Toyota Hiace Commuter/GL Grandia/Super Grandia Owners & Discussions Thread [Merged]

[danbuzz]

Got this article from motioncars. I think this is larger than the Starex... Will this be worth considering?

Something for the entire clan:
Toyota's Hiace GL Grandia lands in the Philippines
Posted Friday, 10 June 2005
http://www.motioncars.com/

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) announces this June the launch of the all-new Hiace GL Grandia. The new Hiace is packaged with an entirely new concept that combines large cargo space for functionality, a unique styling that gives an advanced powerful look, and a driving performance, which incorporates a Direct Injection 4-stroke Common Rail Diesel Engine (D-4D). The new Hiace GL Grandia raises the standard in the van segment by providing customers with an evolution of functions: capacity, durability, reliability, economy, comfort and a higher level of Luxury.

The new Hiace was not merely designed for functionality; it was also developed to make work and operation more enjoyable. Its exterior emphasizes a square body to portray a dynamic form. The Hiace engineers pursued an innovative exterior style suitable for a vehicle that is bound to last. The dynamic front view features voluminous sweeping curves and a big masculine bumper to emphasize the advanced styling, which goes beyond the traditional image of a commercial vehicle.

Its dimensions are considerably bigger than its commuter variant which was launched last January. Its length, width, and height are 4,695 mm by 1,695 mm and 1,980 mm respectively. It is accentuated with color keyed front and rear bumpers, chrome front grille, outside view mirror, and outside door handles. Rear wiper and window defogger are also incorporated in the Hiace GL Grandia. Tires and wheels are also specified at 195/80 15 inch tires steel with full high grade caps.

The newly developed package of the Hiace offers long, wide interior space with three rows of passenger seat with the width that allows a passenger load of eleven adults to sit in comfort with ample leg space. Its height and width suit the configuration of the wide sliding doors that allow two passengers to get in and out at the same time. This is complimented by the side step for easy entry and exit of passengers, whether adult or child. In addition, mechanical lock type sliding doors make downgrade loading or unloading much easier.

The new Hiace is powered by a 2KD-FTV, 2.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine with advanced common rail fuel supply system that provides the torque that a commercial vehicle requires. Unlike conventional injection systems, the common rail system makes sure that the proper air-fuel mixture reaches each cylinder for injection, and along with turbo-charging, achieves powerful torque of 260Nm per 1,600 to 2,400 Rpm, maximum output of 102 horsepower at 3,600 rpm.

The new Hiace Grandia purses the comfort and luxury of a family van, while it offers maneuverability with the toughness needed by a hard-working vehicle. In addition, the small minimum turning radius of five meters contributes to nimble handling in tight places despite the wide body and long wheelbase.

The double wishbone front suspension uses torsion-bar springs, while the rear has leaf springs. Special attention is paid to spring hardness, the stiffness of the spring attachment points, and shock absorber action optimized for both front and rear suspensions. This results to superior handling and stability, and an overall comfortable ride. The new Hiace is available in three shades: Silver Metallic, Dark Gray Mica Metallic, and Nobel Pearl Toning. It is offered at P 1,290,000 for the monotone and P1,305,000 for the two-tone. Toyota’s latest market offering will be available for viewing for all interested customers at all authorized Toyota Dealerships nationwide starting June 13, 2005.

[FlyingTOOlow]

Hi there!
This people's mover seems a good alternative for a starex. Must have huge space inside. Very good for shuttling kids to and from school. also good for outtings.

I hope they have comfortable seats and walk thru aisles.

Why haven't toyota mounted the 3.0 common rail found in the Fortuner ?
Does it comes in manual or automatic tranny ?

[mbt]

Took a gander today (with carlocaraddict) at a newly-landed Hiace GL Grandia, which is one step up from the unabashedly bare Hiace Commuter. Impressions:

Looks like a refrigerator, chest-type freezer, or washing machine (take your pick)...
It seems that all the designers had in designing the Hiace was a ruler. That said, the styling isn't exactly offensive and carries the cubic theme quite well. It's a reasonably good evolution from the previous, antediluvian Hiace. Inside, the dash design is a bit busy and unharmonious, but it at least tries to look modern with shiny silver paint and other details.

...But if it has to be square, at least it's usefully square
Okay, maybe it may as well carry a Kelvinator badge, but that crate affords a breathtakingly huuuuuuuge interior. Open the single sliding door to marvel at ELEVEN bucket seats. In fact, the inside of the Hiace resembles that of a Boeing 737, with full-size aircraft-style seats that recline (however, they're bolted in place and don't do any tricks like fold or tumble). Space for heads is cathedral-infinite... space for feet under those marvelous dinner chair-high seats is limitless. The high chairs translate directly to excellent thigh support and abundant legroom. There's still a considerable space for luggage at the back of the last row. This is one HUGE whopper, although don't be fooled, the outside dimensions of this one-box maxivan are actually quite modest. A Chevrolet Venture minivan is larger outside than the Hiace.

