Latest news with #ToyotaHiAce
The Advertiser
07-08-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2025 Toyota HiAce LWB review
Toyota HiAce Pros Toyota HiAce Cons The best-selling mid-size van in Australia needs no introduction – it's a staple in the segment, and it wears an all-too-familiar badge. Note: This is an updated version of a review first published in July 2024, as there have been no major changes to specifications since publication, save for some minor price adjustments. We have updated key details, such as pricing, with the most up-to-date information available. You can read the original version of this review here. The Toyota HiAce has existed for a very long time, though this barn door version of the popular commercial van has made its return after an absence of nearly 20 years. It's a welcome addition, bringing extra usability to the already versatile Toyota van range. On test here is the Toyota HiAce LWB Barn Door Panel Van, which has barely changed at all for 2025. It still has its turbo-diesel powertrain and is available in any colour you want, so long as it's French Vanilla. It's a tried and tested formula, and Toyota has rightfully stuck by its guns once again. You know what they say – if it ain't broke… The HiAce van is available with a choice of either a single top-hinged tailgate or a pair of vertically split barn doors, for an extra $750. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool It's a commercial van with sizeable proportions, and the inside reflects what it says on the tin. Sure, the cargo hold is a bit bare on account of the metal floor and wooden wall panels, but just look at how much space you get – 6.2 cubic metres of usable capacity. The lack of any upholstery or trim means you don't have to worry about damaging the interior when loading and unloading the HiAce, but that's not to say you can't opt for anything more if you need it. Owners will no doubt be diving through the accessory catalogue to kit out the van suit their needs, and Toyota offers a wide range of goodies like an all-weather cargo liner, various cargo barriers, and canvas seat covers. That makes the HiAce a properly versatile pack mule. On the floor of the HiAce are six heavy-duty eyelets located at the front, middle, and back of the cargo area. These can be used as tie-down points for things like pallets to stop them sliding into the back of the unprotected seats. To test its cargo capability we loaded up a full-size dirt bike for a weekend ride and secured it using the eyelets, which the van handled with ease. It's rated for a 1075kg payload, so the 103kg bike was never going to be an issue. The wide load floor means you'd definitely be able to fit one or two more bikes with a bit of creative arranging, but the extra space we had in our test allowed us to throw in a large gear bag, tools, and extra equipment with plenty of room to spare. It's worth noting there wasn't a huge amount of space between the ceiling and the bike's handlebars, so it was necessary to duck down when loading and unloading. Once it was in, there were no fitment issues to speak of. The inclusion of barn doors on our tester definitely made the process easier, as access is excellent when they're open to their full 180-degree wingspan. They'll happily hold themselves open at 180 degrees, but if you only need them open halfway you'll have to engage a manual strut on each door. The struts are sturdy, and they reside neatly clipped into the back of each door when not in use. If you need to access the van from either side, there are full-height sliding doors included across the range. There are side steps incorporated behind each door, though they eat into floor space at the front of the cargo area. Climbing into the front of the HiAce reveals a driving area that is nicer than you might expect. In fact, if you didn't look over your shoulder you might be forgiven for thinking you were in something like a less-equipped version of a late-2000s Prado. In keeping with the van's utilitarian construction the cabin is a bit bare, but the cloth seats are comfortable, there's loads of room all around, and it's decked out in durable hard plastic with protective rubber floor mats to boot. Much like a late-2000s Prado you get a climate control system that's easily operated by buttons and dials, along with a range of physical controls for the infotainment system and the few driver assist features. There are multiple button blanks scattered around in this spec of HiAce, but they don't stand out. The only two screens are for infotainment and vehicle information, the latter of which is placed between two analogue gauges on the instrument cluster. It displays menus which can be scrolled through using buttons on the steering wheel. The only real downside in here (and it's a small one) is the infotainment system, which is showing its age. It's still more than functional for the average HiAce owner, and the inclusion of built-in satellite navigation is a nice touch. At least with age comes plenty of time to sort bugs, and the whole system worked flawlessly during our week with the car. Elsewhere, there are practical storage options like a large glovebox and centre console bin, and five cupholders all up – three on the dashboard and two on the back of the centre console. There are also two large, flat surfaces in the middle of the cabin, which are perfect for storing paperwork and devices for quick access on the move. It's all laid out logically and makes sense in the context of a work van. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The HiAce is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel. Most of the range is fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission, while a six-speed manual is available for only the cheapest variant. Our tested fuel economy was more than 2.0 litres per 100km worse than Toyota's claim, even with primarily highway driving over the course of our week with the van. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Our tester was a bog-standard HiAce with no accessories, so it was a bit like driving around in an empty oil barrel. While spacious, the cavernous cargo area with its metal floor, metal walls, and wood panelling is echoey on the move and allows road and driveline noise to make its way inside. Realistically though, it'd be unreasonable to expect this van to be any other way. It's built for a purpose, and it serves that purpose very well exactly the way it is. The on-road experience has even been improved over previous generations, which used to seat occupants on top of the loud engine compartment. That's not the case anymore, as the engine has been moved forward and out of the cabin area underneath a short bonnet. That bonnet also means the HiAce is now safer than it's ever been, as there's more metal between your knees and whatever you might hit. It does come at the expense of front visibility in tight spaces, but I'd argue that's of negligible impact if it means you're more likely to walk away from an accident. Sideways visibility is compromised in this spec of HiAce, as a lack of windows on the sliding doors means you can't see anything over your shoulder if you want to do a head-check. It does come with blind-spot monitoring as standard, but it can be a little unnerving to rely solely on that function when switching lanes on the freeway. Rear windows are included on Crew Van and Commuter variants, though they're geared towards transporting passengers in contrast to the standard LWB van's cargo focus. Without all the interior gear and extra glass, our tester is one of the lightest variants of the whole HiAce range. That means its turbo-diesel engine has no issues getting up to speed. It produces plenty of torque low in the rev range, and doesn't complain if you need to set off in a rush. Give it some throttle at a standstill and you'll notice how it picks up speed effortlessly, especially unladen. Even with a load, it certainly doesn't hang around as it muscles its way through the rev range. The HiAce shares its turbo-diesel engine with the HiLux ute, but it gains a convenient engine stop/start function that helps to save fuel if you're spending a lot of time at a standstill. If you don't want to bother with that, there's a button beneath the climate controls to switch it off. Motoring along in the HiAce proves to be a comfortable experience, as the engine and transmission combination is buttery smooth for a commercial van. The six-speed gearbox means you'll have plenty to work with at low speed, while it allows the engine to tick along at low revs on the highway – both saving fuel and minimising the diesel chatter entering in the cabin. Its long wheelbase and wide stance makes it feel planted on the road, which along with the solid and direct steering makes it easy to drive. If you're used to a normal passenger car, it won't take you long to feel comfortable behind the wheel of the HiAce. In addition to the blind-spot monitoring function, it includes large side mirrors and rear windows on its barn doors for added visibility. Though it lacks adaptive cruise control, the standard cruise function makes it a breeze to chug along on the highway. It's no question the HiAce is a big vehicle given it's nearly two metres wide, but it rarely feels like it's too big. There's a lane-keep assist system to catch you if you drift out of your lane, though instead of gently steering you back on track it'll grab your attention by applying the brakes. It's not the end of the world but it will catch you out, especially if you're on a narrower regional road and need to avoid something like a pothole. To top it all off the HiAce is surprisingly manoeuvrable, with light steering at low speed and that high seating position making it easy to place in tight spaces. It has a solid turning circle too, and the reversing camera makes it easy to back into a parking spot or up to a trailer. All in all it's about as fit for the job as anyone could ever ask it to be. