VS
At a Glance
Power
100 kW
75 kW
Torque
200 Nm
260 Nm
Fuel
12.0 l/100km
9.9 l/100km
Towing
—
900 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
25.4 s
Engine
2378 cc
2494 cc
Choosing between the Foton Asambe and the Toyota Hiace is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Foton Asambe delivers 100 kW while the Toyota Hiace produces 75 kW. On fuel, the Asambe returns 12.0 l/100km while the Hiace uses 9.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R439 900 for the Asambe and R755 500 for the Hiace. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
100 kW
75 kW
Torque
200 Nm
260 Nm
0-100 kph
—
25.4 s
Top Speed
—
100 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2378 cc
2494 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
rear
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
12.0 l/100km
9.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
219 g/km
266 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5380 mm
5380 mm
Width
1920 mm
1880 mm
Height
2285 mm
2285 mm
Wheelbase
3110 mm
3110 mm
Ground Clearance
—
185 mm
Kerb Weight
2160 Kg
2100 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
16
14
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
900 Kg
Load Capacity
1240 l
1100 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
1
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
3
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
9 services
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
—
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Asambe
Fuel Economy
Hiace
Value
Asambe
Practicality
Hiace
Pros & Cons
Foton Asambe
More powerful engine (100 kW)
Lower starting price (R439 900)
Higher fuel consumption (12.0 l/100km)
No factory service plan
Toyota Hiace
Better fuel economy (9.9 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (900 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (75 kW vs 100 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Asambe or Hiace?
The Asambe uses 12.0 l/100km and the Hiace uses 9.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Hiace is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Asambe or Hiace?
The Asambe produces 100 kW and 200 Nm of torque while the Hiace delivers 75 kW and 260 Nm of torque. The Asambe is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Asambe and Hiace?
The Asambe starts from R439 900 and the Hiace from R755 500. The Asambe is cheaper by R315 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Asambe or Hiace?
The Asambe has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the Hiace can tow 900 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Asambe or the Hiace?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.