Seat configuration is iffy, particularly in the last row
There are four rows of bucket seats arranged in a 2-3-3-3 position, with a man-size aisle (in true aircraft fashion!) between seats number 2 and 3 in the second and third row. The aisle in the fourth row is a bit curious as it leads to the cargo bay; in my view, Toyota would have done better to fit a 50/50-split folding bench at the third row instead of fitting three buckets with an aisle in the middle. Also, the outboard bucket seats in that last row sit on top of the wheel well, which drastically compromises comfort in those seats. It escapes me why Toyota didn't simply remove the aisle in the back row and move the three bucket seats to all fit between the wheel wells. Versatility has taken a step back in this latest Hiace rendition with the lack of easily-removable, folding, or tumbling seats.

Good features for the price
For the base price of P1,290,000 for this GL Grandia model, you get a 2.5-liter diesel -- the same unit found in the Innova automatic -- that churns out 102 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque, ABS, dual airbags, power windows, mirrors, and door locks, a third brake lamp, a 2-DIN stereo head unit, and reasonably good fabric upholstery. However, wheel covers that hide basic steel rims still come standard, and you'll have to settle for a leaf-sprung rear end.

Some good details, some cheap touches
The Hiace sports some modern touches besides the evolutionary wrapper. It's got aircon vents that close like venetian blinds (in my opinion, a classy touch), an instrument cluster that tries to go beyond basic, and round overhead cooling vents that are flush with the ceiling, to name a few. Opening the tiny hood reveals a maintenance panel like in the APV... don't look for the engine up front, its mounted between and under the front seats as before. However, there are a few goofs too... flooring the clutch or accelerator pedals results in a cheap and hollow-sounding 'clack!' as it hits the end of its travel, for example. The front doors feel unsubstantial when slammed. Only a small square section of the side windows open, and these portals look a bit awkward. As mentioned, the airplane seats don't do any fancy moves. And of course, wheel covers are definitely chintzy on a vehicle that costs 1.3 million bucks.

Tentative walkaround verdict: More room than ever before, astounding space for nine (eleven if you count the torture chairs) and their luggage, and surprisingly, a good feature set at a price that's surprisingly reasonable... this all-new bus looks like a great step forward from the previous model. Too bad the seats aren't too smart and there's still only one sliding door, and without a doubt, people would rather have a coil-sprung rear, but all in all, this new refrigerator van looks like a credible alternative to the Nissan Urvan Estate for P200,000 less.


* Kelvinator. Definitely a Kelvinator. On second thought, maybe more like a Frigidaire. * decal on rear glass announces ABS, which is rarer than a toothed chicken in this maxivan class.

[mbt]

* Only a single sliding door is offered. * First class seating for nine, torture-class accomodations for two more. * Boundless legroom and footroom in almost all seating positions, courtesy of high chairs.

[danbuzz]

some pictures..

[mbt]

* Poor judgment: positions of outboard seats on the last row mean that the rear wheel wells intrude into precious leg- and footroom in those spots. * Man-size aisle makes for easy access. Letter paper-size brochure provides scale reference for cargo bay space. * 5'7" tester demonstrates this bus's immense height.

[mbt]

* Driving position is rather buslike, but that's only to be expected in a snub-nosed maxivan. * Tiny hood opens to reveal basic maintenance access.

[ILuvDetailing]

wala bang 3.0 liter D4D variant?

[falken]

Hmmm, looks like it's designed by someone from Whirlpool.

[Coachjake]

Bago lng sa site mga parekoy..

Da best ang commuter lakas ng hatak compared to our fort 2011 model

Juz had our 2015 commuter.. San ok magpakabit ng central lockin system/alarm sa van tska ung foglamps.. Anu ang magandang brand? San maganda magpakabit. Nasa ilocos area kc ako mahirap mga accesories dito minsan mahal pa.. Anyways nkkbyahe nmn mga twice a week sa manila..

Thanks mga parekoy

[monty_GTV]

thanks sir jagger and vinj, siguro nga di suited para sa SG yung gulong. it was recommended by the tire shop nung nagpalit kami ng rim. its potenza RE002, 225/55/r17, load rating 90W.

[vinj]

Yep, it isn't suited for a van. More especially if you run the tyre pressure low. There are CUV tyres that will fit the 17s. (I see the Starex w 17s using Geolandars). Look for Yokohoma Geolandar, Bridgestone Duelers, Goodyear Wrangler, etc.

Good your wife and the kiddies wete safe.

[carlocaraddict]

the super spacious washing machine cum van now comes with twin airbags and power features. :lol:. You can even enter the van through the tailgate! Seating inside the new Grandia makes me feel that I am inside a rain cloud.....grey all around. I like the unlimited leg and head room. Seats are huge (check out the pics). The wheel well in the rear makes your seating position commuter bus like (my right or left leg is elevated).

[mrpink]

sana may arm rests ..

[kjkarl]

Mga sir...
Saan po kaya may nagbebenta ng center console ng grandia?



Or any one selling one?

