The Mighty Midget: A Legacy of Compact Utility in the Evolution of the Daihatsu Hijet

In the landscape of automotive giants, there exists a class of vehicles whose influence is measured not in horsepower or top speed, but in sheer, unadulterated utility. These are Japan’s “kei” cars—light automobiles constrained by strict government regulations on size and engine displacement. For over six decades, one name has been synonymous with the kei truck and van segment: the Daihatsu Hijet. More than just a vehicle, the Hijet is an institution, a tireless workhorse that has powered small businesses, navigated impossibly narrow streets, and adapted to the changing needs of a nation. This is the story of its remarkable evolution, from a humble three-wheeler to a sophisticated, feature-packed micro-vehicle.

The Genesis: First Generation (1960–1966)

The Hijet story begins in November 1960. Japan, in the midst of its post-war economic miracle, needed simple, affordable, and efficient transportation. Daihatsu’s answer was the L35 Hijet, a three-wheeled, cab-behind-engine truck. It was rudimentary by any modern standard, powered by a 356cc two-stroke, air-cooled two-cylinder engine generating a modest 17 horsepower. Its most distinctive feature was its conventional hood and front-engine layout, which was unusual for the emerging cab-over design trend. A light van version, the L35V, followed in May 1961.

A pivotal moment arrived in 1961 with the introduction of the L36, which adopted the now-iconic cab-over-engine (forward control) layout. This simple design change dramatically increased the usable cargo space within the same compact footprint, setting the template for all future Hijet models.

Finding its Feet: Second Generation (1964–1968)

In 1964, Daihatsu launched the second-generation Hijet, the S35 (truck) and S35V (van). This was the first Hijet to be a conventional four-wheeled vehicle from the outset, moving away from its three-wheeled origins. While still powered by a 356cc two-stroke engine, the new model featured a more robust chassis and a slightly more refined, boxier design that maximized interior and cargo volume. It was a purely utilitarian machine, with trim levels being virtually non-existent beyond the basic “Standard” offering. This generation solidified the Hijet’s reputation as a dependable and practical choice for tradespeople and delivery services across Japan. The S36 model followed, bringing minor refinements and continuing the successful formula.

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A New Door Opens: Third Generation (1968–1972)

The third-generation S37 Hijet, introduced in 1968, was a significant step forward in terms of user-friendliness. While the mechanicals remained largely familiar, the new bodywork was a major innovation for the van model. It introduced a sliding passenger-side door, a revolutionary feature for a kei-class commercial vehicle at the time. This drastically improved access to the cargo area in tight urban environments and became a standard feature for microvans for decades to come. The driver’s side remained a conventional hinged door. This focus on practical, real-world usability was becoming a Daihatsu hallmark.

The Water-Cooled Era: Fourth Generation (1971–1981)

The 1970s brought profound changes. The fourth-generation Hijet, beginning with the S38 in 1971, marked the end of the line for the noisy, less-efficient two-stroke engine. It was replaced by Daihatsu’s new ZM-series 356cc four-stroke, water-cooled two-cylinder engine. This new powerplant was quieter, cleaner, and more refined. The styling also evolved, with a distinctive front fascia featuring a large black plastic grille, earning it the nickname “Gantsuke” (Staring Hijet) in Japan.

The most significant change for this generation occurred in 1976 when Japanese kei car regulations were updated. Engine displacement was increased to 550cc, and vehicle dimensions were allowed to grow slightly. Daihatsu responded with the S40, marketed as the “Hijet 55 Wide.” It featured the new 547cc AB-series four-stroke engine and a wider body, offering much-improved stability and capability. Trim levels began to emerge, typically a basic Standard and a slightly better-appointed Deluxe model, which might include features like a radio or full wheel covers.

An Eighties Revolution: Fifth & Sixth Generations (1981–1986)

The early 1980s saw a major modernization with the introduction of the sixth-generation S65 Hijet in 1981 (the S60 was a short-lived, wider version of the S40). This model was a ground-up redesign, featuring a much more contemporary, angular body. Functionally, it introduced a fully flat floor for the van model, uninterrupted by wheel arches, maximizing cargo utility.

The most transformative addition came in 1982 with the S66, which offered on-demand four-wheel drive. This opened up the Hijet to entirely new markets, including rural, agricultural, and construction users who needed a small, nimble vehicle with all-terrain capability. Trims like the 4WD Climber were specifically marketed for this purpose.

A landmark moment for the Hijet lineage occurred in 1981 with the introduction of the Hijet Atrai. This was a passenger-focused version of the Hijet van, featuring full interior trim, comfortable seating for four, larger windows, and creature comforts like air conditioning. The Atrai effectively created a new sub-segment of the “kei one-box” wagon and would evolve into a distinct, more luxurious model line.

Bubble Era Refinement: Seventh Generation (1986–1994)

As Japan’s “Bubble Economy” boomed, so did the features and refinement of its vehicles. The seventh-generation Hijet (S80/S81 for 2WD/4WD, later S82/S83) arrived in 1986 with smoother, more aerodynamic styling and a host of new options. Engine technology advanced with the introduction of the new three-cylinder EB-series engine, which was smoother and more powerful than the outgoing two-cylinder. Supercharged versions became available, primarily for the increasingly popular Atrai passenger models.

