Toyota LiteAce facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Toyota LiteAce/TownAce
1997–1999 Toyota TownAce (KR42)
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota (1970–2007) Daihatsu (2008–present)
Also called	Toyota TownAce (1976–present) Toyota MasterAce Surf (1982–1992) Daihatsu Delta Daihatsu Gran Max (S400; 2008–present) Mazda Bongo (S400; 2020–present)
Production	1970–present
Body and chassis
Class	Light commercial vehicle Compact van
Body style	2-door pickup 4-door van/wagon 5-door van/wagon
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive

The Toyota LiteAce and TownAce are types of vans and pickup trucks made by the Japanese car company Toyota. These vehicles are often used for business, like delivering goods, but they also come as passenger vans.

Originally, these vehicles had a "cab-over-engine" design. This means the driver and front passenger sit right over the engine. Since 1996, they use a "semi-cab-over" design, where the engine is a bit more forward.

The LiteAce first came out in 1970 as a small truck. Vans and passenger versions were added in 1971. In 1976, Toyota launched the TownAce, which was a larger van based on the LiteAce. A TownAce truck followed in 1978. For a while, there was also a fancy passenger van called the MasterAce Surf from 1982 to 1992.

Over time, the LiteAce and TownAce models became more alike. By 1992, the LiteAce vans were even sold as TownAce vans. These vehicles were popular and sold in places like Africa, Asia, and Australia. Some models were also sold by Daihatsu under the name "Delta".

The LiteAce was designed to fit between the smaller MiniAce and the larger HiAce. It was a good size for Japanese rules about car dimensions and engine size, which helped buyers avoid extra taxes. The name "Ace" comes from the Toyota ToyoAce truck. "Lite" means it's a light-duty vehicle, and "Town" suggests it's good for city driving.

M-series Models
R-series Models
S-series Models
- Current TownAce/LiteAce: 2008–Present
See also

M-series Models

First LiteAce: 1970–1979

M10
1973–1975 LiteAce wagon (KM10G; pre-facelift)
Overview
Also called	Daihatsu Delta 750 (D10)
Production	November 1970 – September 1979
Assembly	Japan: Ikeda, Osaka (Daihatsu) Japan: Kariya, Aichi (Toyota Auto Body) Japan: Toyota, Aichi (Honsha plant)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door truck 4-door van/wagon 5-door van/wagon
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Related	Toyota TownAce (R10)
Powertrain
Engine	1166 cc 3K I4 (gasoline) 1290 cc 4K-J I4 (gasoline)
Transmission	4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,050 mm (80.7 in)
Length	3,870 mm (152.4 in) (truck) 3,870 mm (152.4 in) (van/wagon)
Width	1,560 mm (61.4 in) (truck) 1,565 mm (61.6 in) (van/wagon)
Height	1,780 mm (70.1 in) (truck) 1,740–1,750 mm (68.5–68.9 in) (van/wagon)
Weight	875–910 kg (1,929–2,006 lb) (truck) 955–990 kg (2,105–2,183 lb) (van/wagon)
Chronology
Predecessor	Hino Commerce

The first LiteAce truck, called the M10, came out in November 1970. It was designed to be bigger than the MiniAce but smaller than the HiAce. This size helped it fit Japanese rules for vehicle size and engine power.

The LiteAce truck could carry up to 750 kg (about 1,650 pounds). It had a front bench seat for three people. You could choose a high or low cargo bed.

In February 1971, Toyota released a van/wagon version of the LiteAce. It first had only one sliding door on the passenger side. You could get it with three, six, or nine seats. In 1973, a five-door version with two sliding doors became available, along with a high-roof model.

The front of the LiteAce had vertical black grilles above the headlights. The van had a back door that opened upwards.

The LiteAce used a 1166 cc engine at first. In 1978, it got a slightly larger 1290 cc engine. At the same time, the front of the car was updated with new panels and badges.

Daihatsu Delta 750: This truck was also sold by Daihatsu as the Delta 750 starting in 1971. It was very similar to the LiteAce truck, with small changes to the front grille.

