Toyota Australia has just lifted the covers off the world’s first-ever convertible HiAce, which will feature a limited production run of 2,019 units, all sold exclusively Down Under.
Even though the Japanese automaker did a good job at making the press release sound convincing, we can assure you that this is nothing more than an April Fool’s prank, albeit one that could make for an interesting purchase if you’re a tour guide of sorts.
So what did Toyota say with a straight face regarding this vehicle? For starters, that the soft-top conversion would be available across the entire HiAce van lineup, including the two-seat long wheelbase and super-long wheelbase configurations, plus the five-seat long wheelbase vans and 12-seat super-long wheelbase commuter buses.
Meanwhile, Toyota Australia’s head of public affairs, Brodie Bott, described the convertible van as something that combines the quality, durability, reliability and practicality Australians have come to expect from the HiAce with a Z-fold roof.
“There’s no denying the HiAce has been a popular choice for tradespeople and couriers alike, and now with the HiAce Convertible, we expect it will be even more popular with more people,” said Mr Bott. “Not only is it a vehicle that can navigate busy city streets and get you from A-to-B in comfort and safety, it also gives you the freedom to open up the roof and head down the coast for a weekend getaway.”
“With its muscular lines, the new HiAce Convertible looks the part, too. The ground-breaking shape of the new HiAce, with its semi-bonnet and stiffer frame, lends itself perfectly to a convertible design while maintaining rigorous safety standards.”
The built-in pie oven costs extra
Yank on the PieAce’s tailgate and out comes the optional built-in fan-forced pie oven. There’s also a grill with four cooking racks, that reaches a maximum temperature of 250 degrees Celsius (482 F).
“The PieAce brings a whole new meaning to the term ‘meals on wheels’. This oven is innovation at its finest. Our customers know that we are always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and the PieAce is taking the HiAce Convertible to the next level,” added Mr Bott.
“The PieAce allows busy tradespeople and couriers, who are often on the road all day to nourish their bodies with a hearty Aussie favourite, the meat pie. “It works a lot like a slow cooker. All you do is pop an uncooked pie or sausage roll in the PieAce, set it to the desired temperature using the buttons on the steering wheel, and away you go.”
But how do you know when your pie is ready to go? There’s an alarm on the dashboard indicating to the driver that he or she may pull over and stuff their face with pie.