The Toyota TownAce (body type CR21) was introduced by Toyota in Japan in April 1978 as a short wheelbase, mid-engined luxury 7/8 seat MPV resembling the Toyota Space Cruiser. A 4WD version (body type CR30) was introduced in December 1985. These were produced until a facelift in September 1993 to body type CR31 which was produced until October 1996. It was available with either automatic or manual transmission and choices of either petrol or diesel engines. Variants were badged as Toyota MasterAce (sometimes with "Surf" added) or Toyota LiteAce (sometimes with "FieldTourer" added). Top-end 7-seat TownAces were badged additionally "Royal Lounge". 8-seaters are often badged "Super Extra".