By Steve & Tamami Laser
Toyota offers a wide array of vans in Japan to meet the needs of different customers. The latest addition to the lineup is called GranAce, a luxury passenger van scheduled to commence retail sales next month.
GranAce made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show (above) in October. The new van is already on sale in Australia, where it’s called Granvia. Both models are built in Japan at the Toyota Auto Body plant in Inabe.
Targeting high-end hospitality service, executive transport, and families, GranAce is a large (for Japan) luxury van with premium seating and amenities. We envision GranAce being used as a shuttle for five-star hotels, corporate executives, and families who want to travel first-class wherever they go.
GranAce is based on the new Toyota HiAce platform, which is built in Japan for export but not sold there (the forward-control HiAce remains in production). With its new “semi-bonnet” design, the engine is no longer mounted atop the front axle. MacPherson strut front and trailing-link rear suspension contribute to a smooth ride.
The rear-drive GranAce is powered by a 1GD-FTV 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine with direct injection teamed with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Two models are available: GranAce Premium features three-row six-passenger seating, while GranAce G has four rows with seating for eight.
Outside, GranAce presents an upscale appearance with design details including metallic accents, LED headlights and daytime running lights, lower body cladding, LED rear combination lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the look of luxury continues with metallic and wood-grain accents, while the dash is trimmed with leather and genuine stitching. Standard features include a Welcome Power Slide Door, Smart Entry and Push-button Start, and color LED side cabin lighting.
Passengers are treated to executive-style seating. In the Premium model, sliding rear seats include power reclining, power ottoman, and heated functions. In the G model, fourth-row seats feature a power tip-up function for added flexibility when transporting cargo.
Display Audio with Data Communication Module (DCM) is standard, along with SmartDeviceLink™ compatible TC Smartphone Navigation. Toyota says that music and radio apps can be displayed and operated via DA, while Car Navigation enables voice-activated destination-setting, sending and receiving LINE messages, plus music playback. Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ are also available.
GranAce is equipped with the latest Toyota Safety Sense that features a pre-collision system designed to detect pedestrians during the day and night, plus cyclists during the day. Other standards include Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Parking Support Brakes, Rear Cross Traffic Auto Brake, and a digital inside rearview mirror with integrated rear-camera display.
Note: Features, specifications and launch timing for Japan market models is subject to change without notice.
News source and photos (as noted) courtesy of Toyota Motor Corp. Additional photo (as noted) courtesy of Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA)
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