Imagine the anticipation of car enthusiasts worldwide, eagerly awaiting Toyota’s big reveal at the Tokyo Auto Salon, only to be met with a twist that no one saw coming. Instead of the long-awaited return of the iconic MR2, Toyota dropped a mid-engined surprise that left fans both intrigued and slightly disappointed. But here’s where it gets interesting: the automotive giant unveiled not one, but two heavily modified Daihatsu Hijet mini trucks, stealing the spotlight and sparking a wave of unexpected excitement.
In the weeks leading up to the event, Toyota had teased a two-seater mid-engined concept, fueling wild speculation that the beloved MR2 might finally make its comeback. Fans were on the edge of their seats, ready to celebrate the revival of this legendary sports car. However, Toyota president Akio Toyoda had other plans. Instead of the MR2, he introduced two mid-engined ‘kei’ trucks—one transformed by Toyota’s performance powerhouse, Gazoo Racing, and the other by Daihatsu itself. And this is the part most people miss: these weren’t just any trucks; they were bold, reimagined creations that challenged conventional expectations.
The first of these, the Toyota GR Hijet Morizo K-Trail, was a head-turner. It boasted a lifted suspension, equipped with shock absorbers borrowed from the GR86 sports car, and larger wheels and tires for a rugged yet sporty look. Under the hood, the original 660cc petrol engine had been turbocharged, and side-mounted exhaust pipes—rumored to be from the GR Corolla hot hatch—added a touch of aggression. The front end was redesigned with cues from the Land Cruiser 300 series, while roof-mounted lights, external door and bull bars, and Morizo-branded bucket seats (both inside and in the tray) completed the transformation. It was a fusion of utility and performance that left visitors in awe.
Daihatsu’s take on the Hijet, the Jumbo Star Climber, was equally captivating. Painted in a custom green hue, it featured 16-inch wheels, mud tires, and an external tube roll cage that replaced the windscreen and roof. A bullbar and integrated skid plates wrapped around the large tray-mounted cargo box, giving it a rugged, off-road-ready appearance. Inside, racing harnesses and a custom shift knob added a touch of motorsport flair. But here’s where it gets controversial: which of these two creations truly captured the essence of innovation? Visitors were asked to vote on which truck the Toyota president would drive home, and the GR Hijet Morizo K-Trail narrowly won by 59 votes, becoming the talk of the show.
Despite the Hijet’s unexpected debut, Toyota hasn’t abandoned its plans for a new two-seater mid-engined sports car. Reports suggest it might even carry the Celica nameplate instead of the MR2, leaving fans to wonder what the future holds. Is this a missed opportunity, or a clever strategy to keep us guessing? One thing’s for sure: Toyota knows how to keep the automotive world on its toes. What do you think? Is the Hijet a worthy surprise, or were you holding out for the MR2’s return? Let us know in the comments!
