Frontline Toyota Hiace

2021 Frontline HiAce Campervan – Although there is a 6 month wait time to get a new campervan from Frontline, it is well worth the wait. We looked around for over 12 months, seeking a quality 2nd hand campervan but came to the realisation, that it wasn't a big jump up to a new one as demand (and 2nd hand price) has been driven up as a result of the pandemic. We ordered our Toyota HiAce diesel Frontline Adventurer in 3rd quarter 2020 and took delivery just before Xmas. Toyota have got it all together with the latest HiAce, equipping it with the same engine they fit in the Prado and HiLux and with the motor forward of the front axle, easy access between the front seats to the rear of the van is fantastic. The performance is great, plenty of power up the hills and reasonable fuel consumption. The safety features of the new HiAce are extensive, although I must say, the auto-lanekeeper takes some getting used to as the wheel is moved to correct your steering once it senses the edge of the lane (unless the indicator is on). Of course, all the safety features can be turned on or off by the dealer. We opted to pay the extra $1000 to get the GL model and it was well worth it. This van is super comfortable and drives like a car, a real pleasure on the road. As for the Frontline conversion, I couldn't fault the customer service we received. Gordon, who handles sales at the Brookvale, NSW, showroom, knows his product inside-out and will spend any amount of time with you, taking through all the features and new innovations. The fit and finish is superb and after our shakedown run to the Vic border and back (Covid restricted), we couldn't fault the van. It has just been in for a small modification (my request) and once again, great customer service and done on time. Paul C.

Hiace Campers are great! – Got mine as a used vehicle nearly 3 years ago (Current 200 series model) with a Talvor front galley and rear seats/bed configuration (similar to Frontline's setup) and find it superb. Having a side access into the galley area is far better camping arrangement with a side awning. The concept of swivel seats is an impossible configuration for the Hiace due to the engine placement between the driver and passenger however this affords more generous room in the rear than other front-engined vans as well as that extra (and sometimes much needed) third seat up front.

If a Frontline conversion had popped up when I was buying instead of the Talvor then I'd be driving that instead - the quality of their build is equally as impressive.

The 2.7 Litre petrol versions have a very respectable amount of grunt and can give a decent performance when driven hard if needed and the incredibly small turning circle has to be experienced to be believed.