Motoring Today Column

Aug 28, 2019

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has done it again. Last week, TMP surprised the market with an all-new model that drives the status of the otherwise practical van into the luxury vehicle segment.

When the all-new Hiace Super Grandia made its entrance in the classic style that TMP is known for at the Makati Diamond Residences for the press conference and display at Greenbelt 5 Fashion Walk, the reaction was just one big WOW.

As in the tradition of the number one automotive company in the Philippines, Toyota officials were all there to present the latest addition to their vehicle line-up.

Well-known motoring journalist colleagues were also there to welcome the new Super Grandia. There are now so many journalists in the motoring beat, showing the significance of the automotive industry to the economy.

What puts this new vehicle in this history of Philippine motoring is the fact that its top of the line variant, the Elite, is the first variant in TMP's official vehicle lineup which features Toyota Safety Sense (TSS).

TSS incorporates active safety features which identify factors that may cause accidents and aid the driver in eliminating these factors.

Features for this variant include the Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA),Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Automatic High Beam (AHB).

The Hiace Super Grandia, which has cornered a 54.6 percent share in the segment, has become a symbol of comfort especially to those who prefer the larger space of a van. For a van has become the practical vehicle of choice not only for road trips, but for who have a mobile lifestyle, work does not stop while on the road.

The Grandia is available in three variants,Super Grandia Fabric,Super Grandia Leather and Super Grandia Elite.

For the Elite variant, you are welcomed into the cabin by a power sliding door which also illuminates the interior. Passengers can choose the mood in the cabin! Illumination can be set to blue, amber, or white for the Elite variant.

Attention to the details that will enhance comport and personal space has been given up to the passengers at the rear. 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-Eâ„¢ air purifying technology for the Elite variant.

Captain seats occupy the first and second row. And in the Super Grandia Elite, quilted leather four-way power adjust captain seats with ottoman have replace the first rear row.

For other variants of the Super Grandia, bench type space up seats at the farthest row can accommodate up to four more passengers.

Under the hood, the Super Grandia is powered by a fuel-efficient 1GD-FTV 2.8 Diesel A/T engine, with 2,755cc displacement, 174 horsepower, intercooler system, and EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation).

All Super Grandia variants have Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Control with Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist, Clearance and Back Sonars, Back Monitor, 9 SRS airbags (driver, front passenger, driver knee, front side, and curtain shield), and Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) 3-point seatbelts for the driver and all passengers.

On the road, the Super Grandia will command a royal presence with the chrome accents that add elegance to the large front grille which merges with the defined bi-beam LED head lamps.

That design is mirrored at the rear by the chrome garnish which is complemented by the distinctive shape of the LED rear combination lamps.

The Hiace Super Grandia will be available in Toyota dealerships nationwide starting early this week, on August 26, starting at Php2,420,000. The top of the line Elite variant two-tone in Luxury Pearl toning is priced at Pph2,890,000.

Happy Motoring!!!

For comments & inquiries:

(email) sunshine.television@yahoo.com

(website) www.motoringtoday.ph