This generation saw a diversification of the Hijet line-up:

• Hijet Truck: The standard workhorse. New to the lineup was the Jumbo Cab, an extended cab version with more interior space behind the seats for storage and improved driver comfort.
• Hijet Van: The commercial cargo hauler.
• Hijet Deck Van: A unique and enduring hybrid, featuring a four-door cab with a short, open pickup bed at the rear. It was perfect for businesses that needed to carry a crew and dirty equipment simultaneously.
• Hijet Atrai: Now a dedicated passenger model with luxurious trims, including turbocharged engines, sunroofs, and high-quality interior fabrics.

Trim levels grew more complex, ranging from the spartan Standard to the Super Deluxe and the rugged Climber.

Safety and Modernity: Eighth Generation (1994–1999)

The eighth-generation Hijet (S100/S110 series for trucks and S120/S130 for vans) launched in 1994. It featured a more rounded, modern aesthetic. Under the skin, the new EF-series three-cylinder engine was introduced, offering improved efficiency and available fuel injection. A notable variant was the Hijet EV, a fully electric version of the van, showcasing Daihatsu’s early exploration of alternative powertrains, though it was sold in limited numbers primarily to fleet customers. The Atrai continued its upmarket trajectory, now being offered with options like anti-lock brakes (ABS) and even a driver’s side airbag, signaling a growing emphasis on safety in the kei class.

A New Millennium, A New Layout: Ninth Generation (1999–2004/2014)

With the kei car regulations being revised again in 1998 to allow for slightly larger dimensions, Daihatsu launched a completely redesigned ninth-generation Hijet in 1999. The S200 (truck) and S210 (van) series represented the most radical design shift in the model’s history. To meet new frontal crash safety standards, Daihatsu abandoned the pure cab-over design for a “semi-cab” layout. The front wheels were moved forward of the cabin, and the engine was placed under the front seats. This created a small frontal crumple zone, vastly improving occupant safety.

The commercial line was now officially branded as the Hijet Cargo (van) and Hijet Truck. The Atrai passenger line was spun off into the standalone Atrai Wagon, which was now exclusively a passenger vehicle with no commercial variant. Trim levels for the Hijet Truck included Standard, Special, Extra, and the popular extended-cab Jumbo. The Hijet Cargo had similar trims, along with a Cruise and Cruise Turbo model that blurred the line between commercial and passenger use.

The Modern Era of Specialization: Tenth Generation (2004–Present)

The tenth generation marks a fascinating split in the Hijet’s evolution, with the van and truck platforms diverging onto separate development paths.

Hijet Cargo / Atrai (S320/S330 Series, 2004–Present): Launched in December 2004, the tenth-generation Hijet Cargo returned to a more traditional cab-over layout, albeit with significant structural engineering for safety. This durable platform has proven so successful that it remains in production today, albeit with major updates. A significant facelift in 2017 brought a modern, aggressive front fascia, LED lighting, and, most importantly, the introduction of Daihatsu’s “Smart Assist” suite of active safety technologies, including autonomous emergency braking. Transmission options evolved from a traditional automatic to a modern and efficient CVT.

The current Hijet Cargo trim levels include:

• Special / Special Clean: Base models.
• Deluxe: Adds conveniences like keyless entry and power windows.
• Cruise / Cruise Turbo: Top-tier models with more comfortable seating, full interior trim, and an optional turbocharged engine, serving as premium work vans.
• Deck Van: The unique four-seater/pickup hybrid continues to be a popular choice.

Hijet Truck (S500/S510 Series, 2014–Present): After the S200 truck platform served for an impressive 15 years, an all-new tenth-generation Hijet Truck was introduced in 2014. Built on a completely new ladder frame chassis, the S500 series focused on durability, ease of maintenance, and improved driver ergonomics. It features a best-in-class turning radius and multiple body options, including a standard bed, a long bed, and various factory-equipped configurations like dump trucks and freezer units. It has also been progressively updated with the “Smart Assist” safety system.

Current Hijet Truck trim levels include:

• Standard: The basic, no-frills workhorse.
• High Roof / Jumbo: Offering more cabin space and comfort.
• Extra: A well-appointed model with colored bumpers, power steering, and air conditioning.
• Farmer’s Special: A version tailored for agricultural use with features like a rear work light and enhanced differential lock.

A Legacy of Adaptation

From a sputtering three-wheeler in 1960 to a technologically advanced family of specialized vehicles, the Daihatsu Hijet is a microcosm of Japan’s own industrial and social evolution. It has consistently adapted, embracing new technologies not for the sake of luxury, but in the relentless pursuit of utility. It has offered four-wheel drive for farmers, sliding doors for urban delivery drivers, extended cabs for tradespeople, and advanced safety systems for everyone. For over 60 years and across ten distinct generations, the Hijet has remained true to its purpose: to be the small, unbreakable, and endlessly versatile tool that gets the job done. It is, and continues to be, the mighty midget on whose shoulders countless small enterprises were built.