Daihatsu Hijet Truck (S200P & S500P): The Complete UK Owner's Guide

The Daihatsu Hijet is the kei truck with the strongest UK support of any — a real dealer network, the best parts supply, and the widest aftermarket. This guide covers the two generations either side of the common mid-gen S201P/S211P: the current S500P/S510P (the one you can buy new in the UK) and the galvanised-body S200P/S210P classic.

This is the long version: the engines, the diff-lock 4WD explained properly, the truth about the "Climber", the IVA catch on newer trucks, and importing in 2026.

What is the Hijet Truck — and which generation?

The Hijet truck runs in a long line; three generations matter to UK buyers:

| Generation | Codes (2WD / 4WD) | Years | Engine | |---|---|---|---| | 9th (launch) | S200P / S210P | 1999–2004 | EF (belt) | | 9th (facelift) | S201P / S211P | 2004–2014 | EF → KF (separate guide) | | 10th (current) | S500P / S510P | 2014–present | KF (chain), NA + turbo |

Odd = 2WD, even = 4WD. The current truck is also sold as the Toyota Pixis Truck and the Subaru Sambar Truck — all identical, all share parts (a big supply advantage).

The current truck: S500P / S510P

The 2014 redesign was the biggest in 15 years. The engine is the KF — 658cc DOHC, and crucially chain-driven (no cambelt service). Two versions:

• KF-VE (NA): ~53 PS — the common one
• KF-VET (turbo): 64 PS — much better on faster roads (found on specific higher grades)

Gearboxes: 5-speed manual, a 4-speed auto (2014–2021), then CVT from late 2021. One rule matters more than any other here — see the 4WD section: the auto/CVT trucks lose the low range and diff lock.

The classic: S200P / S210P (1999–2004)

The 9th-gen launch truck is the budget classic. It introduced an 85% galvanised body (it ages better than older keis) and a longer 1,940 mm bed, with EF engines — EF-SE (45 PS) and the twin-cam EF-VE (50 PS). No turbo in this generation, and both are timing-belt engines (so belt history is the key check). Now 22–27 years old, every one is MOT-only and cheap to buy.

The 4WD system — and the "Climber" truth

The S510P 4WD (on the 5-speed manual grades) is properly capable and worth understanding:

• 4H (high range): push the 4WD button (green light). On Jumbo models the diff lock auto-engages in 1st gear in high range and drops out in 2nd.
• Low range: move the transfer lever through neutral to Lo (vehicle stopped) — it auto-engages 4WD, all 5 gears available, 1st is a ~5–8 km/h crawl.
• Diff lock: separate button, works in low range (max ~15 km/h).

Specifications

| Specification | S510P (current) | S200P (classic) | |---|---|---| | Engine | KF 658cc DOHC, NA or turbo, chain | EF 658cc, NA only, belt | | Power | ~53 PS (NA) / 64 PS (turbo) | 45–50 PS | | Layout | Under-seat engine, RWD / selectable 4WD | same | | Transmission | 5MT / 4AT / CVT (2021+) | 5MT / 3–4AT | | L × W × H | 3,395 × 1,475 × 1,780 mm (1,885 Jumbo) | 3,395 × 1,475 × 1,780 mm | | Payload | 350 kg | 350 kg | | Bed (standard / Jumbo) | 2,050 mm / 1,700 mm | ~1,940 mm | | Ground clearance | 160 mm | ~160 mm | | Tyres | 145R12 | 145R12 |

Top speed and UK road use

• S200P EF / S510P KF NA (~45–53 PS): ~62–68 mph; A/B-roads ideal, motorways at the limit.
• S510P KF turbo (64 PS): ~80–87 mph; genuinely dual-carriageway and motorway viable.

For mixed UK use with any motorway, the turbo S510P is the one to seek.

Off-road capability

With the 5MT Extra or Jumbo (Hi/Lo + diff lock), the S510P is excellent on farm tracks, wet grass and light off-camber ground — the low first gear crawls, and the diff lock handles wheel-lift. Ground clearance (160 mm) is modest (similar to a Carry DA63T), so it's an agricultural/green-lane tool, not a rock-crawler — but a TREK-style 4" lift on 14" wheels transforms it. The factory diff-lock 4WD is on par with the best of the class; the Hijet's edge is the UK parts/dealer network behind it.

