Toyota TJ Cruiser Concept showcased at 2018 PIMS

MANILA: We earlier informed you about the Toyota TJ Cruiser Concept coming at the 2018 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) and it has finally made its local debut. This boxy cruiser made its first debut at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. This crossover-van has the looks of an SUV and the functionality with the practicality of a roomy van.

TJ Cruiser can easily haul luggage and is good as a family transporter too. Tagged by Toyota as the ‘harmonious balance between the roominess of a cargo van and the powerful design of an SUV' makes it even more reassuring. But you might be wondering what the TJ stands for? The ‘T’ in TJ stands for the toolbox (its design inspiration) whereas the ‘J’ stands for joy which it immensely provides.

With this toolbox design inspiration, Toyota has amazingly blended both the crossover and SUV into one. To give a distinct front look, Toyota has given this SUV a massive grille, along with large circular headlights. Even the scratch-and-dirt-resistant hood, fenders and roof give a touch of ruggedness to this muscular concept. Further, this boxy concept gets huge chunky tyres wrapped around 20-inch alloy wheels.

With a wheelbase of 2750 mm, the TJ Cruiser gets a very roomy cabin. So roomy that even though it seats only four occupants, all the seats can be folded even the seat of the front passenger. This leaves a lot of space for luggage to be hauled in, as long as 3 metres. And the luggage is easily secured in place with the tie-down points available on this TJ Cruiser.

Large openings of the sliding doors and tailgate perfectly compliment the TJ Cruiser ’s roomy interior. Hence it becomes very easy to enter or exit this brawny SUV as well as makes the job of putting in or removing luggage very simple. Rest of the dimensions measure 4300 mm in length, 1775 mm in width and 1620 mm in height.

Powering this monster machine is a 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain made by Toyota to take it to uncharted places. But Toyota has not revealed any output figures for this powertrain. Seen on the likes of Prius and CH-R is the Toyota's TNGA platform is also being used for this SUV concept as well. Even the Lexus models such as the new LS and ES are based on the same platform but with some alterations.

Toyota TJ Cruiser is now available for your viewing along with other exotic cars at the 2018 Philippine International Motor Show from October 24–28 at the World Trade Center.