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool All HiAce models seat two occupants, except the Crew Van which seats five and the Commuter which seats 12. While opting for the barn doors comes at a premium, you do get improved access to the HiAce's cargo hold and a rear wiper for each door on LWB models. 2025 Toyota HiAce equipment highlights: To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The HiAce wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2019. It also achieved a Gold collision avoidance rating (77 per cent) as part of ANCAP's commercial van safety comparison in 2020. Standard safety equipment includes: Most of the HiAce range, including our tester, has seven airbags. The exceptions are the LWB Crew Van, which has nine, and the Commuter, which has three. The range received Toyota Connected Services in 2022, which includes 24/7 Emergency Call Centre function that relays the vehicle's location in the event of a collision. That function will activate if the vehicle is involved in a collision "that requires intervention", or if an airbag deploys. Alternatively, it can be triggered manually via an SOS button located on the cabin's ceiling. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool As with the wider Toyota range, the HiAce is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. That warranty extends to seven years on the drivetrain if you service your HiAce on time and within the Toyota dealer network. Capped-price servicing is offered for the for six services, which are required every six months or 10,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Those service intervals might be a touch short for people who might rely the HiAce for work purposes, but at least they're kept easy on the wallet at $310 each. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Unsurprisingly for the omnipresent Toyota brand, its HiAce is an excellent choice for a commercial work van. There are loads of different variants and body configurations to suit your individual needs, and if that isn't enough there's plenty of personalisation to be done via the accessory catalogues. Even without extra bits and bobs added, on the HiAce does a good job keeping the driver comfortable while keeping plenty of space for all sorts of cargo in the back. It might be a bit bare in this trim level, but there's no questioning its practicality. The option of barn doors is an added bonus. If you're going to be utilising loading docks or lifting in cargo with a forklift it's the obvious choice for ease of access. The barn door HiAce works especially well in its specific Panel Van variant too, as you don't have to worry about damaging the interior during commercial use. The beauty of the HiAce lineup is its sheer scope of applications, as there's almost always going to be an option that'll suit you and your needs. Combined with the very capable range-standard turbo-diesel engine, Toyota's van staple will almost certainly have you covered in one way or another. A benefit would definitely be an upgraded infotainment system, and it could also do with longer service intervals, as less time spent at the dealer means less work disruptions. Regardless, if you're in the market for a capable delivery van, the HiAce should still be near the top of your shopping list. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Toyota HiAce. Click here to get a great dealMORE: Explore the Toyota HiAce showroom Content originally sourced from: HiAce Pros Toyota HiAce Cons The best-selling mid-size van in Australia needs no introduction – it's a staple in the segment, and it wears an all-too-familiar badge. Note: This is an updated version of a review first published in July 2024, as there have been no major changes to specifications since publication, save for some minor price adjustments. We have updated key details, such as pricing, with the most up-to-date information available. You can read the original version of this review here. The Toyota HiAce has existed for a very long time, though this barn door version of the popular commercial van has made its return after an absence of nearly 20 years. It's a welcome addition, bringing extra usability to the already versatile Toyota van range. On test here is the Toyota HiAce LWB Barn Door Panel Van, which has barely changed at all for 2025. It still has its turbo-diesel powertrain and is available in any colour you want, so long as it's French Vanilla. It's a tried and tested formula, and Toyota has rightfully stuck by its guns once again. You know what they say – if it ain't broke… The HiAce van is available with a choice of either a single top-hinged tailgate or a pair of vertically split barn doors, for an extra $750. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool It's a commercial van with sizeable proportions, and the inside reflects what it says on the tin. Sure, the cargo hold is a bit bare on account of the metal floor and wooden wall panels, but just look at how much space you get – 6.2 cubic metres of usable capacity. The lack of any upholstery or trim means you don't have to worry about damaging the interior when loading and unloading the HiAce, but that's not to say you can't opt for anything more if you need it. Owners will no doubt be diving through the accessory catalogue to kit out the van suit their needs, and Toyota offers a wide range of goodies like an all-weather cargo liner, various cargo barriers, and canvas seat covers. That makes the HiAce a properly versatile pack mule. On the floor of the HiAce are six heavy-duty eyelets located at the front, middle, and back of the cargo area. These can be used as tie-down points for things like pallets to stop them sliding into the back of the unprotected seats. To test its cargo capability we loaded up a full-size dirt bike for a weekend ride and secured it using the eyelets, which the van handled with ease. It's rated for a 1075kg payload, so the 103kg bike was never going to be an issue. The wide load floor means you'd definitely be able to fit one or two more bikes with a bit of creative arranging, but the extra space we had in our test allowed us to throw in a large gear bag, tools, and extra equipment with plenty of room to spare. It's worth noting there wasn't a huge amount of space between the ceiling and the bike's handlebars, so it was necessary to duck down when loading and unloading. Once it was in, there were no fitment issues to speak of. The inclusion of barn doors on our tester definitely made the process easier, as access is excellent when they're open to their full 180-degree wingspan. They'll happily hold themselves open at 180 degrees, but if you only need them open halfway you'll have to engage a manual strut on each door. The struts are sturdy, and they reside neatly clipped into the back of each door when not in use. If you need to access the van from either side, there are full-height sliding doors included across the range. There are side steps incorporated behind each door, though they eat into floor space at the front of the cargo area. Climbing into the front of the HiAce reveals a driving area that is nicer than you might expect. In fact, if you didn't look over your shoulder you might be forgiven for thinking you were in something like a less-equipped version of a late-2000s Prado. In keeping with the van's utilitarian construction the cabin is a bit bare, but the cloth seats are comfortable, there's loads of room all around, and it's decked out in durable hard plastic with protective rubber floor mats to boot. Much like a late-2000s Prado you get a climate control system that's easily operated by buttons and dials, along with a range of physical controls for the infotainment system and the few driver assist features. There are multiple button blanks scattered around in this spec of HiAce, but they don't stand out. The only two screens are for infotainment and vehicle information, the latter of which is placed between two analogue gauges on the instrument cluster. It displays menus which can be scrolled through using buttons on the steering wheel. The only real downside in here (and it's a small one) is the infotainment system, which is showing its age. It's still more than functional for the average HiAce owner, and the inclusion of built-in satellite navigation is a nice touch. At least with age comes plenty of time to sort bugs, and the whole system worked flawlessly during our week with the car. Elsewhere, there are practical storage options like a large glovebox and centre console bin, and five cupholders all up – three on the dashboard and two on the back of the centre console. There are also two large, flat surfaces in the middle of the cabin, which are perfect for storing paperwork and devices for quick access on the move. It's all laid out logically and makes sense in the context of a work van. