Launched here in 2019 the Toyota Granvia effectively replaced the long-running Tarago people mover. At the same time, it moved its target audience beyond the family friendly transporter into the high-end hospitality and corporate market.
To do so, Granvia had to increase in size and it measures 5300mm long and 1990 mm high. That’s 505mm longer and 240mm higher than the last Tarago and takes Granvia into modern minibus territory.
Granvia is offered in two spec levels, Standard and Granvia VX, each with the choice of six or eight seats.
The entry-level six-seater comes to market for $68,306 plus on-road costs, the eight-seater adds $2000 while both the VX six and eight seaters share the same $77,476 price tag.
POWERTRAIN
Both Granvia variants use same engine, a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel. It delivers 130 kW of power at 3400 rpm and 450 Nm between 1600 and 2400 rpm to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel consumption is just 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle, while emitting 211 g/km carbon dioxide.
STYLING
Only its designers could call Granvia stylish although, from the front, with its robust radiator grille, the big Toyota has an imposing presence.
There are sliding doors on either side, both with an easy close function to open and shut smoothly. They are manually operated in the Standard, and powered in the VX.
Large windows let in plenty of light and highlight the light-coloured upholstery the test VX and give all six occupants an expansive view of the passing scenery.
A high-lift tailgate opens up to give access to the cargo area.
Other features include auto LED headlights, taillights, fog lamps and daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and chrome garnishes.
Four exterior colours are offered Graphite, Ebony, Crystal Pearl and Silver Pearl.
INTERIOR
Comfort and convenience take top billing in the Granvia VX cabin. The six-seater features a spacious rear cabin with four individual captain’s chairs with armrests, reclining backrests and a sliding seat base of more than 50 cm ensuring easy access and the ability to accommodate a variety of passengers in comfort.
The four captain’s chairs, along with the driver’s seat, are all power-operated with the rear seats incorporating a power ottoman leg rest, adjustable headrest and solid armrests with all seats finished in a luxe quilted leather-accent upholstery.
Further welcome additions include keyless smart entry and start, front and rear climate control, rear sun shade blinds, nanoe dehumidifier, leather-accented / woodgrain-look steering wheel, synthetic leather / woodgrain-look door trim, front and rear, 12-volt accessory sockets and six rear USB power points.
A 2022 upgrade added powered lumbar support for the driver’s seat.
INFOTAINMENT
An 8.0-inch colour touchscreen display takes in satellite navigation with SUNA live traffic, Bluetooth connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The driver gets a smaller, 4.2-inch multi-information display.
Sound for the entry-level Granvia comes through a 6-speaker system while the VX steps up to a premium 12-speaker Pioneer unit.
Voice recognition and Siri Eyes Free are available and Aux and seven USB ports, one in the front and the other six in the rear.
SAFETY
Standard safety features include nine airbags, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera with guidelines, panoramic view monitor, auto-dimming digital rear-view mirror and nine airbags.
VX adds a panoramic view monitor.
Also standard is the Toyota Safety Sense with driver assistance features that include pre-collision safety system with pedestrian detection (day and night) and cyclist detection (day only), high-speed active cruise control, lane departure alert, road sign assist and automatic high beam.
All models get 17-inch alloy wheels and a full-size spare.
DRIVING
Entry and exit through the sliding side doors is made easier by a 50 cm opening and grab handles.
However, out the back, the amount of effort needed to alter the seating arrangements, or open and close the hatch could be a challenge to all but the fittest.
Likewise, the absence of a powered tailgate makes access to the rear luggage area difficult.
The beefy Granvia takes up a good ‘acreage’ on the road and has a reasonable 11.0-metre turning circle, so a clear view all round is important. Front and sides are okay but it runs into trouble behind, with the plush seats blocking the majority of the rear window.
On the move, there’s little fault to the Granvia, apart from a sluggish take-off. Things look up as the minibus stretches its legs. Wind noise intrudes at higher speeds and watch the speed on tight bends – understeer and body roll are twin traps for the unwary.
Pulling up is safely taken care of large ventilated discs on each wheel, with twin-pot callipers up front and single calliper brakes on the rear. Braking system is backed up by a range of technologies including anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability control, traction control, hill-start assist and trailer sway control.
Also on board is an electronically-controlled limited-slip diff that applies the brakes to individual wheels to ensure drive torque is delivered to the rear wheel with the most grip.
SUMMARY
Fit for purpose best describes the Toyota Granvia – ‘purpose’ being the movement of up to eight people in comfort and safety. Best leave it to the professional, a chauffeur, perhaps.
It’s excellent and luxurious interior together with the six-seat option and captain’s chairs suggests that Granvia natural habitat is much more likely to be premium hotel forecourts than suburban driveways and school parking areas.
The Granvia is covered by Toyota’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty. Or 160,000 kilometres if used for commercial operation.
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 7/10
Practicality: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 8/10
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Granvia 6-seat $68,306
Granvia 8-seat $70,306
Granvia VX 6-seat $77,476
Granvia VX 8-seat $77,476
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Toyota dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Toyota Granvia VX 2.8L turbocharged, 4-cylinder diesel, 6sp automatic, RWD, people mover)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 2.755 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 130 kW @ 3400 rpm
Maximum Torque: 450 Nm @ 1600-2400 rpm
Fuel Type: Diesel
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 8.0 L/100km
CO2 emissions 211 g / km
DRIVELINE: Six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 5300 mm
Wheelbase: 3210 mm
Width: 1970 mm
Height: 1990 mm
Turning Circle: 12.0 metres
Kerb Mass: 2605 kg (6 seat)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres
