Should Toyota PH make 7-seater SUV version of new Tamaraw?

We all know that Toyota Motor Philippines is set to commence retail sales of the new Tamaraw very soon. But over in Indonesia where they already officially launched the model, they are hinting at making a 7-seater SUV version out of its IMV 0 platform.

That’s right. Toyota Indonesia has revealed the Hilux Rangga SUV Concept, which is essentially a reconfigured Tamaraw with a covered bed, an extra pair of doors, and additional seats inside for seven passengers.

While the design does look a bit odd, the Hilux Rangga SUV Concept looks like a modern-day long wheelbase Suzuki Samurai with its green color and white roof. The concept shown was wearing 16-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.

Inside, the Hilux Rangga SUV Concept has the front cabin of the Tamaraw but the seats are covered with synthetic leather upholstery. As a passenger vehicle, the Hilux Rangga SUV Concept has overhead A/C vents for the second and third rows.

In Indonesia, the Rangga SUV Concept is powered by the 2GD-FTV 2.4-liter turbodiesel with 149 PS and 343 Nm of torque paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Also, much like the Hilux Rangga production version, the SUV concept shown is only available in rear-wheel drive.

In the past, the Tamaraw nameplate did come in a passenger version which spurred the era of the Asian Utility Vehicle or the AUV. So does this mean will we also see the Tamaraw return in the PH market in this body style soon? Watch this space for updates.

Source: Headlightmag