The Toyota Hiace Can Now Transport Seriously Ill COVID-19 Patients in Japan

After converting several of its JPN Taxi to serve mildly ill COVID-19 patients in Japan, Toyota is now at the deep end with specially converted Hiace units that can transport seriously ill patients.

Because this Hiace conversion is the first time Toyota’s done a version to transport seriously ill patients, the Japanese carmaker sought out medical facilities to manufacture a vehicle to fit their requirements.

This special Hiace is an “airborne droplet circulation control vehicle.” This means that there’s an interior barrier between the forward and rearward compartment. In addition, an exhaust fan continuously expels air from the rearward compartment out of the vehicle, helping to prevent the air in the rearward compartment from circulating to the forward compartment.

With a desire to provide vehicles that can at least play a small role in combatting COVID-19, Toyota, while listening to the needs of those on the frontlines of the medical sector, has been considering the best ways it can help.

The transport vehicle for seriously ill COVID-19 patients provided today joins 11 transport vehicles for mildly infected patients already provided by the Toyota Group to such entities as medical facilities and local governments.

Toyota Motor Philippines's Discounting the Vios by P 125,000 for the Next 10 Days

Holy February savings, Batman! Toyota Motor Philippines just slashed the prices of their best-selling vehicles! The offer, part of their Toyota Price Slash is valid only for 10 days (up to February 15, 2020) and covers the Vios, Hiace, Wigo, Avanza, Innova, Rush, and Hilux!

If you’re wondering how much savings you can get this month, how about knocking P 70,000 off the Vios 1.5 G? That brings down the price to just P 914,000 for the MT and P 973,000 for the CVT. Oh, and here’s the kicker. Even the Vios 1.5 G Prime can be had for the same price: P 973,000—a discount of P 125,000!

Aside from these substantial discounts, all Vios models from the E variant onwards officially have a 5-year / 150,000-kilometer warranty (up from the 3-year / 100,000-kilometer warranty before). Moreover, if you purchase a Vios on or before February 29, Toyota will even throw in free Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS) for up to 20,000 kilometers!

The same free PMS program is also included in every Hilux purchase made during the Toyota Price Slash promo while all Fortuner 4x2 variants purchased until the end of the month also have the same 20,000-km free PMS.

If the Vios isn’t your thing, Toyota’s also offering discounts ranging from P 30,000 on the Hilux to P 50,000 on the Hiace as well. Plus, low all-in downpayment and monthly pay light options are available. You can check the entire table below for the deals on offer.

Get as Much as P 110k Off a Vios with Toyota’s November Price Knockdown Promo

Join the Christmas rush as Toyota Motor Philippines starts its inventory sale with its November Price Knockdown promo. Ongoing until the end of the month, enjoy great deals on selected variants of nine great Toyota models: Vios, Avanza, Corolla Altis, Fortuner, Innova, Hiace, Wigo, Hilux, and Rush.

With the November Price Knockdown Promo, get as much as P 110,000 outright cash discount for a Vios G Prime variant. Other cash discounts ranging from P 15,000 to P 80,000 for other models are up for grabs, too. Check out the full mechanics here.

Plus, Toyota is even offering additional P 20,000-P 30,000 cash discount for participating models. There are even Pay Low (all-in package with all-in cash out as low as 15 percent downpayment) and Pay Light options (with 50 percent downpayment and 60 months to pay) for select models.

For those who’ve been eyeing the country’s best-selling car, now’s the best time to get a Toyota Vios. Getting any of the Vios G and E variants during the promo period, and you automatically get free periodic maintenance service (PMS) for the first 20,000 kilometers. Moreover, for Vios E, E Prime, G, and G Prime buyers, the Vios comes with an extended 5-year/150,000-kilometer warranty coverage for additional peace of mind.

For more details, check out the Toyota Motor Philippines website, or visit your nearest Toyota dealership to enjoy great deals on Toyota models.

