Toyota Hiace
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The Toyota Hiace is an automobile that was first produced by the Toyota Motor Corporation in 1967. The vehicle is available in a wide range of models, such as a wagon, van, minibus, taxi, ambulance or motorhome.
History
- 1967 - First generation.
- 1977 - Introduction of the second generation Hiace.
- 1982 - Introduction of the third generation Hiace.
- 1989 - Introduction of the fourth generation Hiace.
- 1995 - Introduction of Semi-Bonneted Model included the luxury Japanese model called Granvia, Grand Hiace & Touring Hiace, and the European Hiace.
- 2004 - Current generation introduced.
1st generation
Introduced in 1967, the Hiace was offered as cab-over Pick-up, Delivery Van, and Commuter.2nd generation
The new Hiace of 1977 features smoother cab with single headlights. In addition to gasoline engine, the 2.2-litre diesel engine was offered in certain market. New for the 20-40 series Hiace were Double Cab Pick-up, Super Long Wheelbase Van, and Highroof Commuter.3rd generation
The Hiace Van was new for 1982, the Hiace Pick-up came later and shared the Cab with the bigger Toyoace light truck. The Van is coded 50-series for short wheelbase, 60 for long, and 70 for super long. The pick-up trucks are 80 and 90-series. The Toyota Mobile Lounge, displayed in 1987 Tokyo Motor Show, is based on the Hiace Highroof Commuter. While the Van and Commuter were redesigned in 1989, the Pick-up lasted until mid-1990s. This is the last Hiace Pick-up.4th generation
The fourth generation model appeared in 1989 and was available as a wagon, Long Wagon, Grand Cabin, standard van, Long Van, Long high roof van or Super long high roof van which shares a body with the Commuter, which is a 15 seat minibus.
A wide range of engines were used in the 4th generation vehicles, ranging from 2-litre petrol engines to 3-litre turbo-diesel engines. The vehicles mainly use part-time 4WD but some models us an FR layout or permanent 4WD system. The base model is the DX, with CD, GL, and super GL models also available.
Granvia / European Hiace
Launched for Japanese market only in 1995, the Granvia is Semi-Bonneted Van (SBV), with front wheels positioned in front of front seats for better safety. Engine for Granvia is either 3.0 liter diesel, or 3.4 liter gasoline. The Granvia spawned into upper class MPV Hiace Regius, Grand Hiace and Touring Hiace.The new 1997 European Hiace is based on the Granvia. Engine is either 2.5 liter D-4D Common Rail diesel, or 2.7 liter gasoline. Short and long wheelbase are available. In certain European countries, the Hiace Highroof Van was also offered.
The Granvia, Grand Hiace, and Touring Hiace are upper class passenger van only. The Hiace Regius and European Hiace are also offered as commercial van.
In Australia, the Granvia was sold as Hiace SBV alongside the 4th Generation Hiace, and both were replaced by the new 5th Generation Hiace.
5th generation
The fifth generation Hiace appeared in August 2004 as a Wide long wagon, Wide super long high roof grand cabin, Long van, Long high roof van and a Wide super long high roof van. In this generation the gear stick has been moved to the dash-board to enable easier movement in the cabin. Four speed, five speed and automatic versions are available.All of the models use a 4-cylinder DOHC engine, in a variety of forms: 1TR-FE 2000cc petrol, 2TR-FE 2700cc petrol or 2KD-FTV 2500cc common rail DOHC intercooled turbo diesel.
The African Factor
Due to its reliability and ability to cope with a wide range of terrain, the Hi-Ace is one of Africa's most common vehicles, primarily being employed as a minivan taxi. The relatively cheap pricetag, coupled with widespread parts availability allow this vehicle to serve as public transport for millions of Africans.It is estimated by South Africa's Department of Transport that 8 in every 10 taxis are Hi-Aces.
External links
- [Toyota Hiace]
- [South African Dept. of Transport - Taxi Transformation]
- [Maximum Overdrive - Import Hiace from Japan to Canada]
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