In terms of production, the Toyota Hiace is a bit of a curiosity. Aside from the current model, the previous generation is still being produced. Then again, it’s from the same company that still builds the 70 Series Land Cruiser alongside the all-new Prado and new Land Cruiser.
The ‘flat-nose’ Hiace is fast approaching its 21st year in production, making it one of the longest-produced vans around. Still, that didn’t stop Toyota from jazzing up the utilitarian by giving it the Modellista and Gazoo Racing treatment.
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Yes, you read that right. Sadly, both versions don’t get extra power, so don’t get any hopes up. That said, these get a host of cosmetic enhancements, so it’s something.
For the GR Parts catalog, there are two versions available. The first one is on the mild side with a front chine, side skirts, and rear kit. Toyota calls it the Aero version, which is rather amusing given the Hiace’s blunt front end.
The second GR Parts kit gives the Hiace an off-road appearance package. For that, it gets a front overrider, LED spotlamps, a steel step board, mudflaps, and unique 15-inch alloy wheels. Mind you, the ground clearance remains the same.
Moving to the Modellista versions, there are three on hand. There are two for the narrow-body (aka, Commuter) and one for the wide-body, so the latter doesn’t feel left out. Modellista models get a chin spoiler even deeper than the GR Parts model, along with side skirts and a rear bumper appliqué.
The more radical version of the kit even get LED strips on the bumper corners that appear perilously close to the ground. Both get extra brush metal trims on their respective grilles, along with different wheel options.
As for the wide body, it gets a sportier treatment and looks significantly different from the narrow-body kits. However, it gets a unique wheel design to differentiate it from other Modellista versions.
Granted, it’s unlikely that these appearance packages will ever make it to the country. Still, it shows that there’s still life and some fun to have with these 21-year old utilitarians.
