Class Minibus Chassis SWB / LWB / SLWB | Floor type Step entrance | |
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Manufacturer Toyota Motor Corporation Also called Hino Liesse IIJoylong HKL6700 Body style Single-decker minibus (short & long body) | ||
The Toyota Coaster is a single-decker minibus produced by Toyota Motor Corporation. It was introduced in 1969, with the second generation introduced in 1982, followed by the third generation in 1993 and the fourth generation in late 2016. The third generation Coaster received a facelift in 2001, and again in 2007. 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.
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The Coaster is produced in Japan at Kariya, Aichi (Yoshiwara plant).
A number of unlicensed clones of third generation Coasters have been made in China, including Joylong Motors' HKL6700, Golden Dragon's XML6701 and Sunlong Bus' SLK6770. These were sold in China in left hand drive form and in Hong Kong in right hand drive form.
The fourth generation Toyota Coaster was unveiled on 22 December 2016 and will be available for purchase in Japan on 23 January 2017.
History
The Toyota Coaster was 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 4-speed manual transmission. With 98 PS (72 kW), an RU19 Coaster could reach 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 that the Coaster didn't.
In August 1997, Toyota "Coaster Hybrid EV" minibus was launched, ahead of the Prius. The Coaster Hybrid, according to Toyota, became its first production hybrid vehicle. Production of the Coaster Hybrid continued until 2007.
The LPG Coaster, fueled by liquefied petroleum gas, was developed specifically for the Hong Kong market and its air pollution problems. This kind of minibuses are very common in Hong Kong.
The Coaster is common not only in Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, and Australia, but also in the developing world for minibus operators in Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. It is widely used in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, Panama, and Peru as public transportation. These buses are imported mainly from Asia and had to have the steering wheel moved to the left and the passenger door to the other side.
The chassis of the Toyota Coaster was also used on the Salvador Caetano Optimo and sold in Western Europe.
Variants
Conversions
The Toyota Coaster is used for motor home conversions. Retired Coasters are converted for home use by removal of most of the passenger seats, and the addition of beds, kitchens, TV, sink, water tanks, annexes and other fixtures.