The Toyota TownAce is the quintessential mid-sized van. Originally introduced in 1976, the current Fourth Generation (S400 Series) launched in 2008 and is built by Daihatsu in Indonesia (as the Gran Max). The 2019 model is significant because it is one of the last years before the 2020 facelift which introduced the newer 1.5L 2NR engine. It is rugged, RWD, and designed to carry heavy loads that would break a Probox.

The 2019 TownAce relies on the trusty Daihatsu-sourced engine.

• 1.5L Petrol (Code: S402M / S412M) STANDARD
  Features the 3SZ-VE engine. It produces 97 HP. It is mounted under the front seats (cab-over design). While not fast, it is geared low for hauling loads. S402M is RWD; S412M is 4WD.

• Square Box: The cargo area is a perfect rectangle. With rear seats folded, it offers 2,045mm of load length. The floor height is 620mm, making it easy to load heavy sacks.
• Cab-Over: Since the engine is under the seat, the bonnet is tiny. This maximizes cargo space within the vehicle's small footprint but compromises legroom for tall drivers.

• Spartan: Standard equipment is minimal. Manual windows (on base DX), basic radio, and manual AC. It is built to be hosed out, not to entertain you.

• 1.5L Petrol Economy: 10–12 km/l (Loaded)
• Maintenance: Very Low. The 3SZ engine is simple. Suspension is leaf spring. There is very little to break.
• Spares: Excellent. Parts are shared with the Daihatsu Gran Max and Toyota Avanza.

• Ground Clearance: At 175mm, it is high. The approach angles are steep, allowing it to climb curbs and rough driveways easily.
• RWD/4WD: Being Rear-Wheel Drive (or 4WD) gives it a massive traction advantage over the FWD Nissan NV200 when climbing steep, loose hills fully loaded.

Safety is basic (ABS and Dual Airbags). Reliability is bulletproof. This van is designed for developing markets like Indonesia, so it handles abuse exceptionally well.

The following are estimated showroom prices for fresh imports (duty-paid) in major Kenyan cities including **Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret**.

The Toyota TownAce is the "Big Brother" to the Probox. It carries more (750kg), sits higher, and offers 4WD traction. It is less comfortable and slower than an NV200, but if your delivery route involves rough murram roads, the TownAce is the only logical choice.