Toyota TJ Cruiser production unit to debut in May

KUALA LUMPUR: According to the Japanese news website, Best Car, the production version of Toyota TJ Cruiser will debut in May 2020. Around three years ago, at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota released the concept. It seems the boxy half van, half SUV model has finally received the affirmation for production. The model is also claimed as an exceedingly practical vehicle. The prefix ‘TJ’ stands for Toolbox and Joy, respectively.

According to reports, the production version will be similar to the concept, pertaining to the exterior. However, some of the features might not be there. For instance, the concept was debuted with fold-down seats, large sliding rear doors, elliptical steering wheels, which customers might not get in the final version. According to the news, the automaker will keep the concept’s usability with sliding doors, folding seats and expanded cargo area. Moreover, there will be a third row of seats and it will have the accommodation up to seven passengers.

Inside the cabin, one can find a simple yet future-oriented design. There will be a horizontal dashboard, flat passenger seats and more. Plenty of points on the deck board and backrest will be provided to secure the luggage inside with tie-down belts and hooks.

The model will be based on Toyota’s TNGA platform and will come with the choice of front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configuration. It will reportedly be launched with three variants, as per the engine specification. There will be a 2.0-litre gas engine and the remaining two will be 1.8-litre and 2.5-litre hybrids. TJ Cruiser will expectedly be slotted between Alphard and RAV4, the latter being Toyota’s best-selling passenger car in the US till now. However, the expectation is, TJ Cruiser might not come to the US.

The selling price will range between 2.4 and 4 million Yen, which is equivalent to RM 90,580 and RM1,50,971. Pre-orders expectedly to begin in April first week.

Source: Best Car

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