Importing a Hijet truck to the UK in 2026

• S200P (1999–2004): all over 10 years → MOT-only, no IVA.
• S500P/S510P: straddles the line — pre-~mid-2016 examples are MOT-only; mid-2016-onward need an IVA (test + modifications). The good news: UK Hijet specialists (Motoyama, UK Mini Trucks, Just Japanese) import new delivery-mileage S510Ps already IVA'd and UK-registered, so you can buy current-gen without touching the process yourself.

ULEZ, parts and insurance

ULEZ. Every S500P/S510P is Euro 4+ and ULEZ-compliant. The S200P (pre-Euro 4) generally is not — check individually on the TfL checker.

Insurance. Specialist import brokers (Adrian Flux, Brentacre, Advance); or buy UK-registered from a dealer with warranty.

What to check before you buy

• Engine ID: EF = belt (S200P — check history / budget to replace); KF = chain (S500P — preferred).
• The 4WD spec (S510P): confirm 5-speed manual if you want Hi/Lo + diff lock — autos/CVT don't have them. Test 4H light, low-range engagement, and the diff lock at walking pace.
• CVT (2021+): smooth, no hunting; check fluid-change history.
• Early KF (2014–2018): look for the known oil seepage around the timing-chain cover / rocker gasket.
• Rust: sills, frame rails (front crossmember, rear spring mounts), bed underframe — even on the galvanised S200P.
• Paperwork: odometer in km (÷1.609), auction sheet (grade 3.5+), Japanese registration date (decides MOT vs IVA on the S510P).

What does a Hijet truck cost in the UK?

Indicative (mid-2026), usually + VAT:

| Spec | Indicative price | |---|---| | S200P 2WD EF, 5MT (classic, MOT-route) | ~£2,500–£4,500 + VAT | | S210P 4WD EF, 5MT, clean | ~£3,500–£6,000 + VAT | | S500P/S510P NA, used 2014–2016 (MOT-route) | ~£6,000–£10,000 + VAT | | S510P Jumbo 4WD 5MT (Hi/Lo + diff lock), new delivery-miles, UK-reg'd | ~£13,860–£16,500 + VAT | | S510P Jumbo TREK (4" lift, wide tyres, rack, skid pan) | ~£20,645 + VAT |

Value drivers: 4WD + 5MT + Hi/Lo + diff lock, the Jumbo cab, the turbo, low miles, and a UK-registered/warranted example.

Overland and build notes

The Hijet has the strongest lift/tyre aftermarket of any kei truck — Motoyama's TREK package (4" lift, 14" alloys, AT tyres, skid pan, rack) is an accessible UK bolt-on, and Japanese/Australian kits fit too. Note the bed trade-off: the standard cab's 2.05 m bed is the longest in the class (great for a canopy/sleeping platform), while the Jumbo's 1.7 m bed is shorter — so for a flatbed camper, the standard cab usually wins; for cab comfort, the Jumbo. Respect the 350 kg payload (go aluminium/GRP canopy over steel to save 40–70 kg), and use a DC-DC charger for any second battery. The gullwing "Hard Cargo Box" hardtop is a popular overland canopy.

Frequently asked questions

Which Daihatsu Hijet truck should I buy?

For a cheap classic on the MOT-only route, the S200P (1999–2004). For the mid-gen value sweet spot, the S201P/S211P. For a modern, ULEZ-compliant, chain-engine truck — new or used — the S500P/S510P.

Does the Hijet have a "Climber" trim?

Not on the current S500P/S510P — "Climber" was a 1990s (S110P) name. The modern factory off-road spec is the Extra 4WD 5MT with Hi/Lo and a diff lock. "TREK" is Motoyama's aftermarket lift build.

Does the diff lock come on the automatic?

No. Hi/Lo and the diff lock are 5-speed-manual only — the 4AT and CVT trucks are single-range with no diff lock.

Belt or chain?

The current S500P/S510P (KF) is chain — no belt service. The older S200P (EF) is belt — so belt history matters.

Does it need an IVA to import?

The S200P doesn't (all over 10 years). The S500P/S510P does if first registered after ~mid-2016 — or buy one already IVA'd from a UK dealer.

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Looking for one? Browse parts for the Hijet, check the accessories, or see the model pages for the S500P/S510P and the S200P/S210P. Want a new diff-lock Jumbo or a TREK build? Get in touch.