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The 2020 Toyota Hiace Scores an Impressive ASEAN NCAP 5-Star Safety Rating

Toyota’s move to introduce a semi-bonnet design for the all-new Hiace has paid off. It just scored a perfect 5-star crash safety rating according to the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program or ASEAN NCAP.

While this feat is certainly impressive, it’s worth noting that the model to achieve this perfect ASEAN NCAP score is the one fitted with 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, stability assist, and blind spot monitoring. In the Philippine market case, the closest is the Super Grandia variant, though even that model doesn’t have blind spot monitoring available.

The Hiace scored 46.31 out of 50 in Adult Occupancy Protection (AOP), 22.93 out of 25 in Child Occupant Protection (COP), and 20.27 out of 25 in Safety Assist Technology (SAT). Its overall score of 89.51 is enough for it to score a perfect 5 stars.

In terms of frontal impact, the 2020 Hiace scored “good” in head and leg protection, though chest protection for both front passengers remain at “marginal.” As for side impact, it scores “good” in all fronts.

The 2020 Toyota Hiace is tested under the ASEAN NCAP’s new 2017-2020 assessment protocol.

Under this new assessment protocol, instead of a separate rating for AOP and COP, a single rating system is introduced in which AOP contributes to 50 percent of the overall rating. Meanwhile, the new COP requirement comprises 25 percent of a vehicle’s overall safety rating, reiterating that protection for children is as important as adult protection.

Who Is the Typical 2020 Toyota Hiace Super Grandia Buyer?

The running joke in automotive circles is that Toyota Motor Philippines’s making a killing with the Hiace Super Grandia and Alphard thanks to the insatiable demand driven mostly by “TDK” (Mainland Chinese) VIPs and POGO (Philippine Offshore Gambling Operation) businesses. But are these people really the ones lapping up Toyota vans as quickly as Toyota dealers could stock them?

Judge me if you want, but I don’t find the actual unveil to be the most fascinating part of a Toyota vehicle launch; and no, I don’t look forward to the giveaway or free food either. The most intriguing part for me is actually when they start presenting the market rationale. Whether it’s down to just curiosity or because of my marketing background (yes, I did once belong to the “other side”—where I had to regularly restrain media from stampeding to the buffet line), but I actually look forward to Toyota talking about market situation, buyer demographic, and so forth.

In 2015, the Commercial Vehicle or CV segment accounts for 61 percent of the total vehicle sold in the country. It has grown steadily since, peaking at 69 percent in 2018. And while the percentage jump isn’t as dramatic, once we take a look at the actual numbers, it’s actually astounding. From an average of 16,400 units per month sold in 2015, that number has risen to 27,700 units per month in 2018. As of mid-2019, that number already stands at 22,380 units.

Segmenting the CV segment, Utility Vans or UVs account for 12 percent—a steady number in the past four years. That said, it’s grown in volume from 2,100 average monthly sales in 2015 to 3,700 average monthly sales in 2018. Out of this, the Hiace is the undisputed leader, commanding a 55 percent (54.6 percent to be precise) share of the market. In the last two years, Toyota has, on the average, sold more Hiace per month than the second place Nissan Urvan and third place Hyundai Starex combined.

Toyota further segments the UV segment, categorizing the Hiace Super Grandia as part of the “High UV segment.” Using this as basis, the Hiace Super Grandia enjoys a 56.62 percent market share. It was momentarily threatened by the Hyundai Starex in 2017, when the Hiace Super Grandia’s share dropped to 39.3 percent, but since then, it has rebounded to 64 percent in 2018 and 70.3 percent thus far in 2019.

Now, this brings us to who buys the Hiace Super Grandia. While Toyota Motor Philippines admit that “luxury hotels, resorts, and casinos” will definitely be a target, they maintain that private individuals will remain the primary buyer. This “buyer” is predominately male (84 percent), aged 40-44 years old, and is married (85 percent). His monthly household income ranges from P 220,000 to P 240,000 which puts him in the “high income segment” or only 0.1 percent of total families in the country. And before you ask, no, not once did “St. Peter join the group.”

