IN PICTURES: How to pimp a Toyota HiAce into a camper van
Clever conversions transform South Africa's favourite minibus taxi into extraordinary rides.
The Relax Wagon was our favourite converted Toyota HiAce at the Japan Mobility Show in Japan. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe
In South Africa, the Toyota HiAce is mainly used as a minibus taxi to haul the masses around. But over in Japan, Mzansi’s favourite van is put to many uses.
While the Toyota HiAce is commonly used in daily traffic as private shuttles in Japan, a variety of aftermarket conversions transform this van into a sight to behold. The end result being a Toyota HiAce that can be anything from a camper van to a super luxurious people carrier.
At the recent Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, hordes of these converted Toyota HiAce buses were on display at the outdoor and camping section. While some of their transformation’s where quite dramatic, the base vehicle remained the same. The good old 2.7-litre petrol Toyota HiAce we see in Mzansi every day. Just without the famous Ses’fikile moniker they are sold under in South Africa.
Attending the show as a guest of Suzuki Auto South Africa, The Citizen Motoring had a look at the most impressive version of the Toyota HiAce on offer.
Toyota HiAce with a twist
The Relax Wagon is unlike any camper you have ever seen. Instead of offering the usual kitchen and dining facilities, it basically turns into one gigantic bed. Complete with tissue box holder, aircon and plugs to charge your phone. Picture: Jaco van der MerweThe Ceebus was a site to behold. The exterior of this Toyota HiAce featured gloss black and chrome finishes. Picture: Jaco van der MerweThe Ceebus did not disappoint inside. It featured high-end brushed steel kitchen finishes complete with white leather seating. Picture: Jaco van der MerweIn the back of the Ceebus we found a bed that could easily pass for something from a five-star hotel. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe
The Nuku Maru version of the Toyota HiAce offers a mobile spa, complete with sauna an shower. Picture: Jaco van der MerweSome of the Toyota HiAces on show featured an extended rooftop which creates more space inside the cabin. Picture: Jaco van der MerweThis sample featured a sofa and dining area which all converts into a bed. Notice the giant air-conditioner mounted inside the window. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe
This Toyota HiAce is a luxurious lounge complete with heightened roof and big television. Notice the closeable curtain between the front and rear like the ones which divides business and economy class on an airplane. Picture: Jaco van der MerweThe rest of the cabin features four individual leather seats that can recline. Picture: Jaco van der MerweThe all-rounder features a dining area, kitchenette and a bed in the rear. Picture: Jaco van der MerweClever positioning of the bed means that there is space for two bicycles in the rear. Picture: Jaco van der MerweA rooftop extension gives this Toyota HiAce a lot more space inside the cabin. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe
