Set to go on sale in that market from March sixth, and not publically debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in October as previously speculated, the H300 HiAce replaces the dated H200 that debuted nearly 15 years ago, and represents a major switch to a semi-bonnet design instead of the trademark cab-over configuration used over the last 52 years.

Said to have been the result of new crash requirements and the need for a more modern range of engines, the HiAce is also longer and wider than before with the Alphard/Vellfire inspired newcomer measuring 5 265mm long in standard roof Commuter Deluxe and GL Grandia guises, together with a wheelbase of 3 210mm, width of 1 950mm and height of 1 990mm. Seating is rated at 15 for the Commuter and 12 for the GL Grandia. A 17-seat Commuter option will also be offered in some markets.

In high-roof, long wheelbase GL Grandia Tourer form, the HiAce comes in at 5 915mm long with a height of 2 280mm and although the width is kept unchanged, the wheelbase grows to 3 860mm with seating for 14.

At the same time, Toyota has revealed the HiAce panel van destined for markets such as Australia, where it will be offered in long and super-long wheelbase guises with seating for two, and a five-seat crew bus based on the former. In Super Long form, Toyota claims a 500kg improvement in towing capacity to 1 900kg, while the fitting of a new leaf-spring rear suspension not only improves ride quality, but expands by 200mm to better the bound stroke by 30mm. A 12-seat Commuter model will also be available Down Under.

It is also new inside where the HiAce receives a redesigned dashboard, touchscreen infotainment system and steering wheel from the Rush (Daihatsu Terios), and while Toyota has not divulged full specification details, it has confirmed that the HiAce, in Australia at least, will come with its Safety Sense P range of systems that will include a reverse camera, up to nine airbags, digital rear-view mirror and Autonomous Emergency Braking in an attempt to obtain a five-star ANCAP rating.

The latest model to ride on the TNGA platform, the HiAce will initially be offered with the same 2.8 GD-6 turbodiesel engine as the Hilux and Fortuner that produces 130kW/420Nm when teamed to the six-speed manual gearbox or 450Nm with the six-speed automatic, though a lower output version with 120kW will be made available in the Philippines.

In certain markets, Toyota will also offer a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine known internally as the 7GR-FKS, which, until now, has been exclusively used in the Chinese market Land Cruiser Prado. For the HiAce, it will continue to produce 206kW/365Nm and have the option of either the manual or automatic ‘box.

At present, it remains unknown as to whether HiAce will make its way to South Africa badged as the next generation Quantum but if it does, expect it to arrive towards the end of 2019.

PHILIPPINE PRICING