Safety upgrade for popular Hiace

A reversing camera is one of the upgrades announced by Toyota NZ. Photo / Bevan Conley

Toyota New Zealand has announced improved safety and convenience features for the number one selling van, the Hiace.

It was recently upgraded to achieve four stars in ANCAP safety testing, and is now even safer due to a reversing camera being added for all models, and a front passenger's airbag now standard across the range.

Toyota NZ general manager of sales Steve Prangnell says: "Hiace is driven every day in towns and cities across New Zealand. To help ensure the safety of pedestrians and to make it easier for drivers to manoeuvre safely in tight spaces, we've installed a reversing camera on every model of Hiace sold here."

The 3.3-inch reversing camera display for Hiace is located within a new electrochromatic auto dimming inside rear view mirror. The auto dimming mirror design further improves safety by reducing glare from the headlights of following drivers.

"Driver and passenger front airbags are also now standard, enhancing peace of mind for drivers who carry passengers as well as cargo," says Prangnell.

All Hiace models have an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA). The introduction of a steering column pad from late 2011 production improved driver's knee protection and allowed Hiace to achieve four stars in ANCAP testing.

The short wheelbase Hiace ZL is available with a 2.7-litre petrol engine or 3.0-litre turbo diesel, and the choice of manual or automatic transmission. The longer wheelbase ZX and Minibus are available exclusively in diesel with manual or automatic transmission. The Hiace Minibus seats 12 people.

Recommended retail prices for the ZL and ZX versions have increased by only $850 to reflect the addition of the reversing camera, front passenger's airbag and power windows.

Hiace ZL has a recommended retail price range of $47,040 to $52,940. The ZX with manual transmission is priced at $56,540, while the automatic version is $58,540. Minibus versions have been repositioned, with a $4600 recommended retail price reduction. The manual transmission version is now $65,190 and the automatic $67,490.