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Toyota Tamaraw
The Toyota Tamaraw is an entry-level bare-bones AUV/SUV sold in the Philippines, made by Toyota. "Tamaraw" means water buffalo in Filipino-Tagalog. The Tamaraw was first introduced in 1977 and it has since gone on to become regarded as the country's "People's Car". This car is also sold in other countries, and is known as Kijang in the Indonesia and Brunei, Toyota Unser in Malaysia, Toyota Zace in Taiwan,Toyota Qualis and Innova in India and Nepal, and Toyota Condor in South Africa.
It is relatively affordable in the markets where sold when compared to four-wheel drive vehicles (the Tamaraw is a two-wheel drive) and features high seating capacity, large clearance and rugged suspension, popular features in an area with generally poor road quality and large extended families.
In the Philippines, Tamaraws typically also find use by small private middle-class family taxi operators as public transportation with a station-to-station bus-like system along specific routes. It's become popular with the working-class commute and are typically overpacked with passengers in uncomforable positions. Depending on a person's size, the vehicle can carry as many as 9-15 passengers, since many of the countries the Tamaraw is sold in do not require safety belt usage.
1st Generation (1977-1980)
The prototype was displayed at 1975 Jakarta Fair Show, and production began in 1977. The first Tamaraw is a boxy little pick-up truck powered by 1.2 liter 3K engine matched to 4 speed manual transmission. The pick-up with rear body and roof was also produced. In Indonesia, the Kijang Minibus was built by a local body maker.
2nd Generation (1981-1986)
The 20-series Tamaraw retained its boxy style although the body panels are different. Under its slimmer hood is 1.3 liter 4K engine, and for 1986 was replaced by 1.5 liter.
3rd Generation (1987-1996)
Introduced in late 1986, the Tamaraw FX was offered as short wheelbase (40-series) and, in Indonesia and other markets, long wheelbase (50-series). The standard model has a 4-speed manual transmission, and the LWB model (elswhere known as the "Super Kijang") has 5-speed and a better equipped interior. New for this generation was Full Pressed Body Minibus built by body makers appointed by Toyota. It was derived from the 1984 Toyota Hilux.
Minor change was given in 1992. The Minibus now has right side rear door and adopted new name Toyota Original Body instead of Full Pressed Body. Trim levels for Minibus are Standard, Deluxe, and Grand Extra. The new grille and 1.8 liter 7K engine were new in 1994.
This car was sold in India under the name of Toyota Qualis. The Qualis is based on the third generation model, but comes with the newer fourth generation nose.
4th Generation "REVO" (1998-2004)
The new Tamaraw Revo, name taken from the word "revolutionary", was more powerful and more refined than its predecessors. The pick-up is coded 60-series. The AUV/Indonesian-market Minibus (often known as Kijang Capsule) is 70-series (short wheelbase), or 80-series (long wheelbase). Engine is either 1.8 liter gasoline, or 2.4 liter diesel throughout the entire market. The Pick-up is offered with Standard Deck and Flat Deck. Trim levels for the Philippines were DLX, GL, GLX, SR, SR-J, GSX, VX200, VX200-J and VX240D Trim levels for Minibus are SX, SSX, SGX (short), LX, LSX, LGX, and Krista (long). The short wheelbase sporty Rangga was offered for a short time.
In the year 2000, the Revo got new front end. The 2.0 liter engine was offered in the LGX and Krista models. Another minor change was given in 2002 with new grille, rear garnish, and some small changes with its features.
The Tamaraw FX/Revo name was dropped in the 2006 release of the newest Toyota AUV, the Avanza.
5th Generation (2006-Present)
- Main Article: Avanza
In the year 2006, Toyota launched the Avanza. Although many consider the Innova Tamaraw's successor, this all new vehicle is closer to the spirit, concept, size and target market of the Tamaraw. Avanza is an AUV powered by either 1.0 litre inline-3 VVT-i, 1.3 litre inline-4 VVT-i, or the 1.5 litre four-banger. All engines are Gasoline. It's part of Toyota's IMV program and share the same platform with the Daihatsu Xenia.
The Avanza AUV is also sold in India, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
External Links
- (Indonesian) Toyota Innova
- (Indonesian) History of Toyota Tamaraw
