One issue usually overlooked when forum members suggest suitable replacements for HWP vehicles is the interior space available for a minimum of two crew plus all the equipment their duties require.
A typical HWP car contains the following:
Radio - usually fitted within the glovebox.
Mobile Data Terminal - fitted to the offside of dash
Radar monitor
Two rechargeable Maglights - the largest and longest models, fitted to the passenger side of the centre console
Two baton holders - one per front door
Video recorders inside front and rear screens
Breach books
Alcometers
Two police during certain shifts (usually at night).
By the time you pack that lot in, there usually isn't much space left inside the cabin. Smaller vehicles such as the Rex etc, don't meet the requirements for police to perform long patrols in comfort. Occasionally, they also have to take passengers (often ones who don't really want a free ride to the local charge room) and the back seat is full of their jackets and various portable items not listed above. The boot is full of things such as the MDT console, Stop-sticks, "Stop - Police" hand signs, bullet proof vests and miscellaneous other crap.
So, once the larger locals go out of production, it will be very interesting to see what replaces them. In my opinion, none of those listed above will suit simply because they lack sufficient cabin space and their interiors won't accommodate all the specialised equipment required. It's a fine art fitting all the equipment into Police vehicles without butchering the interiors and ruining their resale value. Camrys are fine for General Duties and other specialised duties, and have adequate interior space, but obviously won't cut it for HWP.
