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It was unveiled as a first compact cab over van in Japan in 1967. The styling was quite simple because of commercial vehicle-based model, but it has clean and modern impression. It features 9-passgenger wagon version with 3-row seat in the delivery van for commercial use. It has the luxurious interior and exterior, and 2R type engine, which was mounted to Corona, passenger car at that time. The comfort ability of car was improved by soft suspension setting. In those days, the equipment like radio and heater were regarded as a kind of luxurious equipment, but they were introduced as standard equipment. It was momentary model as an originator of minivan with deep-rooted popularity regardless the trend that minivan with front nose was popular then.
The life span of first cab over minivan in Japan was quite long. The first model was unveiled in 1967, and 2nd generation model was launched in 1977 after 10-year life span of previous model. The model lineup was same as 1st model such as van, wagon and truck. In 1982, van and wagon models were switched to 3rd generation model, while the production of previous truck model continued. Among the van models, there was flat floor car with small diameter double tires, which was called 'Just Low'
The 4th generation was launched in 1989. The engine was drastically modified and gorgeous interior similar to the luxurious sedan was introduced. On the other hand, rear wheel of Just Low model was changed from small wheel double to flat single. The model called 100 types was very popular for personal use as the base car of customized car because of the luxurious taste. The life span was quite long and the production has been continued to 2004. In that year, the current 5th generation was unveiled and long model life span still continues.
The 1st generation model with FR drive and cab over layout was marketed as a compact version of Toyoace. The engine was 1.3L 3P type, same as the passenger car Corona. The engine for Corona was 70 PS, but the one for HIACE was tuned torque-oriented and the maximum output was reduced to 56 PS.
9-passenger wagon with same size of body and wheel base as 4th generation 100 type was added. The engine was 1.5L 2R, same as Corona, and the maximum output was 77PS. The rear door opens and closes by hinge.
6-passenger delivery van with rear slide door was added. It has 2-row seat layout with 3 passengers for front row and 3 for 2nd row, and the maximum payload was 850kg. The fourth portion out of fifth in the separate type rear hatch opens upwards and the rest one fifth opens downwards.
Based on the previously-launched wagon, so-called commuter series model with 15-passenger and extended wheelbase and rear overhang and 12-passenger model (minibus registered as '2-number' car in Japan) were added. Long wheelbase version was marketed as ambulance. (It had an emblem of 'Ambulance' and the engine was 2.0L 5R with 98PS. It replaced with ambulance based on sedan car Crown because of wide space utility.
The model had a minor change for safety measure.
The model had the minor change again and the design of front grill was changed from 3-piece to 1 piece type. The rib was added to the roof. Besides, 1.3L engine was added to the wagon and 1.5L for wagon and commuter models were replaced by 1.6L 12R.
The long van with same wheelbase as 1-number commuter was added
By the minor change, TOYOTA logo on the front grill was relocated to the top of right headlamp. At the same time, front grill was facelifted. The 5-door van model with RH side door was added.
In accordance with emission control, wagon and 1.3L model were discontinued. Instead, 1.8L 16R engine with 95PS was added. Also, long van model with 38cm stretched rear section of front door was added.