Remember the Tj Cruiser Concept that unveiled at the
2017 Tokyo Motor Show? Well, may see more of it as a report from Japan claims
Toyota is considering putting it into production in early 2020.
It’s not the first time we hear about the particular
concept spawning a production version, but this time things seem more serious.
Japan’s Best Car cites Toru Endo, a person with close ties to Toyota’s dealer
network, who claimsg that the Tj Cruiser will be unveiled in October at the
Tokyo Motor Show before going on sale in December.
Mixing SUV and minivan design cues, the Tj Cruiser
is a compact crossover that combines the practicality of an MPV with the rugged
appearance of a utility vehicle. Even though it’s similar in size to the C-HR, it has dramatically
different proportions due to its boxy shape. In the production model, this
helps create a roomy cabin with five- or seven-seat configurations, as opposed
to the concept’s four-seat layout.
Based on the TNGA platform, the Tj Cruiser is expected
to use familiar powertrains, including the 1.8-liter hybrid unit from the Prius
and the new 2.0-liter Dynamic Force Engine from the RAV4. The 2.5-liter hybrid
engine from the RAV4 cannot be ruled out either.
According to the report, Toyota will offer front-
and all-wheel-drive configurations both for the gasoline engine and the hybrid.
Unlike the concept, however, which has only one rear sliding door on the
driver’s side, the production model is expected to feature two rear sliding
doors to improve access.
It will also offer a versatile interior with flat
folding seats and a loading length of about 3 meters when the front passenger
seat is folded flat. There’s no word whatsoever if Toyota intends to offer it
in other markets too, but it would sure make for an interesting proposition.