Considering the Toyota Hiace Super Grandia’s stature as the flagship of the sixth-generation Hiace line-up, Toyota Motor Philippines says they’re only expecting to sell 400 of these every month. Now, this may sound like a low number, but considering that the Super Grandia peaked at 276 units in 2018, growing the number by 45 percent sounds like a tall order—unless they see the market growing at a faster rate than it has in the past four years or they just plan to kill off everyone else.

Toyota's Luxurious 2020 Hiace Super Grandia Finally Arrives in the Philippines

It was only a matter of time, but Toyota Motor Philippines knows that there’s a demand for well-appointed large MPVs in the country. Now, that demand can be met with the introduction of the 2020 Hiace Super Grandia.

As the top-variant of the sixth-generation Hiace which was launched last February, the 2020 Hiace Super Grandia is all about comfort and luxury. Based on the “low roof” GL Grandia, the Hiace Super Grandia gets a classier-looking front-end with a unique grille and bumper design. The same goes for the back where the extended garnish visually widens the stance. Front and back, LED lighting is standard even down to the front fog lights.

“The Hiace Super Grandia is a preferred van of companies in various industries, and is quite popular as a family vehicle. It has indeed become a symbol of comfort, convenience, and durability,” says TMP President Satoru Suzuki. “We are excited to bring a higher level of luxury and a delightful ride experience that Filipinos truly deserve with the All New Hiace Super Grandia. We expect this model to further elevate the Hiace which currently has a 54.6 percent share in its segment, year-to-date as of July.”

With dual sliding doors (powered on the highest trim Super Grandia Elite), ingress and egress is made easier. Inside, it exchanges the premium economy 12-seater bench seating for a more luxurious business class 9-seater setup which includes two rows of Captain’s Chairs. Leather is standard on all but the base Super Grandia, with the Elite upping the experience with quilted leather with ottomans.

Mechanically, the Super Grandia shares the 1GD-FTV 2.8-liter engine found in the rest of the Hiace range. As such, it gets 176 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. The sole transmission option is a 6-speed automatic. Interestingly, Toyota has also swapped the rear leaf springs for a four-link coil spring setup improving its ride and handling.

For all variants of the Super Grandia, bench type space up seats at the farthest row can accommodate up to 4 more passengers. Rear personal reading lamps provide each passenger a greater sense of personal control and convenience, giving them the option of better visibility in their personal space. Automatic climate control ensures passenger comfort all throughout the drive, with Nano-E air purifying technology for the Elite variant.

In terms of safety, the Super Grandia gets the usual set of airbags (9 of them), ABS with EBD, and stability control. As reported previously, the Super Grandia Elite sets a new standard as the first Toyota model to come equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) system. With that, it comes with four additional driver assist features not found elsewhere in its class: Pre-collision System (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and Automatic High Beam (AHB).

There will be 6 variants of the 2020 Hiace Super Grandia and they’ll be available at all Toyota dealerships nationwide starting August 26:

• Hiace Super Grandia 2.8L Farbric – P 2,420,000
• Hiace Super Grandia 2.8L Fabric (2-Tone) – P 2,435,000
• Hiace Super Grandia 2.8L Leather – P 2,510,000
• Hiace Super Grandia 2.8L Leather (2-Tone) – P 2,525,000
• Hiace Super Grandia 2.8L Elite – P 2,875,000
• Hiace Super Grandia 2.8L Elite (2-Tone) – P 2,890,000

Now that the sixth-generation Hiace Super Grandia has landed on local shores, would it be too much to ask if Toyota will consider making a new version of the Grandia LXV? There is the high-roof GL Grandia Tourer after all.