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The HiAce is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel. Most of the range is fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission, while a six-speed manual is available for only the cheapest variant. Our tested fuel economy was more than 2.0 litres per 100km worse than Toyota's claim, even with primarily highway driving over the course of our week with the van. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Our tester was a bog-standard HiAce with no accessories, so it was a bit like driving around in an empty oil barrel. While spacious, the cavernous cargo area with its metal floor, metal walls, and wood panelling is echoey on the move and allows road and driveline noise to make its way inside. Realistically though, it'd be unreasonable to expect this van to be any other way. It's built for a purpose, and it serves that purpose very well exactly the way it is. The on-road experience has even been improved over previous generations, which used to seat occupants on top of the loud engine compartment. That's not the case anymore, as the engine has been moved forward and out of the cabin area underneath a short bonnet. That bonnet also means the HiAce is now safer than it's ever been, as there's more metal between your knees and whatever you might hit. It does come at the expense of front visibility in tight spaces, but I'd argue that's of negligible impact if it means you're more likely to walk away from an accident. Sideways visibility is compromised in this spec of HiAce, as a lack of windows on the sliding doors means you can't see anything over your shoulder if you want to do a head-check. It does come with blind-spot monitoring as standard, but it can be a little unnerving to rely solely on that function when switching lanes on the freeway. Rear windows are included on Crew Van and Commuter variants, though they're geared towards transporting passengers in contrast to the standard LWB van's cargo focus. Without all the interior gear and extra glass, our tester is one of the lightest variants of the whole HiAce range. That means its turbo-diesel engine has no issues getting up to speed. It produces plenty of torque low in the rev range, and doesn't complain if you need to set off in a rush. Give it some throttle at a standstill and you'll notice how it picks up speed effortlessly, especially unladen. Even with a load, it certainly doesn't hang around as it muscles its way through the rev range. The HiAce shares its turbo-diesel engine with the HiLux ute, but it gains a convenient engine stop/start function that helps to save fuel if you're spending a lot of time at a standstill. If you don't want to bother with that, there's a button beneath the climate controls to switch it off. Motoring along in the HiAce proves to be a comfortable experience, as the engine and transmission combination is buttery smooth for a commercial van. The six-speed gearbox means you'll have plenty to work with at low speed, while it allows the engine to tick along at low revs on the highway – both saving fuel and minimising the diesel chatter entering in the cabin. Its long wheelbase and wide stance makes it feel planted on the road, which along with the solid and direct steering makes it easy to drive. If you're used to a normal passenger car, it won't take you long to feel comfortable behind the wheel of the HiAce. In addition to the blind-spot monitoring function, it includes large side mirrors and rear windows on its barn doors for added visibility. Though it lacks adaptive cruise control, the standard cruise function makes it a breeze to chug along on the highway. It's no question the HiAce is a big vehicle given it's nearly two metres wide, but it rarely feels like it's too big. There's a lane-keep assist system to catch you if you drift out of your lane, though instead of gently steering you back on track it'll grab your attention by applying the brakes. It's not the end of the world but it will catch you out, especially if you're on a narrower regional road and need to avoid something like a pothole. To top it all off the HiAce is surprisingly manoeuvrable, with light steering at low speed and that high seating position making it easy to place in tight spaces. It has a solid turning circle too, and the reversing camera makes it easy to back into a parking spot or up to a trailer. All in all it's about as fit for the job as anyone could ever ask it to be. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool All HiAce models seat two occupants, except the Crew Van which seats five and the Commuter which seats 12. While opting for the barn doors comes at a premium, you do get improved access to the HiAce's cargo hold and a rear wiper for each door on LWB models. 2025 Toyota HiAce equipment highlights: To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The HiAce wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2019. It also achieved a Gold collision avoidance rating (77 per cent) as part of ANCAP's commercial van safety comparison in 2020. Standard safety equipment includes: Most of the HiAce range, including our tester, has seven airbags. The exceptions are the LWB Crew Van, which has nine, and the Commuter, which has three. The range received Toyota Connected Services in 2022, which includes 24/7 Emergency Call Centre function that relays the vehicle's location in the event of a collision. That function will activate if the vehicle is involved in a collision "that requires intervention", or if an airbag deploys. Alternatively, it can be triggered manually via an SOS button located on the cabin's ceiling. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool As with the wider Toyota range, the HiAce is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. That warranty extends to seven years on the drivetrain if you service your HiAce on time and within the Toyota dealer network. Capped-price servicing is offered for the for six services, which are required every six months or 10,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Those service intervals might be a touch short for people who might rely the HiAce for work purposes, but at least they're kept easy on the wallet at $310 each. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Unsurprisingly for the omnipresent Toyota brand, its HiAce is an excellent choice for a commercial work van. There are loads of different variants and body configurations to suit your individual needs, and if that isn't enough there's plenty of personalisation to be done via the accessory catalogues. Even without extra bits and bobs added, on the HiAce does a good job keeping the driver comfortable while keeping plenty of space for all sorts of cargo in the back. It might be a bit bare in this trim level, but there's no questioning its practicality. The option of barn doors is an added bonus. If you're going to be utilising loading docks or lifting in cargo with a forklift it's the obvious choice for ease of access. The barn door HiAce works especially well in its specific Panel Van variant too, as you don't have to worry about damaging the interior during commercial use. The beauty of the HiAce lineup is its sheer scope of applications, as there's almost always going to be an option that'll suit you and your needs. Combined with the very capable range-standard turbo-diesel engine, Toyota's van staple will almost certainly have you covered in one way or another. A benefit would definitely be an upgraded infotainment system, and it could also do with longer service intervals, as less time spent at the dealer means less work disruptions. Regardless, if you're in the market for a capable delivery van, the HiAce should still be near the top of your shopping list. