Would the Toyota Lite Ace Minibus make sense here in PH?

Ever since Toyota Motor Philippines launched the new Lite Ace, those looking for an affordable but reliable commercial vehicle can now get one. It's available in various body styles, including a panel van, an aluminum cargo van, an FX, an ambulance, a PUV, and even as a patrol vehicle.

However, we've always felt that Toyota could be missing out on a passenger van version of the Daihatsu-based vehicle, just like the original Lite Ace. Yes, they have the FX and PUV variants, but what we're talking about is a model with front-facing seats for all three rows.

Over in Indonesia, where the all-new Lite Ace (AKA Daihatsu Gran Max) originates, the automaker sells a passenger van version called the Daihatsu Gran Max Minibus. Just like the original van Toyota used to make, the Gran Max Minibus is tiny and only measures 4045mm long, 1665mm wide, and 1930mm tall (1900mm tall for the 1.3L version). It also has a wheelbase of 2650mm and a ground clearance between 165mm and 180mm.

But unlike the regular Lite Ace, the Minibus comes with windows all around and sliding doors on both sides, which is something the original Lite Ace lacks since it only had one sliding door for the rear passengers to enter. The Minibus can also seat a total of seven people, although there's a version with side-facing jump seats to accommodate more passengers. Opt for the front-facing seats, however, and the passengers are rewarded with a center armrest.

When it comes to niceties, the Minibus comes with the basics like a 1-DIN radio, manual air-conditioning with rear vents, front cupholders, and seatback pockets. Don't expect any power window switches, however, as you have to roll down the windows with an old-school crank. Despite the lack of more modern amenities, the Minibus does come with anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and dual front airbags for peace of mind.

Under the hood, the Minibus is available with either the 1.3L K3-DE or the slightly bigger 1.5 2NR-VE four-cylinder engines. The former makes 88 PS with 115 Nm of torque while the latter puts out 97 PS and 134 Nm of pull. Power is then sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The Daihatsu Lite Ace/Gran Max Minibus is selling between PHP 737,400 and PHP 784,400 in Indonesia when converted to our local currency. At these price points, the Minibus is slightly more expensive than the Lite Ace Panel and FX vans that are currently available in the country.

Do you think Toyota is missing out on selling an affordable three-row MPV with the Lite Ace Minibus? And should Toyota consider selling it here in the near future? Let us know what you think.