1973–1975 LiteAce wagon (KM10G)
Interior
LiteAce M10 pickup

Second LiteAce: 1979–1985

M20
1982–1986 LiteAce truck "just low" (KM20; facelift)
Overview
Also called	Daihatsu Delta 750 (D20)
Production	October 1979 – August 1985 (van/wagon) October 1979 – September 1986 (truck)
Assembly	Japan: Toyota, Aichi (Honsha plant; October 1979 – September 1982)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door truck 4-door van/wagon
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine	Gasoline: 1290 cc 4K-J I4 1626 cc 1Y I4 1770 cc 13T-U I4 1812 cc 2Y I4 Diesel: 1839 cc 1C I4
Transmission	4-speed manual 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,080 mm (81.9 in)
Length	3,920–4,170 mm (154.3–164.2 in) (truck) 3,900–3,940 mm (153.5–155.1 in) (van/wagon)
Width	1,625–1,635 mm (64.0–64.4 in) (truck) 1,625 mm (64.0 in) (van/wagon)
Height	1,780–1,795 mm (70.1–70.7 in) (truck) 1,735–1,965 mm (68.3–77.4 in) (van/wagon)
Weight	1,075–1,085 kg (2,370–2,392 lb) (truck) 990–1,120 kg (2,180–2,470 lb) (van/wagon)

The second LiteAce vans, wagons, and trucks came out in Japan in October 1979. These models were sold in many countries for the first time. The wagon could seat up to eight people.

New features included optional dual air conditioners and a four-speaker sound system. Some high-roof wagons even had a moonroof. Truck versions had a "just low" model. This meant the rear wheels were smaller (10 inches) to make the cargo bed lower.

At first, the van and truck used a 1290 cc engine. The wagon got a more powerful 1770 cc engine. In 1980, the wagon also got options for an automatic or five-speed manual transmission. A special "handy-cab" version was made for passengers using wheelchairs.

In 1982, the LiteAce M20 series got a small update. This included a new front look and power steering. The van and wagon also got new engine options, including a diesel engine.

When the new TownAce van came out in 1982, the M20 LiteAce truck became the basis for the new TownAce truck. The LiteAce van continued until 1985, and the truck until 1986.

Daihatsu Delta 750: Like the first generation, the M20 LiteAce truck was also sold as the Daihatsu Delta 750.

1979–1982 LiteAce van (KM20; pre-facelift)
LiteAce van (YM21; facelift)
1982–1985 LiteAce van (YM21; facelift)

Third LiteAce: 1985–2007

M30, M40, M50, M60, M70, M80
LiteAce van (YM30)
Overview
Production	September 1985 – December 1991 (van/wagon) October 1986 – July 2007 (truck)
Assembly	Japan: Toyota, Aichi (Honsha plant, 1985–2004); Hamura, Tokyo (Hino, 2004–2007) Philippines: Parañaque (TMP, 1989–1999)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door truck 4-door van/wagon 5-door van/wagon
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine	Gasoline: 1290 cc 4K I4 1486 cc 5K-U I4 1812 cc 2Y-U I4 1781 cc 7K-E I4 1998 cc 3Y-U I4 Diesel: 1839 cc 1C-II I4 1974 cc 2C I4 1974 cc 2C-T turbo I4 2184 cc 3C-E I4
Transmission	4-speed manual 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,085 mm (82.1 in) (truck) 2,100 mm (82.7 in) (van/wagon)
Length	4,180 mm (164.6 in) (truck) 4,240–4,380 mm (166.9–172.4 in) (truck; 1999) 3,995 mm (157.3 in) (van/wagon)
Width	1,650 mm (65.0 in) 1,665–1,690 mm (65.6–66.5 in) (truck; 1999)
Height	1,795–1,805 mm (70.7–71.1 in) (truck) 1,789–1,820 mm (70.4–71.7 in) (truck; 1999) 1,755–1,965 mm (69.1–77.4 in) (van/wagon)
Weight	1,020–1,110 kg (2,250–2,450 lb) (truck) 1,050–1,280 kg (2,314.9–2,821.9 lb) (van/wagon)

The third LiteAce van and wagon (M30/M40 series) came out in September 1985. They offered four different roof styles. The body became wider but a bit shorter. The rear suspension was improved for a smoother ride. The steering also became easier to use.

1985–1988 LiteAce van DX 4WD (YM41RV)

1988–1991 LiteAce wagon GXL (CM30G)

The inside was designed so the driver felt like they were in a regular car. The wagon could seat five or six people, with optional third-row seats that could fold sideways for more luggage room. Some versions had seats that could turn to face different directions.

