible if the company locally assembles the van or better yet produces and exports it from the Bidadi plant.