More grunt for HiAce

TOYOTA has substituted the 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine in its HiAce van range for a 3.0-litre intercooled high-pressure direct-injection engine, as used in the related HiLux light truck.

Fitted to all HiAce turbo-diesel models from October production, the Euro IV-compliant 1KD-FTV engine produces 80kW at 3000rpm and 286Nm from 1200 to 1600rpm, representing a 5kW power increase and 26Nm boost in torque over the 2.5.

It can be paired with either a manual (now with a larger-diameter clutch) or automatic gearbox.

Pricing starts from $34,940 for the LWB turbo-diesel van, which is a $2700 premium above the baseline 2.7-litre LWB petrol model variant.