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Toyota HiAce. Click here to get a great dealMORE: Explore the Toyota HiAce showroom Content originally sourced from: HiAce Pros Toyota HiAce Cons The best-selling mid-size van in Australia needs no introduction – it's a staple in the segment, and it wears an all-too-familiar badge. Note: This is an updated version of a review first published in July 2024, as there have been no major changes to specifications since publication, save for some minor price adjustments. We have updated key details, such as pricing, with the most up-to-date information available. You can read the original version of this review here. The Toyota HiAce has existed for a very long time, though this barn door version of the popular commercial van has made its return after an absence of nearly 20 years. It's a welcome addition, bringing extra usability to the already versatile Toyota van range. On test here is the Toyota HiAce LWB Barn Door Panel Van, which has barely changed at all for 2025. It still has its turbo-diesel powertrain and is available in any colour you want, so long as it's French Vanilla. It's a tried and tested formula, and Toyota has rightfully stuck by its guns once again. You know what they say – if it ain't broke… The HiAce van is available with a choice of either a single top-hinged tailgate or a pair of vertically split barn doors, for an extra $750. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool It's a commercial van with sizeable proportions, and the inside reflects what it says on the tin. Sure, the cargo hold is a bit bare on account of the metal floor and wooden wall panels, but just look at how much space you get – 6.2 cubic metres of usable capacity. The lack of any upholstery or trim means you don't have to worry about damaging the interior when loading and unloading the HiAce, but that's not to say you can't opt for anything more if you need it. Owners will no doubt be diving through the accessory catalogue to kit out the van suit their needs, and Toyota offers a wide range of goodies like an all-weather cargo liner, various cargo barriers, and canvas seat covers. That makes the HiAce a properly versatile pack mule. On the floor of the HiAce are six heavy-duty eyelets located at the front, middle, and back of the cargo area. These can be used as tie-down points for things like pallets to stop them sliding into the back of the unprotected seats. To test its cargo capability we loaded up a full-size dirt bike for a weekend ride and secured it using the eyelets, which the van handled with ease. It's rated for a 1075kg payload, so the 103kg bike was never going to be an issue. The wide load floor means you'd definitely be able to fit one or two more bikes with a bit of creative arranging, but the extra space we had in our test allowed us to throw in a large gear bag, tools, and extra equipment with plenty of room to spare. It's worth noting there wasn't a huge amount of space between the ceiling and the bike's handlebars, so it was necessary to duck down when loading and unloading. Once it was in, there were no fitment issues to speak of. The inclusion of barn doors on our tester definitely made the process easier, as access is excellent when they're open to their full 180-degree wingspan. They'll happily hold themselves open at 180 degrees, but if you only need them open halfway you'll have to engage a manual strut on each door. The struts are sturdy, and they reside neatly clipped into the back of each door when not in use. If you need to access the van from either side, there are full-height sliding doors included across the range. There are side steps incorporated behind each door, though they eat into floor space at the front of the cargo area. Climbing into the front of the HiAce reveals a driving area that is nicer than you might expect. In fact, if you didn't look over your shoulder you might be forgiven for thinking you were in something like a less-equipped version of a late-2000s Prado. In keeping with the van's utilitarian construction the cabin is a bit bare, but the cloth seats are comfortable, there's loads of room all around, and it's decked out in durable hard plastic with protective rubber floor mats to boot. Much like a late-2000s Prado you get a climate control system that's easily operated by buttons and dials, along with a range of physical controls for the infotainment system and the few driver assist features. There are multiple button blanks scattered around in this spec of HiAce, but they don't stand out. The only two screens are for infotainment and vehicle information, the latter of which is placed between two analogue gauges on the instrument cluster. It displays menus which can be scrolled through using buttons on the steering wheel. The only real downside in here (and it's a small one) is the infotainment system, which is showing its age. It's still more than functional for the average HiAce owner, and the inclusion of built-in satellite navigation is a nice touch. At least with age comes plenty of time to sort bugs, and the whole system worked flawlessly during our week with the car. Elsewhere, there are practical storage options like a large glovebox and centre console bin, and five cupholders all up – three on the dashboard and two on the back of the centre console. There are also two large, flat surfaces in the middle of the cabin, which are perfect for storing paperwork and devices for quick access on the move. It's all laid out logically and makes sense in the context of a work van. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The HiAce is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel. Most of the range is fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission, while a six-speed manual is available for only the cheapest variant. Our tested fuel economy was more than 2.0 litres per 100km worse than Toyota's claim, even with primarily highway driving over the course of our week with the van. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Our tester was a bog-standard HiAce with no accessories, so it was a bit like driving around in an empty oil barrel. While spacious, the cavernous cargo area with its metal floor, metal walls, and wood panelling is echoey on the move and allows road and driveline noise to make its way inside. Realistically though, it'd be unreasonable to expect this van to be any other way. It's built for a purpose, and it serves that purpose very well exactly the way it is. The on-road experience has even been improved over previous generations, which used to seat occupants on top of the loud engine compartment. That's not the case anymore, as the engine has been moved forward and out of the cabin area underneath a short bonnet. That bonnet also means the HiAce is now safer than it's ever been, as there's more metal between your knees and whatever you might hit. It does come at the expense of front visibility in tight spaces, but I'd argue that's of negligible impact if it means you're more likely to walk away from an accident. Sideways visibility is compromised in this spec of HiAce, as a lack of windows on the sliding doors means you can't see anything over your shoulder if you want to do a head-check. It does come with blind-spot monitoring as standard, but it can be a little unnerving to rely solely on that function when switching lanes on the freeway. Rear windows are included on Crew Van and Commuter variants, though they're geared towards transporting passengers in contrast to the standard LWB van's cargo focus. Without all the interior gear and extra glass, our tester is one of the lightest variants of the whole HiAce range. That means its turbo-diesel engine has no issues getting up to speed. It produces plenty of torque low in the rev range, and doesn't complain if you need to set off in a rush. Give it some throttle at a standstill and you'll notice how it picks up speed effortlessly, especially unladen. Even with a load, it certainly doesn't hang around as it muscles its way through the rev range. The HiAce shares its turbo-diesel engine with the HiLux ute, but it gains a convenient engine stop/start function that helps to save fuel if you're spending a lot of time at a standstill. If you don't want to bother with that, there's a button beneath the climate controls to switch it off. Motoring along in the HiAce proves to be a comfortable experience, as the engine and transmission combination is buttery smooth for a commercial van. The six-speed gearbox means you'll have plenty to work with at low speed, while it allows the engine to tick along at low revs on the highway – both saving fuel and minimising the diesel chatter entering in the cabin. Its long wheelbase and wide stance makes it feel planted on the road, which along with the solid and direct steering makes it easy to drive. If you're used to a normal passenger car, it won't take you long to feel comfortable behind the wheel of the HiAce. In addition to the blind-spot monitoring function, it includes large side mirrors and rear windows on its barn doors for added visibility. Though it lacks adaptive cruise control, the standard cruise function makes it a breeze to chug along on the highway. It's no question the HiAce is a big vehicle given it's nearly two metres wide, but it rarely feels like it's too big. There's a lane-keep assist system to catch you if you drift out of your lane, though instead of gently steering you back on track it'll grab your attention by applying the brakes. It's not the end of the world but it will catch you out, especially if you're on a narrower regional road and need to avoid something like a pothole. To top it all off the HiAce is surprisingly manoeuvrable, with light steering at low speed and that high seating position making it easy to place in tight spaces. It has a solid turning circle too, and the reversing camera makes it easy to back into a parking spot or up to a trailer. All in all it's about as fit for the job as anyone could ever ask it to be. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool All HiAce models seat two occupants, except the Crew Van which seats five and the Commuter which seats 12. While opting for the barn doors comes at a premium, you do get improved access to the HiAce's cargo hold and a rear wiper for each door on LWB models. 2025 Toyota HiAce equipment highlights: To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The HiAce wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2019. It also achieved a Gold collision avoidance rating (77 per cent) as part of ANCAP's commercial van safety comparison in 2020. Standard safety equipment includes: Most of the HiAce range, including our tester, has seven airbags. The exceptions are the LWB Crew Van, which has nine, and the Commuter, which has three. The range received Toyota Connected Services in 2022, which includes 24/7 Emergency Call Centre function that relays the vehicle's location in the event of a collision. That function will activate if the vehicle is involved in a collision "that requires intervention", or if an airbag deploys. Alternatively, it can be triggered manually via an SOS button located on the cabin's ceiling. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool As with the wider Toyota range, the HiAce is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. That warranty extends to seven years on the drivetrain if you service your HiAce on time and within the Toyota dealer network. Capped-price servicing is offered for the for six services, which are required every six months or 10,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Those service intervals might be a touch short for people who might rely the HiAce for work purposes, but at least they're kept easy on the wallet at $310 each. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Unsurprisingly for the omnipresent Toyota brand, its HiAce is an excellent choice for a commercial work van. There are loads of different variants and body configurations to suit your individual needs, and if that isn't enough there's plenty of personalisation to be done via the accessory catalogues. Even without extra bits and bobs added, on the HiAce does a good job keeping the driver comfortable while keeping plenty of space for all sorts of cargo in the back. It might be a bit bare in this trim level, but there's no questioning its practicality. The option of barn doors is an added bonus. If you're going to be utilising loading docks or lifting in cargo with a forklift it's the obvious choice for ease of access. The barn door HiAce works especially well in its specific Panel Van variant too, as you don't have to worry about damaging the interior during commercial use. The beauty of the HiAce lineup is its sheer scope of applications, as there's almost always going to be an option that'll suit you and your needs. Combined with the very capable range-standard turbo-diesel engine, Toyota's van staple will almost certainly have you covered in one way or another. A benefit would definitely be an upgraded infotainment system, and it could also do with longer service intervals, as less time spent at the dealer means less work disruptions. Regardless, if you're in the market for a capable delivery van, the HiAce should still be near the top of your shopping list. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Toyota HiAce. Click here to get a great dealMORE: Explore the Toyota HiAce showroom Content originally sourced from: HiAce Pros Toyota HiAce Cons The best-selling mid-size van in Australia needs no introduction – it's a staple in the segment, and it wears an all-too-familiar badge. Note: This is an updated version of a review first published in July 2024, as there have been no major changes to specifications since publication, save for some minor price adjustments. We have updated key details, such as pricing, with the most up-to-date information available. You can read the original version of this review here. The Toyota HiAce has existed for a very long time, though this barn door version of the popular commercial van has made its return after an absence of nearly 20 years. It's a welcome addition, bringing extra usability to the already versatile Toyota van range. On test here is the Toyota HiAce LWB Barn Door Panel Van, which has barely changed at all for 2025. It still has its turbo-diesel powertrain and is available in any colour you want, so long as it's French Vanilla. It's a tried and tested formula, and Toyota has rightfully stuck by its guns once again. You know what they say – if it ain't broke… The HiAce van is available with a choice of either a single top-hinged tailgate or a pair of vertically split barn doors, for an extra $750. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool It's a commercial van with sizeable proportions, and the inside reflects what it says on the tin. Sure, the cargo hold is a bit bare on account of the metal floor and wooden wall panels, but just look at how much space you get – 6.2 cubic metres of usable capacity. The lack of any upholstery or trim means you don't have to worry about damaging the interior when loading and unloading the HiAce, but that's not to say you can't opt for anything more if you need it. Owners will no doubt be diving through the accessory catalogue to kit out the van suit their needs, and Toyota offers a wide range of goodies like an all-weather cargo liner, various cargo barriers, and canvas seat covers. That makes the HiAce a properly versatile pack mule. On the floor of the HiAce are six heavy-duty eyelets located at the front, middle, and back of the cargo area. These can be used as tie-down points for things like pallets to stop them sliding into the back of the unprotected seats. To test its cargo capability we loaded up a full-size dirt bike for a weekend ride and secured it using the eyelets, which the van handled with ease. It's rated for a 1075kg payload, so the 103kg bike was never going to be an issue. The wide load floor means you'd definitely be able to fit one or two more bikes with a bit of creative arranging, but the extra space we had in our test allowed us to throw in a large gear bag, tools, and extra equipment with plenty of room to spare. It's worth noting there wasn't a huge amount of space between the ceiling and the bike's handlebars, so it was necessary to duck down when loading and unloading. Once it was in, there were no fitment issues to speak of. The inclusion of barn doors on our tester definitely made the process easier, as access is excellent when they're open to their full 180-degree wingspan. They'll happily hold themselves open at 180 degrees, but if you only need them open halfway you'll have to engage a manual strut on each door. The struts are sturdy, and they reside neatly clipped into the back of each door when not in use. If you need to access the van from either side, there are full-height sliding doors included across the range. There are side steps incorporated behind each door, though they eat into floor space at the front of the cargo area. Climbing into the front of the HiAce reveals a driving area that is nicer than you might expect. In fact, if you didn't look over your shoulder you might be forgiven for thinking you were in something like a less-equipped version of a late-2000s Prado. In keeping with the van's utilitarian construction the cabin is a bit bare, but the cloth seats are comfortable, there's loads of room all around, and it's decked out in durable hard plastic with protective rubber floor mats to boot. Much like a late-2000s Prado you get a climate control system that's easily operated by buttons and dials, along with a range of physical controls for the infotainment system and the few driver assist features. There are multiple button blanks scattered around in this spec of HiAce, but they don't stand out. The only two screens are for infotainment and vehicle information, the latter of which is placed between two analogue gauges on the instrument cluster. It displays menus which can be scrolled through using buttons on the steering wheel. The only real downside in here (and it's a small one) is the infotainment system, which is showing its age. It's still more than functional for the average HiAce owner, and the inclusion of built-in satellite navigation is a nice touch. At least with age comes plenty of time to sort bugs, and the whole system worked flawlessly during our week with the car. Elsewhere, there are practical storage options like a large glovebox and centre console bin, and five cupholders all up – three on the dashboard and two on the back of the centre console. There are also two large, flat surfaces in the middle of the cabin, which are perfect for storing paperwork and devices for quick access on the move. It's all laid out logically and makes sense in the context of a work van. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The HiAce is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel. Most of the range is fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission, while a six-speed manual is available for only the cheapest variant. Our tested fuel economy was more than 2.0 litres per 100km worse than Toyota's claim, even with primarily highway driving over the course of our week with the van. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Our tester was a bog-standard HiAce with no accessories, so it was a bit like driving around in an empty oil barrel. While spacious, the cavernous cargo area with its metal floor, metal walls, and wood panelling is echoey on the move and allows road and driveline noise to make its way inside. Realistically though, it'd be unreasonable to expect this van to be any other way. It's built for a purpose, and it serves that purpose very well exactly the way it is. The on-road experience has even been improved over previous generations, which used to seat occupants on top of the loud engine compartment. That's not the case anymore, as the engine has been moved forward and out of the cabin area underneath a short bonnet. That bonnet also means the HiAce is now safer than it's ever been, as there's more metal between your knees and whatever you might hit. It does come at the expense of front visibility in tight spaces, but I'd argue that's of negligible impact if it means you're more likely to walk away from an accident. Sideways visibility is compromised in this spec of HiAce, as a lack of windows on the sliding doors means you can't see anything over your shoulder if you want to do a head-check. It does come with blind-spot monitoring as standard, but it can be a little unnerving to rely solely on that function when switching lanes on the freeway. Rear windows are included on Crew Van and Commuter variants, though they're geared towards transporting passengers in contrast to the standard LWB van's cargo focus. Without all the interior gear and extra glass, our tester is one of the lightest variants of the whole HiAce range. That means its turbo-diesel engine has no issues getting up to speed. It produces plenty of torque low in the rev range, and doesn't complain if you need to set off in a rush. Give it some throttle at a standstill and you'll notice how it picks up speed effortlessly, especially unladen. Even with a load, it certainly doesn't hang around as it muscles its way through the rev range. The HiAce shares its turbo-diesel engine with the HiLux ute, but it gains a convenient engine stop/start function that helps to save fuel if you're spending a lot of time at a standstill. If you don't want to bother with that, there's a button beneath the climate controls to switch it off. Motoring along in the HiAce proves to be a comfortable experience, as the engine and transmission combination is buttery smooth for a commercial van. The six-speed gearbox means you'll have plenty to work with at low speed, while it allows the engine to tick along at low revs on the highway – both saving fuel and minimising the diesel chatter entering in the cabin. Its long wheelbase and wide stance makes it feel planted on the road, which along with the solid and direct steering makes it easy to drive. If you're used to a normal passenger car, it won't take you long to feel comfortable behind the wheel of the HiAce. In addition to the blind-spot monitoring function, it includes large side mirrors and rear windows on its barn doors for added visibility. Though it lacks adaptive cruise control, the standard cruise function makes it a breeze to chug along on the highway. It's no question the HiAce is a big vehicle given it's nearly two metres wide, but it rarely feels like it's too big. There's a lane-keep assist system to catch you if you drift out of your lane, though instead of gently steering you back on track it'll grab your attention by applying the brakes. It's not the end of the world but it will catch you out, especially if you're on a narrower regional road and need to avoid something like a pothole. To top it all off the HiAce is surprisingly manoeuvrable, with light steering at low speed and that high seating position making it easy to place in tight spaces. It has a solid turning circle too, and the reversing camera makes it easy to back into a parking spot or up to a trailer. All in all it's about as fit for the job as anyone could ever ask it to be. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool All HiAce models seat two occupants, except the Crew Van which seats five and the Commuter which seats 12. While opting for the barn doors comes at a premium, you do get improved access to the HiAce's cargo hold and a rear wiper for each door on LWB models. 2025 Toyota HiAce equipment highlights: To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The HiAce wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2019. It also achieved a Gold collision avoidance rating (77 per cent) as part of ANCAP's commercial van safety comparison in 2020. Standard safety equipment includes: Most of the HiAce range, including our tester, has seven airbags. The exceptions are the LWB Crew Van, which has nine, and the Commuter, which has three. The range received Toyota Connected Services in 2022, which includes 24/7 Emergency Call Centre function that relays the vehicle's location in the event of a collision. That function will activate if the vehicle is involved in a collision "that requires intervention", or if an airbag deploys. Alternatively, it can be triggered manually via an SOS button located on the cabin's ceiling. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool As with the wider Toyota range, the HiAce is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. That warranty extends to seven years on the drivetrain if you service your HiAce on time and within the Toyota dealer network. Capped-price servicing is offered for the for six services, which are required every six months or 10,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Those service intervals might be a touch short for people who might rely the HiAce for work purposes, but at least they're kept easy on the wallet at $310 each. To see how the HiAce stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Unsurprisingly for the omnipresent Toyota brand, its HiAce is an excellent choice for a commercial work van. There are loads of different variants and body configurations to suit your individual needs, and if that isn't enough there's plenty of personalisation to be done via the accessory catalogues. Even without extra bits and bobs added, on the HiAce does a good job keeping the driver comfortable while keeping plenty of space for all sorts of cargo in the back. It might be a bit bare in this trim level, but there's no questioning its practicality. The option of barn doors is an added bonus. If you're going to be utilising loading docks or lifting in cargo with a forklift it's the obvious choice for ease of access. The barn door HiAce works especially well in its specific Panel Van variant too, as you don't have to worry about damaging the interior during commercial use. The beauty of the HiAce lineup is its sheer scope of applications, as there's almost always going to be an option that'll suit you and your needs. Combined with the very capable range-standard turbo-diesel engine, Toyota's van staple will almost certainly have you covered in one way or another. A benefit would definitely be an upgraded infotainment system, and it could also do with longer service intervals, as less time spent at the dealer means less work disruptions. Regardless, if you're in the market for a capable delivery van, the HiAce should still be near the top of your shopping list. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Toyota HiAce. Click here to get a great dealMORE: Explore the Toyota HiAce showroom Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
01-08-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
'In good spirits': Grooms party rallies around each other through crash recovery
