Will PH-spec Toyota LiteAce get features of new Daihatsu Gran Max?

Updated Daihatsu Gran Max gets more amenities and creature comforts

Last week, an insider sent us pictures of the all-new LiteAce. Unlike its predecessor which was a people carrier, the LiteAce will come back as a light commercial vehicle (LCV) designed for hauling cargo. Once revealed, it will go face-to-face with the likes of the Suzuki Carry in the A-segment Commercial Vehicle (A-CV) class.

While we already know that it will be based on the Daihatsu Gran Max, official specifications and features have yet to be revealed. However, one of our closest neighbors had just launched an updated version of the LCV. Could the PH-spec LiteAce come with the same level of equipment and size?

Launched recently in Malaysia is the 2022 Daihatsu Gran Max, and it has some nifty creature comforts. For starters, it has a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with USB, Aux, Bluetooth, and even Android Auto. Daihatsu installed power window switches which is a big thing for the Gran Max since the pre-updated versions only come with manual crank windows. To keep your devices charged up, it gets a 12V power socket and an additional fast-charging USB port.

In terms of size, the Gran Max pick-up measures 4195mm, 1675mm wide, and 1880mm tall. It also has a 2650mm wheelbase, a minimum ground clearance of 190mm, and a gross vehicle weight of 2100 kg. The bed, on the other hand, measures 2350mm long, 1585mm wide, and 360mm tall.

As for the cargo van version, it's 4045mm long, 1665mm wide, and 1930mm tall. It shares the same 2650mm wheelbase but has a lower ground clearance of 180mm. When it comes to luggage capacity, it has a cargo length of 2075mm, 1665mm cargo width, and a cargo height of 1340mm.

Powering the Malaysian-spec Gran Max is a 1.5-liter 2NR-VE four-cylinder engine with Dual VVT-i. If the engine sounds familiar, that's because it's the same engine that powers the Toyota Avanza and Veloz. However, the 1.5 engine has been detuned for hauling and only makes 97 PS at 6000 rpm and 134 Nm of torque at 4400 RPM.

Aside from a regular 5-speed manual, the Gran Max is available with a 4-speed auto for a more convenient driving experience. Speaking of convenience, the Gran Max has electronic power steering too.

Both the pick-up and cargo van variants also come with plenty of safety features. These include anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability control, dual front airbags, reverse parking sensors, and power central locking.

Toyota Motor Philippines is still quiet about when will they actually launch the all-new LiteAce in the country. Hopefully, though, it will be as features-packed (and priced competitively) as the ones being sold by Daihatsu in Malaysia.