2020 Toyota Super Grandia Specifications

• 1GD-FTV 2.8-liter 4-cylinder, turbocharged CRDi
• Maximum Output: 176 horsepower @ 3,400 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 450 Nm @ 1,600-2,400 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed AT with Cruise Control
• Front Suspension: MacPherson Strut
• Rear Suspension: 4-Link, Coil Springs
• Front Brakes: Ventilated Disc
• Rear Brakes: Ventilated Disc
• Overall Length x Width x Height (mm): 5,300 x 1,970 x 1,990
• Wheelbase: 3,210 mm
• Ground Clearance: 175 mm
• Minimum Turning Radius: 5.5 meters
• Wheels and Tires: 235/60 LT 17
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 70
• Seating: 10

2020 Toyota Super Grandia Key Features:

• Bi-beam LED headlights with LED daytime running lights
• LED front fog lights
• Headlamp washers
• Rear roof spoiler
• Speed-sensing door locks
• Power folding side view mirrors
• Auto Easy Closer (side and back door)
• Smart Entry with Push-Start Engine
• 4.2-inch multi-info display
• Tilt/telescopic steering wheel
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• CD/DVD/MP3/FLAC with Smartphone Mirroring, 6 speakers
• Automatic climate control
• 9 SRS airbags
• ABS with EBD
• stability control with hill start assist
• Front and rear proximity sensors
• Back-up camera

2020 Toyota Super Grandia Elite Key Features:

• Power sliding doors (dual)
• Power adjust driver seat (6-way)
• Power adjust rear seat x 4 (4-way)
• Quilted leather seats with ottoman
• Leather and wood interior trim
• Adjustable interior illumination color
• Nano-E air ionizer
• Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic High Beam)

The 2020 Toyota Hiace Super Grandia Elite is the First Philippine Model to Have Toyota Safety Sense

Update: The 2020 Toyota Hiace Super Grandia has now been launched. Details here (8/19).

Toyota Motor Philippines is now confirming that the first model to receive the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) system is the 2020 Hiace Super Grandia Elite. Launching on Monday, the flagship Hiace variant will have four main ingredients to its TSS system that will heighten its owners’ peace of mind.

The 2020 Hiace Super Grandia Elite will have Pre-collision System (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and Automatic High Beam (AHB).

Pre-collision System (PCS) – detects the possibility of a collision using various sensors and reacts accordingly, also taking into consideration the countermeasures taken by the driver. Upon detection of a possibility of collision, the driver will be warned with beeps and visual warnings. When the possibility of a collision is higher and the driver applies brakes, the brake assist system will apply additional pressure to the brakes as needed. When an even greater possibility of collision is detected and the driver did not apply brakes, automatic brakes will be activated to prevent the collision.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) – when driving at cruise control, the vehicle drives at constant preset speed and will adjust within the set cruise speed upon detection of another vehicle in front to maintain appropriate distance.

Lane Departure Alert (LDA) – detects driving lanes and alerts driver when the vehicle departs from its designated lane. This feature operates at a vehicle speed of more than 50 km/h, with a road width of more than approximately 3.0 meters.

Automatic High Beam (AHB) – while the headlight’s high beam setting is in use, the system automatically switches to low beam upon detection of vehicles at a certain distance in front or incoming vehicles on the opposite lane. The system will return to the high beam setting once the vehicle in front is at an appropriate distance or the incoming vehicle has passed.

Aside from the Super Grandia Elite, Toyota Motor Philippines says they intend to roll out TSS to more models in the near future.

View From the Top: Toyota Philippines' Best-Selling Vehicles

Toyota has always been synonymous with quality and reliability. The brand has endeared itself to many Filipinos and the Philippine car market so much that It’s a fair certainty that you or someone close to you to has owned a Toyota in their lifetime.

Taking a peek at any reliable car buying and selling websites in the Philippines, you can find countless of Toyota vehicles for sale with premium prices as merely having that brand name will mean that it is a solid and quality vehicle that is easy to fix if you ever need to at all.

Toyota has in fact mentioned that a large percentage of their cars sold in the Philippines since the early 90s still run our streets! Here’s a list of their top-selling vehicles with each one available in for every possible need of budget.

#1. Toyota Vios - From Php 662,000
Estimated Sales Figure (1H 2019): 12,200 units

The Brands’ perennial best-seller, the Toyota Vios can be considered one of the most successful models in Toyota Philippine’s line-up. Available in a plethora of variants from entry-level, fleet-specials to the top of the line models and it even has its own racing series, there’s almost nothing the Toyota Vios can’t do.

