Comeback of the “Wonder” vehicle
After a long hiatus, the Toyota Tamaraw is again making a comeback to Philippine shores.
This time, it’s not the usual people carrier Filipinos have grown to love back in its heyday. In short, it’s not anymore the usual “wonder” Asian Utility Vehicle (AUV) Darna–a classic local heroine–used to “fly alongside with” back in the 90s.
Today, it’s known globally as the Next-Generation Toyota Tamaraw. And by “next-generation,” it means it’s bolder, more advanced, premium and perhaps, for the lack of a better word, on a whole new level.
True enough, based on pictures on the Internet, live displays and other various two-day dealership visits Toyota Motor Philippines has mustered to organize for the past several months prior its official launch this December, this Next-Generation Toyota Tamaraw is indeed something else.
“We had a lot of positive feedback from our customers when we had the Next-Generation Toyota Tamaraw displayed for two days here in our showroom a few months back,” shared Toyota Quezon Avenue executive vice president, Franklin Lim, in an exclusive interview with Inquirer Motoring.
“They said it’s bulkier now, has a better engine, and has more functionalities. They were just simply amazed by it,” he continued.
“They can’t wait for this modern-day vehicle to officially launch in the country, a vehicle they’ve grown to cherish back in the day.”
Basketball first made it popular
Before there were female heroines in G-strings in the 90s, the Filipinos’ most-loved sport, basketball, was one of the key factors for the Tamaraw’s undeniable popularity back in the day.
Thanks to the now 85-year-old, Dante Silverio, he led and managed the Toyota Tamaraws in the 70s, which was a force to be reckoned with in Philippine basketball, with the likes of legends, four-time PBA MVP Ramon Fernandez and Gil Cortez, together with Rodolfo Segura, Emer Legaspi, Edward Camus and many others.
Back then, they were representing the durable and dependable ‘jeepney type’ early KF10 version with 3K inline-4 diesel engine which likewise earned a spot at the Filipino’s heart 50 years ago.
Kijang of the 90s
The Toyota Tamaraw FX or “Kijang” in Indonesian, was introduced as a high side pickup in 1991 and a wagon in 1993. The vehicle was available either with a 1.5-liter 5K petrol engine, a 1.8-liter 7k petrol engine or 2.0-liter 2C diesel engine, all paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Its power ranged from 79hp to 68hp and topped out at 125 to 130 kmh. The Tamaraw FX was offered in the five-door long wheelbase wagon in either Standard, Deluxe and GL trim levels.
For Filipinos, it was built to handle our landscape and extreme shifts in climate. It instantly captured the hearts of buyers looking for a tough, value-for-money vehicle that caters to their various needs and purposes. With its strong presence then, it was further embedded into our own culture.
“During our display of the Next-Generation Toyota Tamaraw, we also had the opportunity to display side-by-side the 90’s Tamaraw,” said Lim.
“It was a trip back to memory lane. Before it was used as pampasahero (public utility vehicle), pangdeliver (for delivery use) and many others. It had many uses. It was really pang-masa (for the masses).”
5 variants of the next-generation workhorse
There are five variants of the Next-Generation Toyota Tamaraw.
First is the Utility Van LWB (long wheelbase) which has a 14-passenger capacity. It measures 5305mm long, 1795mm wide, 2100mm tall, and has a 3085mm wheelbase. Payload capacity is 885 kg and is powered by a 2.4L 2GD-FTV turbo-diesel engine that makes 149hp and 343 N-m of torque.
Next is the SWB (short wheelbase) version of the Tamaraw Utility Van which can accommodate 12 passengers. It only measures 4970mm long and has a 2750mm wheelbase. Payload is 830 kg. The vehicle is powered by a 2.0L 1TR-FE four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 138 hp and 183 N-m of torque.
There’s also the Aluminum Van, a two-seater utility vehicle with a large aluminum box at the back. It has a 1,015-kg. cargo-carrying capacity, while it is powered by a 2.4L 2GD-FTV turbo-diesel, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
Another option is the Dropside pickup truck, measuring 5305mm long, 1795mm wide, 1711mm tall, and sports a 3085-mm wheelbase. The Dropside also gets the highest cargo-carrying capacity rated at 1,125 kg. At its heart is likewise a 2.4L 2GD-FTV turbo-diesel engine.
This variant has an automatic version, the Tamaraw Dropside Hi. This particular variant gets a more powerful version of the 2GD-FTV, churning out 149hp and 400 N-m of torque. While payload capacity for this dropside pickup is 1100 kg.
For those interested, the Next-Generation Toyota Tamaraw will be on display at the upcoming Philippine International Motor Show at the World Center in Pasay City from October 24 to 27, 2024.