THE FAMILY of a groom who was hurt in a wedding van crash in the Hunter Valley has confirmed all passengers are okay, in good spirits and supporting each other through recovery. John Barrett was on his way to his wedding, with four of his groomsmen, on Wednesday when the taxi they were travelling in rolled down a 40-metre embankment on Mount View Road just after 10.30am. He lives with motor neurone disease and his family said anyone wishing to support him could make a donation to his fundraiser, Mind My Neurones, with all proceeds going to Professor Dominic Rowe and his team at Macquarie University. "He wouldn't want any money spent on himself - his wish is for contributions to go towards finding a cure for Motor Neurone Disease," a statement on behalf of the Barrett family said. The five members of the grooms party, all aged in their 50s, were taken to John Hunter Hospital with various injuries. Two were flown via rescue helicopters. "While they have sustained various injuries, three have now been discharged and are recovering at home, and the remaining members of the party are now in a general ward together," the statement said. "They are in good spirits and supporting each other through recovery." The 73-year-old driver of the taxi van was taken to hospital for treatment and mandatory testing, but has since been released. "Regarding the driver, we kindly ask for the negative comments to stop. He is a father and a husband, who, like the rest of us, has been through a traumatic event," the family said. The statement said a lot of the information that had been circulated in the media and social platforms had been incorrect and had caused significant distress to the families involved, friends and loved ones during an already difficult time. "We kindly ask for privacy as we focus on supporting one another," the family said. They thanked the people who climbed down to the crash site to help the men before and during the major rescue operation. "You know who you are - and we are forever grateful for your courage, kindness, and support in such a critical moment," the statement said. The Herald spoke with groomsman Stephen Leathley, of Newcastle and Hunter Districts Veterans Cricket, on Thursday. "The first responders were amazing. We are so lucky to have people like that in our region," he said. He thanked the hospital staff for everything they did for the group. Specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit continue to investigate how the Toyota HiAce minibus, with six men on board, veered off the rural dirt roadway and rolled, landing on its wheels. Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Multiple NSW Ambulance paramedic crews, two helicopters, police, firefighters and the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) worked together at the scene. First responders had to reach the patients at the bottom of the embankment, including the groom who is a wheelchair user, and then ferry them out via a stretcher with a wheel to waiting ambulances through "thick shrubbery". Donate to Mind My Neurones: THE FAMILY of a groom who was hurt in a wedding van crash in the Hunter Valley has confirmed all passengers are okay, in good spirits and supporting each other through recovery. John Barrett was on his way to his wedding, with four of his groomsmen, on Wednesday when the taxi they were travelling in rolled down a 40-metre embankment on Mount View Road just after 10.30am. He lives with motor neurone disease and his family said anyone wishing to support him could make a donation to his fundraiser, Mind My Neurones, with all proceeds going to Professor Dominic Rowe and his team at Macquarie University. "He wouldn't want any money spent on himself - his wish is for contributions to go towards finding a cure for Motor Neurone Disease," a statement on behalf of the Barrett family said. The five members of the grooms party, all aged in their 50s, were taken to John Hunter Hospital with various injuries. Two were flown via rescue helicopters. "While they have sustained various injuries, three have now been discharged and are recovering at home, and the remaining members of the party are now in a general ward together," the statement said. "They are in good spirits and supporting each other through recovery." The 73-year-old driver of the taxi van was taken to hospital for treatment and mandatory testing, but has since been released. "Regarding the driver, we kindly ask for the negative comments to stop. He is a father and a husband, who, like the rest of us, has been through a traumatic event," the family said. The statement said a lot of the information that had been circulated in the media and social platforms had been incorrect and had caused significant distress to the families involved, friends and loved ones during an already difficult time. "We kindly ask for privacy as we focus on supporting one another," the family said. They thanked the people who climbed down to the crash site to help the men before and during the major rescue operation. "You know who you are - and we are forever grateful for your courage, kindness, and support in such a critical moment," the statement said. The Herald spoke with groomsman Stephen Leathley, of Newcastle and Hunter Districts Veterans Cricket, on Thursday. "The first responders were amazing. We are so lucky to have people like that in our region," he said. He thanked the hospital staff for everything they did for the group. Specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit continue to investigate how the Toyota HiAce minibus, with six men on board, veered off the rural dirt roadway and rolled, landing on its wheels. Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Multiple NSW Ambulance paramedic crews, two helicopters, police, firefighters and the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) worked together at the scene. First responders had to reach the patients at the bottom of the embankment, including the groom who is a wheelchair user, and then ferry them out via a stretcher with a wheel to waiting ambulances through "thick shrubbery". Donate to Mind My Neurones: THE FAMILY of a groom who was hurt in a wedding van crash in the Hunter Valley has confirmed all passengers are okay, in good spirits and supporting each other through recovery. John Barrett was on his way to his wedding, with four of his groomsmen, on Wednesday when the taxi they were travelling in rolled down a 40-metre embankment on Mount View Road just after 10.30am. He lives with motor neurone disease and his family said anyone wishing to support him could make a donation to his fundraiser, Mind My Neurones, with all proceeds going to Professor Dominic Rowe and his team at Macquarie University. "He wouldn't want any money spent on himself - his wish is for contributions to go towards finding a cure for Motor Neurone Disease," a statement on behalf of the Barrett family said. The five members of the grooms party, all aged in their 50s, were taken to John Hunter Hospital with various injuries. Two were flown via rescue helicopters. "While they have sustained various injuries, three have now been discharged and are recovering at home, and the remaining members of the party are now in a general ward together," the statement said. "They are in good spirits and supporting each other through recovery." The 73-year-old driver of the taxi van was taken to hospital for treatment and mandatory testing, but has since been released. "Regarding the driver, we kindly ask for the negative comments to stop. He is a father and a husband, who, like the rest of us, has been through a traumatic event," the family said. The statement said a lot of the information that had been circulated in the media and social platforms had been incorrect and had caused significant distress to the families involved, friends and loved ones during an already difficult time. "We kindly ask for privacy as we focus on supporting one another," the family said. They thanked the people who climbed down to the crash site to help the men before and during the major rescue operation. "You know who you are - and we are forever grateful for your courage, kindness, and support in such a critical moment," the statement said. The Herald spoke with groomsman Stephen Leathley, of Newcastle and Hunter Districts Veterans Cricket, on Thursday. "The first responders were amazing. We are so lucky to have people like that in our region," he said. He thanked the hospital staff for everything they did for the group. Specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit continue to investigate how the Toyota HiAce minibus, with six men on board, veered off the rural dirt roadway and rolled, landing on its wheels. Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Multiple NSW Ambulance paramedic crews, two helicopters, police, firefighters and the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) worked together at the scene. First responders had to reach the patients at the bottom of the embankment, including the groom who is a wheelchair user, and then ferry them out via a stretcher with a wheel to waiting ambulances through "thick shrubbery". Donate to Mind My Neurones: THE FAMILY of a groom who was hurt in a wedding van crash in the Hunter Valley has confirmed all passengers are okay, in good spirits and supporting each other through recovery. John Barrett was on his way to his wedding, with four of his groomsmen, on Wednesday when the taxi they were travelling in rolled down a 40-metre embankment on Mount View Road just after 10.30am. He lives with motor neurone disease and his family said anyone wishing to support him could make a donation to his fundraiser, Mind My Neurones, with all proceeds going to Professor Dominic Rowe and his team at Macquarie University. "He wouldn't want any money spent on himself - his wish is for contributions to go towards finding a cure for Motor Neurone Disease," a statement on behalf of the Barrett family said. The five members of the grooms party, all aged in their 50s, were taken to John Hunter Hospital with various injuries. Two were flown via rescue helicopters. "While they have sustained various injuries, three have now been discharged and are recovering at home, and the remaining members of the party are now in a general ward together," the statement said. "They are in good spirits and supporting each other through recovery." The 73-year-old driver of the taxi van was taken to hospital for treatment and mandatory testing, but has since been released. "Regarding the driver, we kindly ask for the negative comments to stop. He is a father and a husband, who, like the rest of us, has been through a traumatic event," the family said. The statement said a lot of the information that had been circulated in the media and social platforms had been incorrect and had caused significant distress to the families involved, friends and loved ones during an already difficult time. "We kindly ask for privacy as we focus on supporting one another," the family said. They thanked the people who climbed down to the crash site to help the men before and during the major rescue operation. "You know who you are - and we are forever grateful for your courage, kindness, and support in such a critical moment," the statement said. The Herald spoke with groomsman Stephen Leathley, of Newcastle and Hunter Districts Veterans Cricket, on Thursday. "The first responders were amazing. We are so lucky to have people like that in our region," he said. He thanked the hospital staff for everything they did for the group. Specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit continue to investigate how the Toyota HiAce minibus, with six men on board, veered off the rural dirt roadway and rolled, landing on its wheels. Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Multiple NSW Ambulance paramedic crews, two helicopters, police, firefighters and the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) worked together at the scene. First responders had to reach the patients at the bottom of the embankment, including the groom who is a wheelchair user, and then ferry them out via a stretcher with a wheel to waiting ambulances through "thick shrubbery". Donate to Mind My Neurones:
7NEWS
31-07-2025
- 7NEWS
Groom in Hunter Valley minibus crash on wedding day to remain in hospital
A father-of-four remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital the day after a minibus crash derailed his wedding and injured six people, including members of his bridal party. Groom John Barrett, from Cessnock, was critically injured when the Toyota HiAce taxi carrying him and his groomsmen on Wednesday morning veered off Mount View Rd at Mount View, in the NSW Hunter Valley region. The car rolled several times down an embankment. All six people in the car — a 73-year-old male driver and five men aged in their 50s — were hurt and had to be taken to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. Barrett suffered limb injuries, and a 60-year-old passenger was also taken to hospital with critical head wounds. Three people have since been discharged from hospital and three remain in a stable condition, including Barrett. The crash happened just minutes from the groom's wedding venue, Bistro Molines, about 10.30am. Barrett was recently diagnosed with motor neurone disease and has been campaigning to find a cure for the illness. NSW Ambulance Superintendent Jake Broughton-Rouse said it was 'a really difficult scene', with the vehicle rolling about seven times. 'It took a multi-agency and really co-ordinated response to gain access to the vehicle,' he said. 'It took approximately 45 minutes to cut one of the patients out of the minibus.' NSW Police district commander Superintendent Steve Laksa said it was 'very fortunate that the injuries were not fatal'. 'It definitely could have been worse,' he said. Police said an official investigation is underway and anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Time Business News
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time Business News
Sydney Events Are Changing—And You're Either On the Party Bus or Left Behind
If you're still booking regular transport for birthdays, hens nights, bucks parties, or school formals, you're doing it wrong. In 2025, it's all about experience-first celebrations—and nothing delivers like a fully decked-out, nightclub-on-wheels party bus. Enter: A1 Party Bus Hire Sydney—the name everyone's whispering (and posting) about when it comes to epic nights out. A party bus is not just a ride. It's a mobile venue, a pre-party, a VIP zone, and your Instagram backdrop, all rolled into one. With A1 Party Bus Hire Sydney, you get: LED-lit interiors with nightclub-grade lighting Surround-sound speakers that thump Dancing poles & mirrored ceilings Fully air-conditioned luxury interiors BYO alcohol (Yes, legally compliant!) Licensed drivers who know how to keep the energy up and the risk down Imagine this:Your best friend's 30th birthday. Everyone's dressed up. The vibes are high. But then… a plain Toyota HiAce pulls up. Energy = dead. Don't ruin the moment. Don't be cheap. Your group deserves a party bus. A1 Party Bus Hire Sydney is dominating events across: Sydney CBD Parramatta & Western Suburbs Sutherland Shire Northern Beaches Penrith, Blacktown & Greater West We cover it all. Where the party is—our buses are. Our party buses are ideal for: Bucks & Hens Nights Birthday Parties (18th, 21st, 30th, 40th, you name it) School Formals Wedding Transfers Club Crawls & Pub Hops Corporate Team-Building (seriously, HR loves it) No stress. No parking headaches. No killing the vibe between venues. Just non-stop fun from pickup to drop-off. Modern, fully customized fleet Competitive pricing with zero hidden fees 5-star Google reviews across the board Fully insured, RMS compliant, and legally BYO Trained party-host drivers who get it While others give you a 'bus with lights,' we give you a f*ing show.** Our weekends? weekends? Gone. Formals & event seasons? Fully booked if you're late. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Wild moment man jumps out of a moving van seconds before he is mowed down by cops after seven-hour car chase
A wild seven-hour police chase across Melbourne in broad daylight came to a dramatic ending when a man jumped from a speeding van straight into the path of an oncoming unmarked cop car. It's understood the Toyota HiAce allegedly collided with cars in the Domain Tunnel before the driver took police on a pursuit through the city's south-east on Friday. The Toyota HiAce van was allegedly stolen from St Kilda earlier that morning just before 6am. 'The vehicle was then spotted in Footscray and followed by the Air Wing and police on the ground as it drove, at times erratically, through several suburbs,' a police statement read. Footage obtained by news helicopters captured the heavily damaged vehicle weaving in and out of busy traffic on the West Gate and Princes freeways, causing more carnage along the way. The van clipped multiple cars and had near-misses with dozens of others during the chase. It also hit several street signs when it mounted the curb to avoid a parked vehicle. The pursuit finally ended on Dunnings Rd in Point Cook shortly before 1pm, where a man jumped from the driver's seat window of the moving van into oncoming traffic. The driver of his van led police on a high speed chase across Melbourne on Friday The man's attempts to evade police finally ended when he was struck by an unmarked cop car But as he made a run for it, his attempts to evade police ended in disaster seconds later when he was struck by an unmarked cop car. The impact resulted in the man being thrown across the bonnet, losing one of his shoes in the process. Plain-clothed officers jumped out and quickly swarmed the man lying on the median strip. The moving van knocked down another road sign before it finally came to a rolling stop. It's not known whether anyone else was in the van at the time. The Point Cook man, 36, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital under police guard. Photos showed the bloodied man lying on a stretcher using an inhaler, known as the green whistle, for pain relief. He is yet to be interviewed by police. No other motorists were seriously injured during the pursuit, police said.