Performance is adequate from this front wheeled sub-compact sedan and is available in 2 engine options, a 1.3 engine that makes 96hp and 123Nm and a 1.5 liter making 105 horses and 140Nm. You can get the Toyota Vios in both a 5-speed manual or a 7-speed CVT so there’s a Vios for everyone!

#2. Toyota Hilux - From Php 829,000
Estimated Sales Figure (1H 2019): 8,700 units

The Toyota Hilux is one of the brand’s most iconic vehicles. You might remember the model being featured in a certain popular British motoring show, being subjected to the worst torture and stress tests. It was crashed, hurled from a high altitude, placed on top of a building being demolished and even washed at sea, the thing still ran!

In the Philippines, it is available, much like the Vios, in multiple configurations to accommodate every possible need.

From the fleet model catering to businesses to the range-topping Conquest model; Four-wheel drive and Rear- Wheel drive; automatic and manual, the choices are virtually endless and the powerful diesel mills, a 2.4 liter in the lower models and a 2.8 liter in the G and Conquest models, give the Hilux the perfect combination of power and efficiency for every situation.

#3. Toyota Fortuner- From Php 1,607,000
Estimated Sales (1H 2019): 7,700 units 

When the Toyota Fortuner was first introduced in the early 2000’s it created such a fire-storm of hype that Toyota had a very difficult time keeping up with the demand. How can it not be such a huge hit? The Rugged and macho styling paired with a solid platform of which it shares with the Hilux and Innova and powerful diesel engines make the car a solid choice for enthusiasts who wish to add this to their collection.

Previously, a petrol engine was available. Now it only gets the oil-burner with the same options available for the Hilux. Although it shares the same underpinnings as the Toyota pick-up, the Fortuner is still its own vehicle for those who appreciate a solid and luxurious vehicle and want to take their friends around too.

#4. Toyota Innova - From Php 1,025,000
Estimated Sales Figure (1H 2019): 7,300 units

Rounding up the Toyota Triplets, you have the Toyota Innova. It shares the same platform as the Hilux and the Fortuner and also carries the same engines. The Toyota Innova though takes a special space in the hearts of Filipinos in the local market as the MPV is the spiritual successor to the iconic Toyota AUV the Tamaraw FX and the Revo.

Toyota knows how much Filipinos love to haul their Family and Friends around thus the Innova is one of their best-selling cars. The MPV even makes it to the list of best 7-seaters for Filipino families according to Philkotse.com - one of the largest online platforms for gearheads in our country.

Much like the Fortuner and Hilux, this also has the same, if albeit de-tuned for comfort and hauling, engine that use a utilize diesel to propel itself. You won’t be needing Four-Wheel Drive in this model though and is thus only available in Rear-wheel drive configuration.

The styling also matches modern design languages and is even available in a Sport package with aero-kits to give the car a more aggressive look. Grocery getting with the family cannot be more stylish and sporty than in an Innova.

#5. Toyota Wigo - Php 557,000
Estimated Sales Figure (1H 2019): 6,300 units 

Some people were quite skeptical when the Wigo was first introduced. Toyota needed a horse in the super-mini subcompact race to fill the need of first-time car-buyers for a small, fuel-efficient car that won't break the bank. The Toyota Wigo ended up doing battle with rivals in the same segment and is so good that it is now king of the hill.

Developed in partnership with Daihatsu, a Toyota subsidiary, the lone engine available is a 1-liter dual over-head cam 3-banger creating a modest 65hp and 89Nm of torque. Modest is a generous term if you are more used to bigger cars an SUVs but the point of getting a Wigo is also the reason why it is such a best-seller; it gets you from point A to point B for the least money possible with its low price and impeccable fuel economy.

Plus with that Toyota badge you know you’re getting a good quality vehicle that can last for years to come, which is more than some cars in its segment can say for themselves.