The engine was located under the front seat, but it was a bit hard to reach for repairs. These vans and wagons used different gasoline and diesel engines. In 1985, a four-wheel drive option was added.

Truck versions of the LiteAce and TownAce (M50/M60/M70/M80) were released in October 1986. They used gasoline or diesel engines.

In 1988, the van and wagon got a new look for the front and back, making them slightly longer. This update was only for Japan. Some models also got a special electronic suspension system. In 1989, a five-door version with two sliding doors became available.

Even though new vans and wagons came out in 1992, the M-series trucks continued to be made until 2007. The trucks got a new front design in 1996. In 1999, the trucks were updated again with a new front and dashboard. They also got standard anti-lock brakes and optional airbags. The four-wheel drive system became full-time.

1989 LiteAce van
1988–1991 LiteAce wagon FXV
1986–1996 LiteAce truck "just low"
1986–1996 LiteAce truck "just low"
1986–1996 TownAce truck DX
1986–1996 TownAce truck Super X
1996–1999 TownAce truck DX
1999–2007 LiteAce truck

R-series Models

First TownAce: 1976–1982

R10
1978 TownAce wagon Custom Extra (TR15; pre-facelift)
Overview
Also called	Daihatsu Delta Wide (B10)
Production	October 1976 – October 1982 (van/wagon) September 1978 – October 1982 (truck)
Assembly	Japan: Toyota, Aichi (Honsha plant)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door truck 4-door van/wagon
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Related	Toyota LiteAce (M10)
Powertrain
Engine	Gasoline: 1166 cc 3K-J I4 1290 cc 4K-J I4 1587 cc 12R-J I4 1588 cc 2T-J I4 1588 cc 12T I4 1770 cc 13T-U I4
Transmission	4-speed manual 5-speed manual 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,170–2,295 mm (85.4–90.4 in) (truck) 2,195 mm (86.4 in) (van/wagon)
Length	4,110–4,315 mm (161.8–169.9 in) (truck) 3,990 mm (157.1 in) (van/wagon)
Width	1,650–1,695 mm (65.0–66.7 in) (truck) 1,650 mm (65.0 in) (van/wagon)
Height	1,840–1,860 mm (72.4–73.2 in) (truck) 1,745–1,760 mm (68.7–69.3 in) (van/wagon)
Weight	1,080–1,135 kg (2,381–2,502 lb) (truck) 965–1,075 kg (2,127–2,370 lb) (van/wagon)

The first TownAce (R10 series) was launched in October 1976. It was a wider and longer version of the LiteAce M10, but used some of the same parts. The TownAce was positioned between the LiteAce and the larger HiAce.

At first, it was offered as a three- or six-seater van. The eight-seater wagon had seats that could fold completely flat. The third-row seats could also fold to the side to make more space for luggage.

1979–1980 TownAce wagon Super Extra (TR15; first facelift)

Truck versions were added in October 1978. They included low-deck, high-deck, and "just low" models. The "just low" trucks had smaller rear tires to lower the cargo bed.

In December 1980, the TownAce got a small update. It featured rectangular headlights and plastic bumpers. It also offered an optional cool box and an electric moonroof. The wagon range expanded, offering automatic and five-speed manual transmissions. Some second-row seats could even slide and turn to face forward or backward.

When this generation was replaced in November 1982, the TownAce van and truck lines split. The new van was based on the R20/R30 series, while the truck became a rebadged LiteAce M20.

Daihatsu Delta Wide: The TownAce was also sold by Daihatsu as the Delta Wide (B10 series) from 1976 to 1982.

Town Ace truck (RR11; first facelift)
1979–1980 TownAce wagon Super Extra (TR15; first facelift)
1980–1982 TownAce wagon Grand Extra (TR15; second facelift)

Second TownAce & MasterAce Surf: 1982–1991

R20, R30
1985–1988 TownAce (first facelift)
Overview
Also called	Toyota MasterAce Surf Toyota Model F (Europe) Toyota Space Cruiser (UK) Toyota Tarago (Australia) Toyota Van (North America) Daihatsu Delta Wide (B20)
Production	November 1982 – December 1991
Assembly	Japan: Kariya, Aichi (Toyota Industries HQ Kariya Plant)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door van/wagon
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine	Gasoline: 1.3 L 4K-J I4 1.6 L 1Y-J I4 1.8 L 2Y-U/2Y-C I4 2.0 L 3Y-C/3Y-U/3Y-EU I4 2.2 L 4Y-E I4 Diesel: 1.8 L 1C I4 2.0 L 2C I4 2.0 L 2C-T turbo I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed A44DL automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,235 mm (88.0 in)
Length	4,315–4,455 mm (169.9–175.4 in)
Width	1,670–1,685 mm (65.7–66.3 in)
Height	1,940–1,955 mm (76.4–77.0 in) (high roof)
Chronology
Successor	Toyota Previa/Estima (for MasterAce)

