It could enter production as early as this year
by Billy Caluag
Making the most of the bigger body
It's interesting that the flat-nose Toyota Hiace is still around, 21 years after it was launched. Yes, that version of the ever popular van has been putting in the work for that long already, even if the newer generation is
Another Modellista special
MRT can stand for a lot of things, but for us Pinoys, it's a train line that runs across EDSA. Over in Japan, particularly for the folks at Toyota, it has a different meaning.Yes, we're featuring yet another special
Getting more love from Modellista
Is there a newfound appreciation for the flatnose Toyota Hiace all of a sudden? While it never faded in popularity, the factory support for this model seems to have spiked.Last time out, we featured GR Parts and Modellista versions of the
Even utility vehicles deserve some zing
In terms of production, the Toyota Hiace is a bit of a curiosity. Aside from the current model, the previous generation is still being produced. Then again, it's from the same company that still builds the 70 Series Land Cruiser alongside
And yes, the ‘new millennium’ was that long ago
For the non-gen-Z members of the Top Gear Philippines team, the year 2000 doesn't sound that long ago. But then our aching backs, receding hairlines, and vitamins and supplements reminded us that 25 years have passed since the new
Yes, there are UV Express liveries available
Gran Turismo proudly calls itself the 'The real driving simulator.' Little did we know that it has also become the 'The real UV Express simulator,' well, sort of.The latest update of Gran Turismo 7 brought a whole host of significant changes
Straight from the factory, too
We don't get to talk about ambulances and patient transport vehicles (PTVs) that much on Top Gear Philippines. Then again, maybe we should give more attention to these hardworking vehicles. After all, the jobs that these vehicles do are extremely vital
A sigh of relief, we suppose
In case you missed it-we'll guess you didn't-Toyota is facing yet another huge problem on a global scale as reoprts of certification irregularities affecting three engines have just come out.There were affected models that are sold here
It’s the longest-running Hiace model to date
What are some of the longest-running production models around? We're not talking about nameplates here. Rather, we're referring to a single generation.Some answers that come to mind are the Y61 Nissan Patrol (since 1999), the Land Cruiser 70
The Hiace is boxy to begin with anyway
Aside from apparel and scale models, there's a whole world of automotive memorabilia and merchandise out there. In the '70s, there were Toyota and Mitsubishi cigarette holders, Nissan's Nismo sold binoculars at some point, and Audi even made a foosball
You won’t notice it from the outside
It's not often that vans get an update. For the most part, these remain almost unchanged for years. If you need proof of that, the cargo version of the Toyota Hiace is soldiering on its 20th year.That said, vans do
Let’s chime in
We get all sorts of inquiries here at Top Gear Philippines. Occasionally, we're asked about car parts and accessories, which at this point no longer comes as a surprise. But more often than not, the questions we receive are about car-
But in a good way
You probably know DAMD for its Suzuki Jimny conversions, but it's rocking up at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon with some vans, too...one of which has been defaced. In quite a good way.The tuning company is showcasing what it
The Thais sure love racing anything
The Toyota Hiace is hugely practical, sensible, and a bit of a no-brainer when it comes to choosing a van. However, one thing it isn't is quick. Besides, why does it have to be fast? Sure, it needs to shuttle
It might be out by 2025
Like it or not, just about every type of vehicle is getting electric power these days. We're not just talking about daily drivers here, but also commercial vehicles. Toyota is well aware of this, which is why it has been doubling
Solid
Can you turn anything into a race car? Well, with enough imagination, resources, and most importantly, budget, the most humdrum of cars can get a bit of motorsports credibility. It's why you see economy hatchbacks take on autocrosses and sedans take
Own one of these?
Vehicle safety has come a long way. It wasn't that long ago when cars didn't have airbags (SRS), anti-lock brakes (ABS), or even rear seatbelts. These days, features such ABS and SRS are standard in just about every car
Looking for a starter car?
Buying a car can be an intimidating experience if you're a newbie motorist. Thankfully, brands are making it easy for customers to bite on a deal with easy payment options.Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), for example, is making plenty of its
by Drei Laurel
Rebadged as the Bongo and Bongo Brawny vans, respectively
The things you find when you go and browse offerings in other markets can be fascinating. We were over at the Mazda website in Japan, and we came across a few very familiar-looking vehicles in its lineup: the Hiace and the
For shipping all across the globe
They look like stormtroopers, although the military analogy is misplaced. Endless ranks, tiers, and rows of Toyotas, each and every one a gleaming, pristine white. But these, although tucked away in a secret underground bunker, are armed only with implacable reliability and