#6. Toyota Hiace - Php 1,605,000
Estimated Sales Figure (1H 2019): 6,200 units 

The Toyota Hiace is one of the car brand’s most versatile models. Their best-selling van caters to the Philippine market’s need for a people hauler that it is ubiquitous and can be seen in every island of the country. From public transport to school bus and even luxury limousine, the possibilities and configurations the Hiace can be set up with are endless.

The Hiace can be had and seen as both a Commercial and Luxury vehicle. The powerful and efficient diesel engine plays second fiddle to the ride quality, space, and interior amenities. Seating capacity can vary from 15-seater UV express vans for optimum business use and can even be fitted with luxurious captain seats replete with amenities that rival luxury limousines. The Hiace is the swiss army knife of cars.

Toyota has a wide array of vehicles for almost every market segment, more comprehensive than any local car brand, in fact. From Small Hatchbacks to Luxury Vehicles they’ve pretty much covered the market with every model you can think of. Check out the latest Toyota Philippines price list and visit the nearest showroom! More likely than not, you’ll find the Toyota just for you.

Text and photos by Philkotse.com
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Toyota Shows Off Mercedes-Benz Rivaling Granvia MPV

It was just going to be a matter of time, but everyone knew that Toyota would certainly come up with an ultra-luxurious version of the 2020 Hiace. Well, that time is now. Welcome the 2020 Toyota Granvia.

Based on the all-new Hiace platform, the Granvia takes the concept of a large luxury wagon to the next level with premium seating for eight, a full suite of Toyota Safety Sense features, and a four-link coil-spring rear suspension to deliver superlative ride comfort and stable handling.

Among the luxury features offered on the Granvia are power sliding rear doors, an electrically-adjustable driver’s seat, second-row captain’s seats and leather upholstery. On-road entertainment and information will be provided by Toyota's fully connected latest generation advanced multimedia system that will be available with four USB ports and a total of 12 speakers.

Safety is assured too with the Granvia boasting 9 airbags, and active cruise control and pre-collision safety system (PCS) with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection among the many driver-assistance features.

Outside, it looks like the Granvia will offer LED headlights and taillights (with an extended garnish). The Granvia will be powered by the 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine and 6-speed automatic shared with the Hiace. This means it’ll have 176 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque.

It’s confirmed for sale in its home market of Japan and certain export market such as Australia. Toyota Motor Philippines hasn’t indicated whether they will be selling the Granvia for the local market, but given the photos are for a left-hand drive market, the chances are pretty high.

The Previous-Generation Toyota Hiace is Back...as a Mazda

Mazda may be best known for their passenger cars, but they did come up with a one-box van called the Bongo. It’s sort-of an oddball since it was based on a lot of things throughout its five-generation history being based off a Ford, a Mitsubishi, and a Nissan. Now, believe it or not, it’s based off a Toyota.

Now that Toyota has the all-new sixth-generation Hiace, this 2019, Mazda’s brand merry-go-round with the Bongo stops with the fifth-generation Hiace (H200). It’s very clear in these photos that it’s a simple badge job since the 2019 Bongo Brawny is every bit the previous-generation Hiace down to the grille, lights, and interior. KODO this van ain’t.

In the engine bay, it gets two Toyota-sourced engines (Skyactiv this van ain’t) and with that, there’s a choice between a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 136 horsepower and 182 Nm of torque or a 2.8-liter turbodiesel with 150 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. Either way, both of these engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic. Full-time 4WD is an available option.

Unlike previous Bongo models, the 2019 Bongo Brawny is destined to be purely a commercial vehicle and as such, it emphasizes cargo carrying capacity over people carrying capacity. Mazda says its 3,000-mm wheelbase and maximum payload of 1,250 kilograms (with 3 people riding) should make it adept at handling most jobs, especially in the urban confines.

It doesn’t carry much in terms of comfort and convenience features, but at least the front seats recline fully. Also, it comes equipped not only with a stability control system, but with a collision avoidance package as standard. The Bongo Brawny features forward collision warning with automatic braking, automatic high beam, and lane departure warning.