VS
At a Glance
Power
96 kW
75kW@5200
Torque
280 Nm
182Nm@2400
Fuel
8.9 l/100km
16.1
Towing
—
1250
0-100 km/h
—
—
Engine
2780 cc
2237
Choosing between the Foton Asambe and the TOYOTA HI-ACE is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Foton Asambe delivers 96 kW while the TOYOTA HI-ACE produces 75kW@5200. On fuel, the Asambe returns 8.9 l/100km while the HI-ACE uses 16.1 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R499 900 for the Asambe and R179 500 for the HI-ACE. 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
96 kW
75kW@5200
Torque
280 Nm
182Nm@2400
0-100 kph
—
—
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2780 cc
2237
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
LEADED/UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
manual
MANUAL
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
rear
REAR
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.9 l/100km
16.1
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
19.94
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
11.59
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
70
CO2 Emissions
168 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
5380 mm
4725
Width
1920 mm
1720
Height
2285 mm
1920
Wheelbase
3110 mm
2495
Ground Clearance
—
175
Kerb Weight
2255 Kg
1530
Doors
4
4
Seats
16
12
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1250
Load Capacity
1145 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✗
EBD
✓ Standard
✗
Stability Control
—
✗
Traction Control
—
✗
Airbag Count
1
—
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✗
Passenger Airbag
—
✗
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✗
Climate Control
—
✗
Cruise Control
—
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Park Distance Rear
—
✗
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
—
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
—
✗
Alloy Wheels
—
✗
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
12
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
—
Service Intervals
—
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Asambe
Fuel Economy
Asambe
Value
HI-ACE
Practicality
HI-ACE
Pros & Cons
Foton Asambe
Better fuel economy (8.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
TOYOTA HI-ACE
Lower starting price (R179 500)
Higher towing capacity (1250)
Higher fuel consumption (16.1)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Asambe or HI-ACE?
The Asambe uses 8.9 l/100km and the HI-ACE uses 16.1 on the combined cycle. The Asambe 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 HI-ACE?
The Asambe produces 96 kW and 280 Nm of torque while the HI-ACE delivers 75kW@5200 and 182Nm@2400 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Asambe and HI-ACE?
The Asambe starts from R499 900 and the HI-ACE from R179 500. The HI-ACE is cheaper by R320 400 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Asambe or HI-ACE?
The Asambe has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the HI-ACE can tow 1250. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Asambe or the HI-ACE?
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.