There aren’t many vans that get us revved up but here at
AutoSpeed we must admit to having a soft spot for the Japanese import Toyota
Hi-Ace Super Custom Limited. We’ve had the pleasure of testing this
commercial-based luxo machine a number of times, see
Van Fan and
Hi-Ace Hankering , but here’s the
model that sets the bar even higher – the ultra versatile 4WD version!
As stated in our previous tests, the Hi-Ace Super
Custom is supremely comfortable and wonderfully adaptable. This is a vehicle
that caters for any situation - you can use it as an everyday run-around, a
family bus, interstate traveller, tow vehicle, camper and with 4WD, you can
venture off the bitumen with confidence.
So exactly what is it we love so much about the
Hi-Ace?
A number of things really...
First. its one-box body design is the ultimate in
terms of interior space; wagons and conventional 4WDs can’t come close. The
one-box design means the Hi-Ace has abundant space for up to seven passengers
(two in the front row, two in the middle and three in the rear) with ample room
to walk around.
In addition to offering plenty of space, the Super Custom
Limited is lavishly trimmed and well equipped. Sure, its brown velour type trim
is far from fashionable but it is seriously comfortable and it’s relatively easy
to hide stains from those weekend fishing trips. (This is the perfect machine
for a leisurely beach fishing holiday.) The second row seat slides fore-aft and
can be swung around to create an opposed seating configuration. Erect a small
table in the middle and you’ve got the perfect lounge area. The rear row of
seats slide fore-aft to create the necessary amount of cargo area and, when
night falls, the seats can be folded to form a large bed. Our test vehicle was
also equipped with electric sliding rear curtains!
The ambience onboard the Super Custom is ultra relaxed thanks
to the triple row of moon roof – the rear two being electrically operated. It’s
features like this that make the climate control, rear HVAC system, wood grain
dash, 3D digital instrumentation and front airbags seem boring. The only
noticeable feature missing are a trip computer, cruise control and electric
seats. Oh, and we were disappointed that our test car didn’t carry the electric
fridge/ice maker, kettle and ‘Joy Talk’ passenger address system which can be
found in other examples...
On the road, the Hi-Ace is nothing remarkable but the addition
of constant 4WD makes it much easier to get the power down around corners.
Conventional RWD models tend to roll and pitch and the inside rear wheel can
lose traction. There’s none of that in the 4WD – just some understeer when you
push it too fast into a corner. The power-assisted steering is slightly vague
but offers adequate response and a surprisingly compact turning circle. Brakes
are ABS controlled ventilated discs at the front and big drums at the rear.
The Hi-Ace’s ride is quite soft and the suspension seems to
offer unlimited travel in normal driving conditions. Of course, it is limited –
just as the ground clearance trails many dedicated off-road 4WDs. Keep this in
mind for any holiday adventures. Drive is constantly apportioned to the front
and rear wheels but there’s no diff lock or low-range gearing to help you when
the going gets really tough – this isn’t meant as a full-blown mud slinger.
Standard tyre size is 215/70 15.
Part of the Hi-Ace’s appeal is its laid back and effortless
torque delivery. Mounted between the front passenger seats is Toyota’s 1KZ-TE
3-litre turbo diesel which puts out 96kW at 3600 rpm and 333Nm at 2000 rpm.
Today, those outputs are pretty tame compared to a common rail direct injection
diesel but it’s perfectly adequate in all foreseeable situations – just don’t
expect to make any last minute passing manoeuvres on the highway. The 1KZ engine
is also a generation behind in terms of NVH – especially at idle.
As far as we’re aware, the Super Custom is equipped
with a standard automatic transmission. This is a four-speed unit with
switchable Power/Economy modes and perfect calibration to suit the engine. The
combination of a 96kW diesel and a 2100kg kerb weight simply wouldn’t work
otherwise.
With countless tradies around the world pedalling a Hi-Ace from
Monday to Friday, the big Toyota has some pretty humble origins. But the Super
Custom Limited is sufficiently dressed up to prevent people calling you into
their home for a job quote. There are 15 inch alloy wheels, a gaudy stripe/decal
package, darkly tinted ‘privacy glass’, a rear reversing mirror and fog lights.
The 4WD model also stands considerably taller than its rear-drive cousin.
So what’s a rig like this worth? Well, Craig Dean from
Melbourne’s Sports and Luxury Cars says a rear-wheel-drive model typically
fetches AUD$20,000 and you can expect to pay around AUD$24,000 for a 4WD example
like this. All have relatively low kilometres are in very good condition.
Sourcing parts for the Super Custom Limited 4WD should be much easier than many
other Japanese imports.
Of course, none of this will matter while trying to prove your
sanity to your friends after telling them of your new purchase. But that’s what
makes this vehicle so great - nobody knows how good they really are...
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