Review: Toyota Mk.5-I HiAce Commuter (2005-10)
Overview
Released in March 2005, the Toyota Mk.5 Series I (Mk.5-I) HiAce Commuter was a fourteen (14) seat bus with lap-sash seatbelts for all seating positions. The Toyota HiAce Commuter was initially available with either an intercooled 2.5-litre turbo-diesel or 2.7-litre petrol engine, both mated to a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. Furthermore, the 2.7-litre petrol engine was fitted with hardened valves and valve seats to enable LPG conversion and Toyota offered a factory-developed vapour-injection LPG conversion service. Inside, HiAce Commuter models with automatic transmissions had a dashboard-mounted gear lever with a gated shift pattern.
In October 2006, the 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine was replaced by a 3.0-litre direct-injection unit which complied with Euro IV emissions standards; the 2.7-litre petrol engine was also upgraded to meet these standards.
| Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5-litre turbo-diesel I4 (2KD-FTV) | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
2005-06 | 80 kW at 3600 rpm | 260 Nm at 1600-2600 rpm |
| 3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 (1KD-FTV) | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
2006-10 | 80 kW at 3000 rpm | 286 Nm at 1200-1600 rpm |
| 2.7-litre petrol I4 (2TR-FE) | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
2005-10 | 111 kW at 4800 rpm | 241 Nm at 3800 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the HiAce Commuter included dual front airbags and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Features
Standard features for the HiAce Commuter included a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, power mirrors and a tilt adjustable steering wheel.
October 2006 and October 2007 HiAce updates
From October 2006, the HiAce Commuter was fitted with an immobiliser, illuminated ignition key lock, front passenger seat slide adjustment, a centre console, front mud flaps, rear under-mirror and fabric and vinyl-covered sun visors.
From October 2007, remote central locking was fitted as standard.
Related links
- Press Kit: Toyota Mk.5 HiAce Van and Commuter (March 2005)
- Press Release: Toyota Mk.5-I HiAce Van and Commuter engine upgrade (November 2006)
- Press Release: Toyota Mk.5-I HiAce Van and Commuter upgrades (October 2007)
Review: Toyota Mk.5-II HiAce Commuter (2010-14)
Overview
Released in October 2010, the Mk.5 Series II (Mk.5-II) HiAce Commuter introduced improved safety equipment and the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine was upgraded for greater power and improved fuel economy.
Visually, the post-October 2010 HiAce could be identified by its new front mask with revised headlights, grilles and front bumpers. Inside, there were revised instrument dials, the interior trim colour was changed from grey to dark grey and the shift-lever bezel as updated for models with automatic transmissions.
| Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 (1KD-FTV) | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
2010-14 | 100 kW at 3400 rpm | 300 Nm at 1200-2400 rpm |
| 2.7-litre petrol I4 (2TR-FE) | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
2010-14 | 111 kW at 4800 rpm | 241 Nm at 3800 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to its Mk.5-I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Mk.5-II HiAce Commuter was extended to include ABS and brake assist.
Features
From May 2012 production, the HiAce Commuter was fitted with a reversing camera with a 3.3-inch image displayed in the electrochromatic rear view mirror.
Brochures
- Brochure: Toyota Mk.5-II HiAce Van and Commuter (November 2010)
- Brochure: Toyota Mk.5-II HiAce (August 2012)
Review: Toyota Mk.5-III HiAce Commuter (2014-19)
Overview
Released in March 2014, the Mk.5 Series III (Mk.5-III) Hiace Commuter could be identified by its redesigned headlights with daytime running lights, trapezoidal radiator grille with larger openings and reshaped front bumper with sharper edges. Inside, the Mk.5-III HiAce Commuter introduced a bucket seat for the front passenger (previously a bench seat) and a new centre console box between the front seats.
March 2015 update
In March 2015, the 2.7-litre petrol engine was upgraded and offered with a six-speed AC60E automatic transmission which had a direct-drive fourth gear and overdrive fifth and sixth gears. As a no-cost option, the HiAce Commuters with the petrol engine and automatic transmission could be specified with twelve seats so that they could be driven on a standard licence.
| Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7-litre petrol I4 (2TR-FE) | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
2014-15 | 111 kW at 4800 rpm | 241 Nm at 3800 rpm |
| 5sp man. | 2015-16 | 118 kW at 5200 rpm | 243 Nm at 4000 rpm | |
| 6sp auto | 2015-19 | |||
| 3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 (1KD-FTV) | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
2014-19 | 100 kW at 3400 rpm | 300 Nm at 1200-2400 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to its Mk.5-II predecessor, standard safety equipment for the HiAce Commuter was extended to include seatbelt warnings for the front seats.
In March 2015, standard safety equipment was extended to include electronic stability control, while a hill-start assist function was also introduced.
Features
Standard features were extended to include a new four-spoke steering wheel with cruise control and the audio buttons and an LCD multi-information display for the time, ambient temperature and odometer.
For models with automatic transmissions, the instrument cluster included a gearshift indicator and an 'Eco' driving indicator light which encouraged fuel-efficient driving.
Related links
