2nd generation HIACE H20 - HIACE H40 - Dec.1977 - Nov.1982

Full model change was implemented after as long as 10-year life span. In Feb. 1977, HIACE had the full model change, and switched to 2nd generation. The model lineup has 3 types such as van, wagon and truck. The exterior design succeeded the modern feature of 1st generation. For the front fascia, the epoch-making grill-less design at that time was introduced, and round 4 headlamps were replace with round 2 lamps.

The styling was quite conventional for cab over van vehicle in those days. Thanks to commercial success of 2nd generation model, HIACE established the leader car identity for upper class minivan in Japan, but the market of this segment was still small, and the characteristics of the car remains that of a kind of commercial vehicle. 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.

Feb. 1977

HIACE had the full model change, and switched to 2nd generation. Same as 1st generation, the model lineup had 3 types such as van, wagon and truck. As the characteristics of front fascia, round 4 headlamps were replace with round 2 lamps. At first, among the wagon models, 9-passenger Custom, Deluxe, Standard and 10-passenger Deluxe were available. Optional power window was applied to Custom first time for minivan. The van model has 3 types of wheelbase. 3-type wheelbase existed initially for the 2-number minibus model called commuter (12 and 15 passengers), but the lineup was unified to 15-passenger Super Long in 1980. The ambulance of Super Long, Toyota Ambulance, was still on the lineup.

At present, only commercial van models such as (long and super long), wagon, station wagon, and commuter (minibus) are available, but there were other type of models, such as the one with short wheel base chassis (standard body) and truck.

HIACE is slightly higher-priced for the vehicle in this segment, but it is widely used for delivery business as wagon and company car in the many companies because of the high durability, engine output and payload. Also, it is used as passenger use such as courtesy car, 'jumbo taxi' (large-size taxi) and community bus as well as special purpose vehicle such as ambulance and sleeping car. Besides, it used to be served as highway bus only for specified days.

Jul. 1979

By the influence of gas price hike due to oil crisis, 2200cc diesel engine was introduced to van model for the first time.

Jan. 1980

The minor change was implemented under the concept 'Fresh up new HIACE'. New grade model Super Custom was added to van models. The meter panel was refined and transillumination was added. On the other hand, the diesel engine was introduced to all the grades and transmission was replaced to 5-speed with overdrive.

Jan. 1981

The larger size front and rear bumpers were applied by minor change, and the head lamp of wagon was changed to standard square 2-lamp type. At the same time, electric sunroof was added to wagon Super Custom. Besides, the upper grade model GL was added to the van and the hanging type cooler was replaced with air conditioner as the option for all the grade models. On the other hand, 4-speed AT with overdrive was added to wagon diesel model.

1982

The production of 2nd generation model was discontinued, while the production of truck was continued by Aug. 1985.