The second generation TownAce van/wagon arrived in November 1982. As a response to the growing popularity of one-box vehicles, Toyota released the higher-end MasterAce Surf at the same time sold only at "Toyota Store" locations—although it was mechanically identical to the lesser TownAce with minimal cosmetic changes. The TownAce used a front mid-engine layout where the driver and front passenger sat directly above the front axle; optional four-wheel drive was introduced in December 1985. Much of the vehicle's mechanicals were based on the Toyota Hilux, including suspension components. The leaf spring rear suspension of the R10 was replaced with a four-link coil rigid suspension with a Panhard rod for the first time among Japanese cab-over-engine type van/wagons. The front suspension was of a double wishbone and torsion bar spring design.