Toyota Granvia is a Hiace-based luxury van the Philippines need

Toyota has confirmed an eight-seater iteration of the existing Hiace. Named as Granvia, this nameplate is aimed to be marketed as a “luxury eight-seater people mover.” With the Granvia’s introduction is the termination of the Tarago (locally known as the late Previa).

Related: 2019 Toyota Hiace makes global launch in the Philippines

According to various publications, the Granvia will be powered by a single turbodiesel engine, of which size has not yet been disclosed. However, we think it will most likely be the 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine found under the hood of the all-new Hiace. If this is the case, the Granvia’s power output may be close to 176 hp and 420 Nm of torque, which are the numbers generated by the 2019 Hiace. It might also use the same six-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions.

Meanwhile, Australian online publication Motoring reported that the new eight-seater people mover will be offered with two grades but the Japanese automaker remains mum about the names of the variants. If the reports are accurate, the Granvia will feature power-sliding doors, power seats from front to the second row and leather-wrapped cabin. It will also feature Toyota’s latest generation advanced infotainment system that comes with more than two USB ports and 12 speakers all in all.

What’s made official, though, is that the Granvia will be integrated with a suite of Toyota Safety Sense features that comes with front and rear parking sensors and cameras. Little is still known about the Grandia right now, though there are assumptions and unofficial statements about the car. According to the Australian publication, the new Granvia will use four-link coil spring suspensions, considering that it’s based on the same platform as the all-new Hiace.

The Granvia will arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2019. We assume additional information, including the exact specifications and photos, will be handed out months or weeks prior to its debut. The all-new Granvia is currently posted on Toyota Australia’s website – but don’t expect too much other than a bunch of photos and short teaser lines.