The Toyota Hiace marks its 50th birthday with special limited model

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August 10, 2018

If you grew up in the 1970s and 1980s, chances are your family or someone you knew had a Toyota Hiace for a family car. True enough, this long-running Toyota offering celebrates its 50th birthday this year. And it has a special 50th anniversary model to mark this auspicious occasion.

The Toyota Hiace 50th Anniversary Limited gives the erstwhile van a host of special touches that celebrate its half century existence. Available in long and short wheelbase as well as standard and high roof, the Hiace gets goodies like LED headlights flanking a dark chrome grille. On the side, sliding doors get electric motors for greater convenience and pinch protection for added safety. Out back, a 50th anniversary logo adorns the tailgate while all this is finished off by a commemorative badge on  the key fob.

This being a large van, the real goodies can be found on the inside. The steering wheel, for instance, is wrapped in leather while faux wood can be found on various interior bits. In true Toyota fashion, faux wood caps are found on the steering wheel, dash, and doors. And of course, leather seats and door panels are part of the mix.

A bit of luxury is also seen from the illuminated scuff plates that light up when the sliding doors are opened while a pushbutton starter gives added convenience. And safety is assured with Toyota Safety Sense with lane keep assist and automated emergency braking, just to name a few.

For now, the Hiace 50th Anniversary Limited is only available in Toyota’s Japan home market.

About the Author

Mr. Gerard Jude Castillo
Gerard has been a self-confessed car nut ever since he was a little boy. As a grown-up, he indulges in his passion by collecting toy cars (which he started since childhood) and reading up on the latest cars out there.  As Associate Editor, he will ensure that you get your fill of the latest cars in the market, as well as a load of automotive features.