While doing a little research for the Probox article last week, I was reviewing Toyota’s Japanese website and saw several models that were priced under $10K. That got me thinking; what’s the gap between Toyota’s most and least expensive models? Fortunately, the answer was right on this same website…
Yes, there is quite a spread between the most and least expensive Toyota. On the high end we have the ultra-luxury Century. There are quite a few posts here on the Century so I won’t go into detail on its history – but in over fifty-four years of production, it is now in just its third generation.
Modified Imperial “Royal” Century
It’s Toyota’s entry into the “Executive-class” market and sits atop the company’s lineup – like a regal Emperor on his throne, which is mirrored in real-life as the current Reiwa Emperor’s Limousine is a specialized “Royal” version Century.
1GZ-FE V12
The current Century uses the powertrain from the Lexus LS 600h – the 5.0 liter 2UR-FSE V8 with hybrid electric drive – with a combined power of 425 hp and 480 ft lbs of torque. Smooth and adequate I’m sure, but my preference would be the previous generation’s 1GZ-FE 5.0 liter V12. Just like a Corolla, you can get your Century in various grades – base model (not much basic about it) goes for approximately $190K – while the top-end Limousine similar to the “Royal” version lists at $600K (current exchange rates).
Now let’s go down-market a little – and look at the kei-class Pixis Pickup.
The Pixis is a badge-engineered version of the Daihatsu Hijet. A base model Pixis truck goes for 693,000 yen, or about $6,600. For that you get a 658 cc three cylinder pushing out 56 hp, a 5-speed manual, and a 350 kilogram carrying capacity. The three cylinder is mid-mounted, and can be accessed from under the seats.
So, from the most expensive Century to the least expensive Pixis, we get a gap of approximately $594,000.00.
Just a little piece of trivia but interesting…
Are there other manufacturers with a larger gap? Possibly, maybe a Maybach and an A-Class? A Maserati and a Fiat Panda? A Ford GT and a Fiesta? If you can think of any others, feel free to comment below.
Related Posts:
CC Twofer: 1995 Toyota Century VG 40 & VG 45 Type L by Tatra87
Curbside Classic: 1991 Toyota Century VG40 Limousine – Just Short Of Pretentious by Tatra87
Perpetual Classic: 2013 Toyota Century: The Ultimate Brougham Time Machine by MCC.PJ
Car Show Outtake: 1997 Toyota Century – An Expression Of Japanese Dignity by JOHANNES DUTCH
I’m sure that the difference between the lowest of VW models somewhere in the third world and a Bugatti is larger.
I would say that the difference under the same brand badge is probably the largest.
Agreed. VAG’s vast offerings and market placement might yield the biggest gap. But the comparison above was in one market so would that be cheating?
If you’re talking VAG in the same market, then the VW Up! which starts from £11,840 and the Bugatti Chiron in the region of £2.5 million probably does it.
That’s less than half the price of the cheapest street legal car in the USA, and the trend here is towards fewer and fewer affordable vehicle offerings. Sad.
The price of a single Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII (€446,250) in Germany can buy 16 BMW 1-Series (€27,860).
I’m impressed with the price of the Pixis. The older equivalents of these kei pickups were everywhere when I was in Japan back in 1982. Every small farmer with a rice field or two had one. And of course small tradesmen and such. They’re perfect for Japan.
I never stopped to consider what they cost. I would have assumed somewhat more. Given how well built they are, that makes for pretty cheap transport, of persons and cargo.
This low cost low profit operation structure for the kei truck class has basically killed variety though. When the Honda Acty Truck finishes production this spring, buyers will be left with 2 options across 7 brands: Daihatsu Hijet Truck (Subaru Sambar Truck, Toyota Pixis Truck) or Suzuki Carry (Mazda Scrum Truck, Mitsubishi Minicab Truck, Nissan NT100 Clipper). Pretty sad.
They’re still pretty much everywhere Paul – especially when you get out of the city and into the countryside. As I’m sure you know, they can be spec-upped quite a bit – a 4WD model with Nav, etc., goes for around $12K – still a bargain.
A gap big enough to buy a combine harvester through!
I wouldn’t have expected the Pixis to be so cheap. I have to assume that is inline with the other Kei trucks available and it shows how much those importers much are probably making on the ones they sell in the US. $5-6K is not uncommon, this one is low miles but it is over 30 years old. http://sodo-moto.com/listings/1988-honda-acty-2wd-pickup/
The new Century looks much more prestigious than the previous two generations of this model, but I still think Toyota can tone up a bit. Understand this vehicle is for conservative Japanese executives, more bold looks can attract more buyers from overseas like China where the new rich classes look for their ride with different kind of exclusivity. they have taste range from German, Italian, British and lately Tesla. They will buy Century if it is offered in China. The build quality and workmanship of Century is probably better than those European bands. I heard Toyota closed its factory where the Century Work Shop building this car. Wonder what shop now mades this vehicle.
Cab forward pickup is the logical choice for workman, this one has a small payload. If you need more you can move up to HiAce and Dyana. The large one can match the payload of the full-size American pickups
I would like a 5/4 scale Pixis with a 1.5 liter engine, please!
If you can make it over to Japan Evan, Toyota would be glad to sell you one – base model about $16K,,,
https://toyota.jp/townacetruck/
Volvo has a surprising range if you consider everything under the name plate, from a recently discontinued 3.5 hp Volvo Penta outboard motor for $1000 or so to a 100 ton, excavator or mining truck for $1m or so. (At the moment Volvo’s cheapest product is still a marine engine but figure $10,000 or so for a sterndrive V6)
I was a little surprised to see a Toyota branded Kei truck since I thought they left that market segment to Daihatsu.
Honda makes a five million dollar private jet and string trimmers starting at three-hundred-fifty-nine dollars. Those are just Honda branded items sold in the US too. I don’t know how high or low their prices range in other markets.
Wow, I didn’t know one could order a stretched Century from the factory! I thought those were only for the Imperial fleet. Just saw a Maybach 650 limo in Roppongi – well, only a Century limo could ever top that.
While I havd no first-hand Century experience, I have been in a Pixis – the saloon, not the pickup. If you think Corollas are boring, you’ve never been in Toyota’s smallest four-door.
I actually didn’t know that either – but it looks like if you bring enough yen, and I imagine have a lofty position somewhere, Toyota will build you one.