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Besides the need for carbon dating, the plastics are hard and cheesy, in the league of the Revo or Adventure, but put together in a manner that’s above average for a van of this kind. The odometers still run on mechanical systems rather than the usual LCD, the hand brake is still actuated by a twist-and-pull type lever and accessing the radio requires arms as long as Mr. Fantastic to reach. Ergonomically, the HiAce is a dinosaur, as it’s no match for its modern rivals. Besides having the switchgear in the most illogical of places, the driving position would make you want to scream for the E150 Ford Chateau Wagon. Though the steering wheel isn’t as tough to hold as the nearly horizontal Mercedes-Benz MB100, the HiAce’s pedals are the ones angled nearly parallel to the floor. Depressing them requires some training, whist the gear lever requires some skillful Jedi tricks to operate without forcing the wrong gear in. It takes time to learning to drive the Super Grandia properly. Though the 3.0-liter SOHC diesel engine doesn’t look that promising on the brochure, the motor works well in propelling this 1890 kilogram vehicle. Though it can’t win any street duel (the MB100 accelerates even faster), the interior noise level remains at a relatively comfortable level even when on full throttle. However, there is a constant need to shift and use the entire five forward gears to assure adequate acceleration. Braking is just as vague as the acceleration. This car does stop, but because of the spongy feel of the pedal, it makes you wonder if Sir Isaac Newton formulated the law of inertia when he rode the vehicle. It doesn’t help either that the extremely rectangular proportions hamper visibility. However, thanks to the oversized side view mirrors and standard rear back-up mirror, the HiAce does pretty well, slicing through Manila traffic without taking a scratch. Much like the Ford E150 Chateau Wagon, although reduced by a factor of 10 percent, the 4950 mm HiAce requires a lot of space to maneuver. During our test run, we almost hit an Isuzu Fuego pick-up when we tried to negotiate a typical 90-degree corner. Scary moment. Other than that, the cornering is perfectly safe and predictable as the body roll is kept in check thanks to the stiff Double Wishbone and 4-Link Type Rigid Axle set-up. Ride is so-so. Thanks to the long wheelbase of this car and the fact that it runs on tall 195 / 70 R 15C tires it is more comfortable than any AUV. Though the Super Grandia 3.0 DSL doesn’t have enough seats to fit the entire village, it does seat ten people (the Commuter 2.4 DSL variant seats twelve). The full Moquette seats offer better support and materials than any AUV (including the new Honda CR-V). The two standard captain’s chairs are the best place to be thanks to king-sized knee space and the fact that it sits right in the middle of the vehicle. The sheer length of the Super Grandia makes it absorb all the bumps with poise, however people in the useable last row may experience a nauseating ride since they’re placed right on top of the rear axle. The HiAce does have a dual air conditioning system. However, vents are only located on the dashboard and in front of the second-row captain's chairs. To avoid experiencing a free sauna bath for the third and fourth-row people, just engage the powerful blower at full blast. |
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