Long live the Toyota Tamaraw!
The all-new Next-Generation Toyota Tamaraw has just been unveiled to the public through simultaneous launches in 8 malls nationwide.
Here in the metro, the activity center in Glorietta Ayala Mall in Makati City and Trinoma Mall in Quezon City were the venues of the vehicle’s grand launches.
The newly-launched workhorse is poised to be a game-changer in the local market as Toyota Motor Philippines is adamant in selling 1,500 to 1,800 units per month despite facing tough competition from more established models of other local brands.
On top of this, the Japanese carmaker is determined to annually produce about 20,000 units of the vehicle in its manufacturing plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
Prior to the workhorse’s launch in the region, designers and engineers first conducted studies among potential customers of the vehicle or otherwise known as the project IMV 0 Concept.
In Thailand, for example, Dr. Jurachart Jongusuk, regional chief engineer of Toyota Motor Asia, said, “The ‘Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicle Zero’ has been developed alongside its design to be different by focusing on understanding of usage and the needs of customers.”
“The focus will be on flatbed pickup trucks that are suitable for light loads and easier modification to match the nature of the customer’s business and for installing additional accessories for use in leisure activities, as well,” he added.
During the Next-Generation Toyota Tamaraw’s grand launch at the activity center of Glorietta Ayala Mall in Makati City, Dr. Jongusuk was a special guest. Here, he reiterated the vehicle’s five outstanding features that would more likely–again–capture the heart of the local market.
1. Affordable price
Initially, the Next-Generation Toyota Tamaraw is made available in four variants. First, the base model Tamaraw 2.4 Dropside DSL M/T is priced at P937,000. Next, the Tamaraw 2.4 Aluminum Cargo DSL M/T is tagged at P1,041,000. Meanwhile, the Tamaraw 2.4 Utility Van DSL M/T and the Tamaraw 2.4 GL Dropside DSL A/T variants are priced respectively at P1,142,000 and P1,075,000.
As of the moment, these models are available in their long wheelbase versions, with the shorter sized variants to be made available early next year. These short wheelbase variants are said to start at around a P800,000 price tag.
Compared to its competition, these Tamaraws are equipped with safety features, such as: airbags, anti-lock braking system and a crumple zone.
In terms of ownership, the vehicle has in-house financing, trade-in options, easier payment schemes for purchasing. For insurance, it has affordable insurance options; while for aftersales services, the vehicle has fixed service discount vouchers.
2. Business-focused
Again, compared to competition, the Tamaraw is being offered in the dropside hi, utility van, aluminum van and dropside variants. While under its hood, the workhorse is powered by a 2.4 turbo diesel engine, mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission, producing 150ps and as much as 400 N-m or torque, the most powerful in its segment.
The vehicle is touted to cover all forms of business with an array of options from grade options ranging from short wheelbase to long wheelbase, two loading deck types, a flat tailgate and no tailgate. Notably, the pickup bed is flat that can be opened in three ways and has the largest load capacity compared to other contenders.
3. Compact size and mobility
The vehicle may be the biggest in its segment with a length of 5,303 mm, width of 1,795 mm and height of 2,097 mm. But mind you, it only has a 5.4-m narrow turning radius as small as a passenger car, making entry and exit through tight corners with a cinch.
4. Durability
In terms of durability, the Tamaraw is based on the Toyota Hilux pickup model platform, which has already proven its toughness and reliability, not just locally, but also in the global market, as well.
5. Easily modified and converted
One of the main selling points of the Next-generation Toyota Tamaraw is that it can easily be converted and modified, which can help customers reduce cost and eventually save.
Because of its module structure, it is designed for easier modification, such as preparing space for drilling at various corners of the vehicle. Likewise, the bumper can also easily be disassembled and replaced.
Outstanding features since the 70s
Since the 1970s, the Toyota Tamaraw has been known as a tough, reliable, no-nonsense workhorse, built for the punishing environment here in the country, not to mention being bannered by a value-for-money proposition.
For one, the durable and dependable ‘jeepney type’ early KF10 version with 3K inline-4 diesel engine earned a spot at the heart of the Filipino because of these characteristics.
In the 90s, it was the Toyota Tamaraw FX or “Kijang” in Indonesian, that was able to gain the trust and confidence of the local market. It was first 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 at 125 to 130 kmh. The Tamaraw FX was offered in the five-door long wheelbase wagon in either Standard, Deluxe or GL trim levels.
It was even described by one renowned local Toyota principal as: “The Tamaraw had many uses. It was really pang-masa (for the masses). It was used as pampasahero (public utility vehicle), pangdeliver (for delivery use) and many others.
Built for the next 50 years
During the Japanese carmaker’s presentation, the company explained, not just about the details of the product and its marketability, but also about its endearing advocacy of caring for the local wildlife, particularly for the animal the vehicle was named after, the Tamaraws of Mindoro.
Here, it is seen that Toyota is not just committed to continuously sustain its number one spot in the country and become an ultimate force to be reckoned with, but also continue to be a leading force for good. Now, other than patronizing its vehicles, wouldn’t it be wonderful to have something like this for the next 50 years. Also, during the press conference of the vehicle, it was revealed that an electrified version of it is just beyond the horizon, if need be, as the whole world marches on toward a greener future. Long live the Toyota Tamaraw!
