Toyota Granvia: Hire a chauffeur, perhaps?

What is it?

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 measures 5300mm long and 1990 mm high.

That’s 505mm longer and 240mm higher than the last Tarago and takes Granvia into modern mini-bus territory.

What’s it cost?

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.

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 of the test VX and give all six occupants an expansive view of the passing scenery.

A high-lift tailgate gives access to the cargo area.

Other features include auto LED headlights, tail lights, fog lights and daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels and chrome garnishes.

Four exterior colours are offered Graphite, Ebony, Crystal Pearl and Silver Pearl.

An 8.0-inch colour touchscreen 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 six-speaker system while the VX steps up to a premium 12-speaker Pioneer unit.

Voice recognition and Siri Eyes Free are available, along with AUX and seven USB ports, one in the front and the other six in the rear.

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 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.

Granvia is covered by Toyota’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty (or 160,000km if used for commercial operation).

What’s it go like?

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 50cm 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 powered 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.

Entry and exit through the sliding side doors is made easier by a 50cm 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.

Both Granvia variants use same engine, a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel.

It delivers 130kW of power at 3400 rpm and 450Nm between 1600 and 2400 rpm to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel consumption from the 70-litre tank is a claimed 8.0L/100km on the combined urban/highway cycle, while emitting 211g/km carbon dioxide.

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 to fault about 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 by large ventilated discs on each wheel, with twin-pot calipers up front and single caliper 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.

What we like?

• Big
• Comfortable
• Large windows let in plenty of light
• Powered lumbar support for the driver’s seat

What we don’t like?

• Sluggish take-off
• Effort needed to alter the seating arrangements
• Opening and closing the hatch could be a challenge
• Seats block majority of vision through ear window

The bottom line?

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.

 

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