Toyota Lite Ace R20, R30, 4 generation 01.1992 - 09.1996

The reason for the popularity of the Lite Ace / Master Ace / Town Ace family of minibuses is the huge number of versions that were available under these three models. There are many versions: a different roof height was adjacent to a different number of hatches, one or two sliding doors, a very luxurious or, on the contrary, unpretentious "wooden" interior. The Lite Ace model used to have a narrower, shorter body and was considered the “youngest” in the lineup, but is now integrated with Town Ace in the same R20 / 30 series. With the transition to the fourth generation in a row, the car continues to be produced in a commercial (Van) and passenger (Wagon) version. The second (characterized by the letter G in the body brand) is characterized by a more comfortable performance, the presence of a transformer cabin, the engine range includes more powerful gasoline and diesel units with a volume of 2.0-2.2 liters, a return of 85-97 hp. As usual, the “mechanics” were supplemented by the “automatic”, there were options for the drive (rear or full). All Toyota Lite Ace Wagon received a new design in accordance with changes in the passenger model Town Ace Wagon of the same year. Outwardly, it is expressed in a more aerodynamically perfect front end, thanks to which the car began to look more spectacular and even acquired sophisticated features, and the most striking design element was the elongated headlights tapering to the center, complemented by a decorative frame with the Toyota logo. Passenger Lite Ace Wagon is usually distinguished by chic salons for those times with carpets and high-quality upholstery, a sky roof (aquarium) or twin moon roof with two hatches, separate second-row seats with individual armrests in the top 7-seater trim levels. A wide range of accessories was offered, such as refrigerators, televisions or high-quality audio systems. Since 1992, the Toyota Lite Ace Wagon passenger series has used three power units. Diesel models were equipped with turbocharged engines: a 2.0-liter 2CT (85 hp) and a 2.2-liter 3CT (88-91 hp). For gasoline models, the 3Y-EU engine with an EFI injection system (2.0 L, 97 HP) was the only proposed option. With proper maintenance, the listed engines are unpretentious and resourceful, the best in this regard is an injector 2.0 liter. In diesel engines, due to design features, the slightest malfunctions of the cooling system can easily lead to overheating and cracking in the cylinder head. It is worth noting that the power unit on all Aces is located longitudinally above the front axle under the floor of the passenger compartment, which implies some difficulties in maintenance and repair.

 With a continuous beam at the rear, the front suspension is an “adult” two-link design. The mandatory equipment for the FXV versions was the TEMS electronically controlled suspension, which was offered as an option for Super Extra versions, while the system itself was improved - from dual-mode it became tri-mode. All-wheel drive models with front axle and lower gear have good cross, but the possibilities are limited by a low-hanging transfer case. With a wheelbase of 2230 mm, the minimum turning radius is 4.5 m. Ground clearance is 160-180 mm. Passenger Toyota Lite Ace Wagon is slightly inferior to commercial Van models in practicality, but the transformer interior makes it easy to adapt the car for household needs.

 With the generation change in 1992, the Toyota Lite Ace Wagon received some safety changes. For individual rear-wheel drive models, the optional ABS system first appeared. Seat belts in the passenger compartment have three-point fasteners (with the exception of the center seat). The cabless body layout is not effective enough from the point of view of passive safety, but in those years was considered a common thing.

 The Lite Ace / Master Ace / Town Ace family is one of the largest second-hand families on the market. Their advantages can be called reliability, endurance, spaciousness. The engines of those years are unpretentious in terms of fuel quality, generally simple and maintainable, although low-power and uneconomical. Finding a car in good technical condition will not be easy, but spare parts are more affordable than for some other Japanese counterparts in the class of the same years of manufacture.