The Toyota Coaster is a micro bus or minibus produced by Toyota Motor Corporation. It was first introduced in 1969, with the second generation introduced in 1982, followed by the third generation in 1993 and the fourth generation in late 2016. In Japan, the Coaster is sold exclusively at Toyota Store dealerships. Since 1996, the Toyota Coaster is also sold under the name Hino Liesse II. In Japan, the Coaster was formerly produced by Toyota Auto Body at its Yoshiwara plant. In December 2016, after the launching of a revised Coaster, production was transferred to the Honsha plant of a Toyota Auto Body subsidiary, Gifu Auto Body.
History
The Toyota Coaster was first introduced in 1969 as a 17-passenger minibus using the same running gear as the Toyota Dyna of the time. Early models used the 2.0-liter Toyota R engine with a 4-speed manual transmission. With its engine rated at 98 PS (72 kW), a RU19 Coaster could attain a top speed of 110 km/h (68 mph). Subsequent models used a variety of four and six-cylinder diesel and petrol engines, and an option of automatic transmission was later introduced. A smaller alternative was later introduced at Toyopet Store locations, based on the Toyota Toyoace called the Toyota Hiace which had the ability to carry up to 10 passengers but complied with Japanese Government regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement.
First generation (U10/B10)
The Coaster was introduced in February 1969 in 22 and 26-seat models using the Dyna’s U platform. It had the 1,994 cc (2.0 L) 5R petrol engine and the 2,481 cc (2.5 L) 2J diesel engine and was sold with the model code of RU18 and JU18. All models had a 4-speed manual gearbox with column shift. Air conditioning was available as an option on the deluxe models. In February 1972, the 2J engine was replaced by the 2,997 cc (3.0 L) diesel B engine, which was only available with a 5-speed manual gearbox with column shift. The updated models were sold with the model codes of RU19 and BU19.
Second generation (B20/B30)
In May 1982 the Coaster received a major update to its body. It now had a wraparound front windscreen and thicker rear pillars. For the high-roof models, the 2-piece folding passenger door was replaced with a single piece door. The 20R petrol engine was dropped and the 2B diesel engine was replaced with the 3,431 cc (3.4 L) 3B diesel engine for the BB20. The 22R engine continued on the RB20. It was available in 16, 17, 20, 21, 22 and 26-seat models.
Third generation (B40/B50)
In January 1993, the body was made more aerodynamic. Engines were the 4.2-litre 1HD-T turbocharged diesel, the 4.2-litre 1HZ diesel and the 3.4-litre 3B diesel. In November 1995, the 4WD BB58 was added. The 4.1-litre 15B-F diesel engine was introduced. In August 1997, a series hybrid EV model was added using a 1.5-litre engine. The third generation Coaster received a facelift in 2001, and again in 2007.
Fourth generation (B60/B70)
The fourth generation Toyota Coaster was unveiled on 22 December 2016 and was made available for purchase in Japan on 23 January 2017. It is available with the same engine choices as the outgoing model. The Coaster was the first vehicle to undergo a full redesign under Toyota’s newly incorporated Commercial Vehicle (CV) company responsible for the design and development of commercial vehicles. The fourth generation Coaster incorporates many safety features as standard including air-bags for the driver and front passenger, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), a ringed frame body for increased roll-over protection, pre-tensioners for the seat belts and force limiters which reduce the pressure on the passenger’s chest in the event of a collision.
Variants
- BB10 – 2B engine – First Generation diesel, 22–25 passengers[21]
- RB20 – 22R 2.4-litre petrol engine, 26 passengers
- BB21/BB22/BB23 – 3B/13B/14B 4-cyl engine, 26 passengers (1981–1993)
- HB30 – 2H Engine, 30 passengers
- HB31 – 12H-T turbo engine for EX models, sliding door (1981–1990)
- HDB30 – 1HD-T turbo engine for EX models (1989–1993)
- HZB30 – 1HZ engine, 30 passengers (1990–1993)
- BB40 – 3B engine, 26 passenger (1993–2003)
- HZB40 – 1HZ engine, 26 passengers
- HZB50 – 1HZ engine, 30 passengers (1993–2016)
- HZB51 – 1HZ turbo engine, Intercooler 30 passengers (1993–2012)
- HDB50 – 1HD turbo engine, non airbag suspension (1993–2003)
- HDB51 – 1HD turbo engine, airbag suspension (1993–2003)
- BB50 – 15B-FTE 4-cyl turbo intercooled engine, 6-speed manual or auto (2003–2006)
- XZB50/XZB51/XZB56 – Hino N04C 4-cyl turbo intercooled engine (2004–2016)
- BB58 – 15B (1997–1999) / 15B-FT (1999–2004) 4×4 factory built, uses Mega Cruiser’s transmission and front portal axle differentials