Toyota Hiace’s American custom ‘Carica’

A record 660 custom cars gathered at the Osaka Auto Messe (OAM) 2024, held at Intex Osaka from 10-12 February 2024. From this event, we would like to introduce the Carica, a custom model based on the Toyota Hiace displayed at the Alpine Style booth.

American look with 4 square eyes and chrome parts

This Hiace-based Carica was the first release in the Cal’s Motor series produced by Alpine Style. Various manufacturers have released custom Hiace-based vehicles. However, the Carica is characterized by its classic styling, with four corner headlights, and a radiator grille with plenty of chrome and chrome bumpers. The grille area is reminiscent of Volkswagen’s T3 ‘Vanagon’, but the unique design makes it a popular model.

US STYLE and EURO STYLE can be selected

The Carica is available in two different styles, depending on the colour scheme of the grille and other parts. The US STYLE (on display: White Pearl Crystal Shine x Water Mint), with chrome headlight bezels and grille, etc., and the EURO STYLE with black inside the grille, inside the headlights, grille on the bumper, bumper corners, etc. (Exhibited car is White Pearl Crystal Shine x Sand Beige). The differences are minor, but you can see that the atmosphere is very different.

The wheels fitted as standard on each style also differ, with the US STYLE fitted with 16-inch MOON chrome wheels and the EURO STYLE with 16-inch Balken LHOTZE alloy wheels to differentiate the styles. By combining these two styles with a wide range of body colours, you can create your own unique vehicle.

Special-specification interiors for overnight stays and camping

New to the Carica range is a special edition car with a camper interior. It was unveiled at OAM with the EURO STYLE demo car. This special edition, called the Retreat Package, features REVO seats in the second seats, which can be turned forward when the vehicle is in drive mode to accommodate six passengers, or turned the other way when the vehicle is stationary to create a living room mode with a table between the third seat and the vehicle. When fully flat, the seats can be arranged in a variety of ways, including bed mode, where two adults can sleep comfortably. Furthermore, a sink and stove are fitted at the rear, so the vehicle can be registered as a campervan with a number 8 licence.

In addition to the Retreat Package, an eight-seat Minivan Package (equipped on the US Style) is also available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

translated by DeepL