While it is certainly underrated, the Japanese automaking Hino brand has been around for more than 75 years. Originally a company that supplied the Imperial Japanese army with vehicles, it would grow to become a subsidiary of Toyota, as one of the 16 companies under it. For decades, Hino has produced trucks and buses that would stand the test of time, with their affiliation with Toyota also getting them a similar name in robustness, durability, and quality.

Getting to the Hino Liesse; it is a step-floor, single-decker minibus that was built by the Hino Motors starting in the mid-90s, from the year 1995, all the way to 2011. The Hino Liesse bus is of two types. The first type is the Liesse, which was started in 1995; it received three updates. The first one was in 1999, then came one in 2004 and the last one in 2007. These updates were minor changes in the exterior, and a few tech ones. Then there’s the Liesse II, which is a rebadged version of the Toyota Coaster bus. It was launched in 1996, and it received updates along the same time as the standard Liesse. The objective of launching both the buses was primarily to have them be used as city buses and a tourist coach.

The Hino Liesse buses are a cheap, yet fulfilling alternative for brand-new minibuses. As far as the powertrain is concerned, it is very diverse, if you can find the one of your choice. You can find the aforementioned Hino Liesse buses with one of three engines. The first one is a 4.7-liter, the second is a 5.3-liter one, and the most common one is a 4-liter four-cylinder diesel engine. Transmissions that can be found are three- or five-speed gearboxes; manual or automatic. The drive is a 2WD system for extra thrust to propel the five-ton buses.

While you wouldn’t expect it to be loaded with all latest gizmos, it does get you the necessities. The Hino Liesse is built to seat up to 29 people, and it has two doors; one for the driver to get in and a pair of sliding ones for the passengers to get in. Should you pick the right model, you may find it to be equipped with automatic sliding doors, and even a third door.

The Liesse buses offer air-conditioning in each row to keep their passengers cool, and power steering to ease up the driving experience. You will also find these equipped with a rack above for luggage, a spare tire in case of a puncture, a sunroof to let the nice weather in, and powered windows.

Apart from the A/C, the interior is also desired to provide the passengers with comfort, while giving them a feel of calmness and luxury with its optional leather seats that can recline. The Hino Liesse is one of the prime buses of choice if one has to take a two-dozen people on a long road trip.

Every customer can find a Liesse bus based on their wants and choices. The Hino offers plenty of entertainment goodies like a radio with a choice of FM or AM, a player and changer for your CD and a jack for connecting your phone’s sound to the bus’s speakers.

As global warming is the talk of the town when automobiles are mentioned, the Hino Liesse works well to reduce its pollution capabilities. Japan is rightfully anxious about environmental conservation, so its cars are no different. The Liesse observes long-lasting Japanese regulations and policies.

One of its technologies is Diesel Particulate Active Reduction (DPAR), which helps to reduce the harmful particles given out by the exhaust. The transmission works well to give you a decent fuel average of around 9kmpl (21mpg), which is a good output for a heavy, four-cylinder bus that can travel well on different terrains.

The Hino Liesse being a rebadged Toyota Coaster, also shares its quality and longevity on the road. This is why even a used Liesse from long ago is a good investment, because it will last an eternity due to it being built tough. As Hino is a reputable and leading brand of trucks and buses, parts are easy and cheap to find, while still maintaining reliability.

The Liesse also doesn’t let you down on safety, with features including but not limited to airbags for the driver, fog lamps to enhance visibility during misty conditions, and ABS to bring stability. Its steering is also very accurate and you can get Aluminum alloy wheels with disk brakes.

As far as warranty is concerned, while an older Liesse might not fall under Hino’s brilliant warranty, unlike a more recent model. However, different used car dealers can provide you waith a range of their warranties for a short time.