The second TownAce van and wagon came out in November 1982. At the same time, Toyota released the MasterAce Surf, a more luxurious version. Both were very similar mechanically. The TownAce had a "front mid-engine" design, meaning the engine was under the front seats. Four-wheel drive became an option in 1985. Many parts of the car, like the suspension, were based on the Toyota Hilux truck.

1988–1991 MasterAce Surf 4WD (second facelift)

1985 TownAce 4WD GL (CR36V; pre-facelift)

The R20/R30 models had a sloped front design. You could choose from three roof heights. The two taller roofs had an optional dual moonroof. The MasterAce Surf also offered these roof and moonroof options. The MasterAce Surf looked a bit different with larger bumpers and rectangular headlights.

In Japan, these vans had many cool accessories. These included a refrigerator with an ice maker, a seven-speaker sound system, and even a color television. A "Catalina" package for the MasterAce Surf included removable loft beds.

Toyota updated the TownAce and MasterAce Surf in August 1985, changing the headlights and tail-lights. Another big update happened in August 1988, which included a new interior.

At first, they used an 1812 cc gasoline engine. Later, other gasoline and diesel engines became available. In 1984, a turbocharged diesel engine was introduced. Four-wheel drive models were added in 1985.

Toyota released the larger Estima in 1990. This new model replaced the TownAce and MasterAce Surf in many countries. However, in Japan, the R20/R30 models continued until 1992. This was because the Estima was too big for Japan's "number five" tax category. Toyota later released smaller versions of the Estima in Japan to fit these rules.

Daihatsu Delta Wide: Daihatsu also sold van/wagon versions of the TownAce as the Delta Wide (B20 series).

Export Models: Toyota sold the R20/R30 model around the world under different names. In North America, it was called the "Toyota Van." In Australia, it was the Toyota Tarago. In parts of Europe, it was known as the "Toyota Space Cruiser" or "Toyota Model F."

Toyota Van CRG (US; facelift)

Toyota Tarago GL (YR21; pre-facelift)

Toyota Tarago RV (YR22RG; facelift)

In North America, the "Toyota Van" was sold from 1983. It had styling similar to the MasterAce Surf. It came with different engines over the years. Four-wheel drive models were sold from 1987 to 1989. These models had skid plates for off-road driving.

The "Toyota Van" offered features like dual air conditioning, captain's chairs, twin sunroofs, and power windows.

For Australia, the Tarago eight-seater launched in 1983. It had a front look similar to the TownAce. It came with different gasoline and diesel engines. Over the years, it received updates and new features like power steering, air-conditioning, and cruise control.

In China, a company called Golden Dragon made a licensed version of the TownAce called the XML6390.

Golden Dragon Haise XML6402 (front)
Golden Dragon Haise XML6402 (rear)

Updated R-series: 1992–1996

R20, R30 rebodied
1993–1996 TownAce wagon 4WD Super Extra (CR31G)
Overview
Also called	Toyota Spacia (Australia) Toyota Lotto (Sri Lanka) Daihatsu Delta Wide (B20/B30) Wanli LiteAce (China JV)
Production	January 1992 – September 1996
Assembly	Japan: Kariya, Aichi
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door van/wagon
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine	Gasoline: 2.0 L 3Y-EU I4 2.2 L 4Y-E I4 Diesel: 2.0 L 2C I4 2.0 L 2C-T turbo I4 2.2 L 3C-T turbo I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,235 mm (88.0 in)
Length	4,360 mm (171.7 in) (van)
Width	1,690 mm (66.5 in) (van)
Height	1,800 mm (70.9 in) (van)
Weight	3,284.89 lb (1,490 kg)

This updated R20/R30 series was launched in January 1992. The main parts of the car stayed the same, but the outside look was completely new. From this point, the LiteAce van and TownAce van shared the same body design. This meant all LiteAce and TownAce models (vans and trucks) were now unified.

