SPACE ODDITY

1 980s British motoring had many highlights, but very few of them fulfilled the task of getting five or seven people plus an assortment of large objects from place to place. For several years Renault’s Espace reigned supreme in the MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) sector. Very minor competition was provided by Toyota’s quirky Space Cruiser, a member of their Town Ace van family. In various guises this family and leisure vehicle proved extremely popular in a number of markets – including Japan itself and Australasia – but it was little-known elsewhere.

Toyota’s people-carrier offering only really achieved global success when the Americans got involved. The minivan had been a US staple since the early