Toyota HiAce 2019 to score Apple CarPlay, Android Auto

Couriers rejoice; you'll soon be able to mirror your smartphone in the all-new Toyota HiAce, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto expected to be added to the commercial vehicle range.

The HiAce will be equipped with Toyota's latest in-car multimedia system, and CarsGuide understands the smartphone-mirroring technology will be made available.

At the car's New Zealand debut, media were told the technology was coming, and with the HiAce to launch here next week, it is understood the same will apply to Australian-delivered vehicles.

Phone mirroring would be fed through a minimum 7.0-inch screen

The downside? The Toyota RAV4 will be the first car in Australia to get smartphone mirroring, and despite that car already launching, the technology won't arrive until the end of the year. Customers who buy a RAV4 before then will be eligible for retro-fitment of the tech when it becomes available - and it will be done at no cost. It is expected the HiAce will offer the same retro-fit solution.

As already reported here, the HiAce will be available in five spec levels with the choice of two engines, either a 3.5-litre V6 or 2.8-litre turbo-diesel, with price (before on-road costs) ranging from $38,640 to $70,140.

All HiAces will also benefit from Toyota’s 'Safety Sense' suite, which includes auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keep assist (LKAS) with lane departure warning (LDW), ‘road sign assist’ and auto high-beam, as well as front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

How much does Apple CarPlay and Android Auto matter when choosing your new car? Tell us in the comments below.