The new design was much smoother. The LiteAce and TownAce commercial vans looked very similar. The TownAce had extra headlights next to the main ones and a small air vent. The LiteAce had different grilles where those extra lights would be. The passenger wagons of both models had unique styling too.

Toyota Australia released the TownAce commercial van in 1992. The eight-seater passenger wagon, called the Toyota Spacia, arrived in 1993. These models had a 2.2-liter engine with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. They came with basic features like power steering and a radio.

Daihatsu Delta Wide: Daihatsu continued to sell versions of the TownAce van/wagon as the Delta Wide. These were simply rebadged TownAce models.

1992–1996 LiteAce wagon
1992–1993 Daihatsu Delta Wide wagon
1992–1996 LiteAce van
1992–1996 TownAce van
1993–1996 Spacia GXi van
1993–1996 Spacia GXi van

Modern R-series: 1996–2007

R40, R50
1996–1998 TownAce Noah
Overview
Also called	Toyota Spacia (Australia) Daihatsu Delta Van
Production	October 1996 – July 2007
Assembly	Japan: Ikeda, Osaka (Daihatsu) Kariya, Aichi (Toyota Auto Body) Toyota, Aichi (Honsha plant; 1996–2001)
Body and chassis
Body style	4/5-door van/wagon
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine	gasoline: 1486 cc 5K I4 1781 cc 7K I4 1781 cc 7K-E I4 1998 cc 3S-FE I4 diesel: 1974 cc 2C I4 2184 cc 3C-E I4 2184 cc 3C-T turbo I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,715 mm (106.9 in)
Length	4,435 mm (174.6 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,905 mm (75.0 in) (low roof) 1,935 mm (76.2 in) (high roof)
Weight	1,420–1,440 kg (3,130–3,170 lb)
Chronology
Successor	Toyota Noah (for LiteAce/TownAce Noah)

The R40 and R50 LiteAce and TownAce models were completely redesigned and launched in October 1996. They were only offered as vans or wagons. The wagons were now called LiteAce Noah and TownAce Noah, and they had a more luxurious interior. The LiteAce and TownAce vans were different mainly by their front grille designs.

For better safety, the engine was moved from directly under the driver to in front of the passenger area. This gave the cars a new look. Even though many competitors switched to front-wheel drive, these models kept their rear-wheel drive. Full-time four-wheel drive was an option.

The Noah passenger models had three rows of seats. They could seat six, seven, or eight people. The flat floor made it easy to walk between the rows.

Vans came with several gasoline and diesel engines. The Noah models had a gasoline engine or a turbocharged diesel engine. You could choose a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

In 1998, the Noah models were updated with new headlights, grilles, and bumpers. Vans were updated in 1999. In 2001, the LiteAce Noah and TownAce Noah models were replaced by the new Toyota Noah and Voxy. Diesel engines were stopped in 2004 because of new emissions rules. The vans got another update in 2005.

Export Models: Toyota Australia sold the TownAce commercial vans from 1997 to 2003. The eight-seater passenger vans were sold as the Spacia from 1998 to 2002. The Spacia came with standard airbags, power locks, power steering, windows, and mirrors.

Daihatsu Delta Van/Wagon: This generation was also sold as the Daihatsu Delta Van/Wagon. Their grilles looked like the TownAce models.

1996–1999 TownAce (KR42R)
1999–2005 TownAce (KR42R)
1999–2005 LiteAce
2005–2007 TownAce
1996–1998 LiteAce Noah
1998–2001 LiteAce Noah
1996–1998 TownAce Noah
1998–2001 TownAce Noah
1998–2001 TownAce Noah
1999–2001 Daihatsu Delta Van

S-series Models

Current TownAce/LiteAce: 2008–Present

The newest S400 series of LiteAce and TownAce vans and trucks came out in Japan in February 2008. These models are now "badge engineered." This means they are actually Daihatsu Gran Max vehicles made in Indonesia, but sold as Toyotas.

They still have a semi-cab-over design, with the engine under the front seats. The van only comes with a standard roof. The truck has a high cargo bed. These models use a 1,495 cc engine. You can choose a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and full-time four-wheel drive became an option in 2010.

In June 2020, the LiteAce name was stopped in Japan. All models are now sold under the TownAce name. The TownAce also got a new 1,496 cc engine and a new look. The pickup truck version has been sold in Taiwan since 2021 and in the Philippines since 2022.