By Manny N. de los Reyes

THE TOYOTA ALPHARD better start looking over its shoulders. There’s a new kid on the block and it’s eyeing the same audience that the highly in-demand Alphard commands.

Fortunately for the Alphard’s maker, it comes from the same family. Yes, Toyota now has a people-mover that has most of the Alphard’s luxurious amenities, yet tops those off with a bigger and more spacious interior, a vastly more economical turbo-diesel engine, and a substantially lower price.

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has completed its best-selling Hiace lineup with the introduction of the all-new Super Grandia, which comes in three new variants: the entry-level Fabric, the midrange Leather, and the top-of-the-line Elite.

“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% share in its segment, year-to-date as of July.”

A series of developments on the Hiace’s design, performance, and safety features resulted in a strong and refined exterior while retaining an inviting and comfortable interior to embody grand luxury and omotenashi (hospitality). One glance at the cabin and you’ll see that the Super Grandia promises a stress-free drive for driver and passengers and provides a ride experience and atmosphere that resembles business-class air travel.

Elegant chrome accents add an upscale element to the large front grille, which merges with the defined bi-beam LED headlamps. The rear chrome garnish mirrors the front design and is also complemented by the distinctive shape of the LED rear taillamps. The low center of gravity and wide stance is accentuated by the chrome lining that runs along the side to the bottom of the rear bumper.

The power sliding doors (available for the Elite variant) ushers in passengers to the luxurious cabin. Upon entry, the interior illumination sets a relaxing mood, which can be adjusted to the passenger’s preference. Illumination can be set to blue, amber, or white for the Elite variant. Passengers enjoy luxurious personal space with the captain’s seats that occupy the first and second rows. Quilted leather four-way power adjustable captain’s chairs with retractable legrests replace the first rear row for the Super Grandia Elite. For all variants of the Super Grandia, bench-type seats at the rearmost row can accommodate four 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 — much like in aircraft. Automatic climate control ensures passenger comfort all throughout the drive, with Nano-E air purifying technology for the Elite variant.

Living up to renowned Toyota efficiency, the frugal 174-hp 1GD-FTV 2.8-liter turbo-intercooled diesel engine (with 6-speed automatic transmission) powers the new Super Grandia. The McPherson strut front suspension provides car-like handling and stability while the four-link coil spring rear suspension reduces cabin noise, vibration, and harshness, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride even on long drives.

The Hiace Super Grandia is equipped with advanced safety features, giving peace of mind and confidence for both the driver and passenger. 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, nine SRS air bags (driver, front passenger, driver knee, front side, and curtain shield), and Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) 3-point seatbelts for the driver and all passengers.

The Super Grandia Elite is the first model in Toyota Motor Philippines’ vehicle lineup which boasts Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). TSS incorporates advanced 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 will be available in Toyota dealerships nationwide starting today, August 26, in the following variants, prices, and colors:

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