This is it, folks. You’re looking at the new-generation Toyota Tamaraw for the 2020s. Months after the concept was unveiled in Indonesia (Rangga) and in the Philippines (Tamaraw), the production version is finally out.
Unveiled in Thailand as the Hilux Champ, it won’t only be offered in the Philippines eventually. If you recall a few months back, it is said that it will also be assembled here. Should that be the case, it will be assembled alongside the Innova and Vios.
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The road-going version is practically identical to the concept we saw before. Its exterior is all about utility with flat, squared-off edges without much frills. By the looks of things, it has easy to replace bumpers and panels to reduce downtime in case of bumps and scrapes. The truck follows the mantra of ‘function over form’.
Don’t expect much luxuries inside. Again, this pickup is for business and utility, not for lifestyle. Simple and flat panels are the order of the day, and so are hard plastic trims and finishings. Owners and operators will be relieved that it has loads of storage bins and a wash down floor.
The base version is a cab and chassis model, but it can also be offered as a single cab pickup with a long tray. Toyota also collaborated with numerous body assemblers to manufacture specialized read bodies. Some examples include a delivery truck, medical vehicle, small business truck, a camping truck, and even a motorhome. It’s also worth pointing out that it can be specified in short or long wheelbase guises with the latter offering a greater payload.
For engines, there are three options. The first is a 2.0-liter gas engine from the old Innova, the 1TR-FE, followed by a 2.7-liter gas mill dubbed 2TR-FE. Those gas-fed engines make 137hp and 183Nm of torque, and 166hp and 245Nm of torque, respectively. The the option is the familiar 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV turbodiesel engine that also powers entry-level version of the Hilux. Power figures are unchanged, so it’s still at 148hp and 343Nm of torque. The 2.0-liter shifts with a five-speed manual, while the other two are available with a six-speed automatic.
As for the local assembly and release, there is no official word from Toyota Motor Philippines just yet. But given that it’s already rolling out in Thailand, it might be safe to say that the reborn Tamaraw will be in our showrooms sometime next year.
