Aside from being the yearly field trip of the motoring beat, the Toyota Road Trek also serves as a launchpad or teaser platform for the brand. There, they showcase their upcoming hit models that will soon make their way to the public. This year was no different, though our thoughts were different. We were anticipating a preview of the Land Cruiser Prado but it wasn’t meant to be. Instead, we were surprised with the different forms of the upcoming next-gen Toyota Tamaraw.
What’s different this time around is it’s not just a concept anymore. Though the showcased units were still prototypes, they were all made locally in Toyota’s manufacturing facility in Laguna. It’s built on the IMV platform that is shared with the Fortuner, Innova, and Hilux, making parts procurement easy for the Tamaraw.
The keys were still hidden so we didn’t get a chance to drive them but we were able to have a closer look at the upcoming utility truck. Toyota says there will be a gas-engine variant that will serve as the entry-level, while a diesel-powered trim would also be available for the Tamaraw. Transmission will be a choice between a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. Other amenities include a 2-DIN radio, but a touchscreen infotainment system was showcased as well.
The real highlight of the upcoming Tamaraw is its versatility in body options. All showcased units were two-seater single cab designs with only different rear utility bodies. The main display featured a dropside bed, while another had an FB-body for hauling passengers. There’s also a low-ceiling aluminum panel van concept, an ambulance, and a patrol-style body that are all similar to what is possible with the Lite Ace.
Toyota’s only hint on the pricing of the Tamaraw is that it will be ‘starting under a million pesos’ but they remain firm that it will be launched this year.