Toyota Hiace Special Edition revealed to celebrate its 50th anniversary in Japan

MANILA: It is a double celebration for Toyota, as not only the Hilux that commemorates its 50 years in 2018, but also the Hiace celebrates its 50th anniversary this year as well. To commemorate this milestone, Japan's top-selling automaker has unveiled a special edition model for the Hiace, in their home market.

This special edition is christened as the Hiace 50th Anniversary Limited, it's available in long as well as short wheelbase formats. You also have the option to go with either a low or high roof, as well as wide or narrow body. It perfectly complements the first special edition model, which is the retro-inspired Relaxbase, that they made earlier this year.

From the outside, few details separate the special 50th it from standard Hiace models. LED headlights along with a dark chrome grille are as standard on the Hiace 50th Anniversary Limited. The van gets a 50th Anniversary badge on the tailgate and even the key gets commemorative badging as well. Dual power sliding doors are standard on the Toyota Hiace 50th Anniversary Limited, which comes with pinch protection.

Things however, are a little different inside. The interior gets faux wood decor along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel. All the seats are covered in leather and the door panels have them as well. There are faux wood cappings on the steering wheel, gear selector, door armrests, air-con and radio surrounds.

The 50th Anniversary Hiace gets a push start button inspired by the passenger car lineup. When the sliding doors are opened you will be greeted by the lit up illuminated scuff plates. With Toyota Safety Sense as standard in this special edition van, it gets lane keep assist, adaptive headlights and automatic emergency braking.

But the changes are more substantial on the Hiace Relaxbase, which was released earlier this year. The Relaxbase edition pays tribute to past Hiace models and the Volkswagen Kombi van. The van comes in a tri-tone paint job with matte black pillars and front grille with chrome garnish. It also gets white bumpers and a strip of gleaming chrome across it. The fog light housings are rather different from the usual standard models, as they give the fog lights a more flushed look. Lastly, the unique wheels with white wall tyres are similar to Hiaces of the 70's but are actually made from aluminum alloy, instead of the original steel-pressed one.