Hindi ko po kasi kursonada yung saakin (Model 2014 GL grandia), upuan po wala paglalagyan ng mga gamit...
thanks...

[InternalCombust]

The Super Grandia is almost 2 million, and still equipped with the lousy 2.5 2KD FTV. Mind you, 102 hp and 260 Nm is NOT good for an engine that size. Even Hyundai's 1.6 can achieve the same torque and even more horsepower!

Cant they put VNT or at least 3.0 diesel for the TOTL variant?

[rna800]

^

Mine is a 2014 TOTL but the monotone. Just got it last Aug.

Not my personal pics but this is how it looks like:







You are correct, that engine is the same across the board from the cheapest variant which is the Commuter all the way to the SG leather 2T, they are all the same.

Before buying it, the only competitor that we looked at was the Hyundai GS CVX. In the end, the SG won. We preferred the seating configuration of the SG where 10 passengers can sit with comfort.

I don't know what made you say that the specs are not good for an engine that size coz from my experience, it does what it needs to do. It can climb steep roads with full load and I was able to reach 140+ kph with it. So given those, I don't know what is not good with that. It's even better for the leather variant with all the extra accessories that they put in it and those capt with swivel seats are so comfy to sit on.

Not unless you wanna reach 180 kph, not gonna happen with that engine. But you are carrying 10 passengers. That is way too fast while carrying your family with you. Most of the time I am only within the 100 to 120 kph. Kinda slow but I wouldn't risk it with my family onboard. I bought the SG for space and comfort and not for top speed and acceleration.

But mind you, that engine might look lousy on paper but it is not lousy at all. The big, fat refrigerator with wheels might look big and heavy from the outside, it is light and nimble when you drive it. Just bury the gas pedal and it will zoom easily all the way to 120 kph. That made me realized why those UV Express Commuter drivers drive like that coz that engine really has power on low speeds even with full load. Just don't go on a straight and flat road and beyond 140 kph, if its driver is aggressive, he will tailgate you as if you have the same engine specs.

The engine can be made better though. I was waiting for that 3.0 or at least with VNT too, but it is not being offered so we have to live with what we got. Or else, just look at the other brands.

[InternalCombust]

^

Mine is a 2014 TOTL but the monotone. Just got it last Aug.

Not my personal pics but this is how it looks like:







You are correct, that engine is the same across the board from the cheapest variant which is the Commuter all the way to the SG leather 2T, they are all the same.

Before buying it, the only competitor that we looked at was the Hyundai GS CVX. In the end, the SG won. We preferred the seating configuration of the SG where 10 passengers can sit with comfort.

I don't know what made you say that the specs are not good for an engine that size coz from my experience, it does what it needs to do. It can climb steep roads with full load and I was able to reach 140+ kph with it. So given those, I don't know what is not good with that. It's even better for the leather variant with all the extra accessories that they put in it and those capt with swivel seats are so comfy to sit on.

Not unless you wanna reach 180 kph, not gonna happen with that engine. But you are carrying 10 passengers. That is way too fast while carrying your family with you. Most of the time I am only within the 100 to 120 kph. Kinda slow but I wouldn't risk it with my family onboard. I bought the SG for space and comfort and not for top speed and acceleration.

But mind you, that engine might look lousy on paper but it is not lousy at all. The big, fat refrigerator with wheels might look big and heavy from the outside, it is light and nimble when you drive it. Just bury the gas pedal and it will zoom easily all the way to 120 kph. That made me realized why those UV Express Commuter drivers drive like that coz that engine really has power on low speeds even with full load. Just don't go on a straight and flat road and beyond 140 kph, if its driver is aggressive, he will tailgate you as if you have the same engine specs.

The engine can be made better though. I was waiting for that 3.0 or at least with VNT too, but it is not being offered so we have to live with what we got. Or else, just look at the other brands.

Why can Hyundai make its 2.5 churn 400 Nm? Its 1.6 with 260 Nm and more horsepower? Sometimes, I even doubt that the KD engine is even CRDI. Yes it can reach 140 kph, but with difficulty. Why difficulty? Because you are overworking the engine. Of course it can run, but the engine is overworked for its capability.

[dr. d]

The Super Grandia is almost 2 million, and still equipped with the lousy 2.5 2KD FTV. Mind you, 102 hp and 260 Nm is NOT good for an engine that size. Even Hyundai's 1.6 can achieve the same torque and even more horsepower!

Cant they put VNT or at least 3.0 diesel for the TOTL variant?

pardon but...
why isn't it good for an engine that size?
... hyundai's 1.6... is that a diesel or a gas engine?
besides, any decent motorist with eyes will be amazed (o sige, irritated, disgusted even) at just how nimble these giant breadloaves weave in and out of traffic, driven by those maniac UV express drivers...

btw, what happened to your cousin's (nga ba) innova? napa-ayos na ba?

[rna800]

*attorney: Hhmmm??? I have to observe coz I haven't really noticed considering it has clocked more than 2100 kms already. Maybe it's not noisy at all for me to notice.

I will update you, sir.