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Microvan Popular In The 90s Known As The ‘Hot Dog Car’ Is Found In Excellent Condition In The Used Car Market. Meet The Asia Towner Microvan And Its Impacts On The Brazilian Market
Long before the term food truck became popular in Brazil, two iconic figures already dominated the streets as true kitchens on wheels: the classic VW Kombi and the versatile Asia Towner. The latter, a compact microvan that gained prominence in the 90s, was responsible for transforming the lives of thousands of small entrepreneurs across the country. With its compact dimensions, low fuel consumption, and simple mechanics, the Asia Towner became the ideal partner for those seeking mobility and practicality to start a business.
In a scenario of unstable economy and few formal opportunities, the microvan carved out a niche mainly in the food commerce sector, especially known for the traditional hot dog carts. Therefore, it became affectionately known as the “hot dog car,” easily found at school entrances, parks, events, and busy points in Brazilian cities. The combination of affordable cost, easy maintenance, and ample internal adaptability turned the Towner into a symbol of resistance and creativity for small urban workers.
Asia Towner Microvan Popular In The 90s With Only 68 Thousand Km Is Found In The Used Car Market
The affordable price and versatility were the main highlights for the model’s success. In fact, many self-employed workers decided to retire their snack carts for these types of vehicles adapted for food commerce.
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Recently, AutoEsporte had the opportunity to see a rare Asia Towner microvan produced in 1995 with only 65 thousand km. According to the owner Geraldo Fernandes Júnior, owner of the store Garagem da Joia, the vehicle has a high value of originality and may receive a black plate.
According to Júnior, his microvan still has the original radio, and the entire interior is in excellent condition. Another curious detail that catches the eye is the untouched plastic on the sun visors.
The dashboard of the ‘hot dog car’ is quite complete for the time it was released, with the tachometer allowing us to reach up to 7000 RPM. The 5-speed gear lever and the four-spoke steering wheel show a well-preserved interior.
The few units of the model were kept as part of the historical and cultural value that, in a way, contributed to the sustenance and economy of many families in the country. The price of the unit in question is R$ 40 thousand.
History And Differentials Of The Asian Model
The now-defunct South Korean Asia Motors, then controlled by Kia, arrived in the Brazilian market in the early 90s with the Asia Towner. With the sales success of the microvan in the market, the company opened doors to other models, such as the Topic, an AM-825 minibus, the mini jeep Rocsta, and the Galloper SUV, which was from Hyundai. However, it was with the microvan popular in the 90s that the brand became known.
The versatility of the model could be seen in its configurations: van with side windows (Glass Van), pickup (Truck), and closed van (Panela Van). Another highlight was the 7-seater option called coach, a model found by Autoesporte.
Due to its acceptance by the Brazilian public and also its affordable price, the ‘hot dog car’ also contributed to the growth of urban mobility and informal economy in Brazil. An example of this assertion is the units that still work today selling hot dogs or churros on the main streets of Brazil.
Model Also Surprises In Fuel Consumption Numbers
All versions of the model were equipped with the same motor installed over the front seat called ED-10A, a three-cylinder engine from Daihatsu, which delivered excellent fuel economy. The microvan popular in the 90s achieved 11.4 km per liter in the city and 13.8 km per liter on the highway, according to technical sheets of the time. This improved its range, considering that the tank had a capacity of only 35 L.
The performance of the Asian Towner was not a highlight, as the model had only 40 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 6 kgfm of torque at 3600 RPM. Weighing 1200 kg, the vehicle managed to go from 0 to 100 km per hour in 46.5 seconds, and its top speed was no more than 116 km/h.
Source: This article was written based on the report from Quatro Rodas
Se o motor ficava sobre o banco, onde se sentavam o motorista e o passageiro?????? Atenção ao português!!!!!!!!!!
“Motor instalado SOBRE o banco dianteiro”? Então não havia espaço pro passageiro, pq tinha um motor no banco ?
Boa noite pessoal. Tenho uma Coach 95/96 com apenas 7.000 km originais.Meu pai comprou esta joinha e eu acabei herdando. Acreditem ou não é muto divertido quando saio com ela para dar uma volta.