Barn doors now optional on some Toyota Hiace models

Reacting to customer feedback, Toyota Australia is introducing some specification upgrades for its Hilux and Hiace commercial vehicle ranges, and the Granvia people mover.

Toyota Australia spokesperson Sean Hanley says the latest changes would bring valuable improvements for customers.

The upgrades for the Hilux start with SR extra-cab and double-cab variants, which swap out the existing steel rims for new black 17-inch alloys. Body-coloured door handles replace the existing black handles to give the SR a more premium look says Toyota Australia.

The Hilux SR5 double-cab pick-up grades gain multiple new safety features, including blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and a panoramic view monitor when navigating tight spaces. Puddle lamps have also been added for safer ingress and egress at night, replacing the previous heated exterior mirrors.

All SR5 grades and above see the existing steering column lock replaced with a new ID Box anti-theft immobiliser, which works in tandem with the Hilux’s smart key to provide an extra level of security.

Changes to the Hiace range include the introduction of the new barn door option, that replaces the single tailgate with a pair of vertically split doors, which comes with dual rear wipers fitted on long wheelbase (LWB) models.

Available on all LWB and SLWB variants except for the Hiace Crew, Hiace Commuter and LWB manual van versions, the barn doors open 90 degrees with a soft lock, and can be folded back up to 180 degrees for easy access to the load area.

All Hiace and Granvia grades gain powered lumbar support for the driver’s seat.

The Hilux range offers a choice of 122kW/245Nm 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine or 110kW/400Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine for Workmate variants.

All the Hilux SR and SR5 grades continue to be powered by a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 150kW at 3400rpm and up to 500Nm from 1600-2800rpm on automatic models.

The Hiace and Granvia ranges are also powered by the same 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, tuned to produce 130kW at 3400rpm and 450Nm from 1600-2400rpm. HiAce Commuter grades produce 120kW/420Nm.