Toyota gives us a glimpse of the upcoming Tamaraw

Ah the Tamaraw, first launched in 1976, this iconic nameplate mobilized the average Filipino, providing transportation for families, businesses, and the commuting public. This versatile AUV, or Asian Utility Vehicle, had a profound impact on many people's lives before its discontinuation in 2005 when it was succeeded by the IMV platform Innova.

This year, the iconic nameplate is set to return to the Philippines, bringing back an affordable truck option for the masses. We’ve already got a good idea of what the Tamaraw will look like because this truck has already been launched in Thailand with the name Hilux Champ. 

Here in the Philippines, Toyota previewed the production version of the Tamaraw at an event in Davao City, showcasing body applications and styles that you will be able to buy at showrooms soon. These types include a dropside pickup truck, a police patrol vehicle, a closed van body, an ambulance, and of course, an FB Body version. 

The Tamaraw lineup will be offered in three distinct variants to cater to diverse preferences. The top variant, the Toyota Hilux Tamaraw 2.4 Turbodiesel six-speed Automatic (High Spec), boasts the powerful 2GD 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine paired with the AC60 six-speed automatic transmission. 

The Tamaraw lineup will be offered in three distinct variants to cater to diverse preferences. The top variant, the Toyota Hilux Tamaraw 2.4 Turbodiesel six-speed Automatic (High Spec), boasts the powerful 2GD 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine paired with the AC60 six-speed automatic transmission. 

For those who want more simplicity, or are simply just manual purists, the Toyota Hilux Tamaraw 2.4 Turbodiesel five-speed Manual (Basic Spec) provides the same robust turbodiesel engine but with a five-speed manual gearbox. Additionally, there's the Toyota Hilux Tamaraw SWB 2.0 Gas five-speed Manual (Basic Spec), offering a more economical 2.0L gasoline engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. 

Inside the top-of-the-range Tamaraw, which comes in GR-style livery, has a tough and durable interior with orange accents placed in some areas of the cabin. Expect lower variants to have a more basic layout and less flair, but the overall layout will remain the same, blocky, functional, and robust.

So, the Tamaraw has arrived, but when can you order one? Because the new Tamaraw will be produced locally, series production of the Tamaraw will have to start at Toyota’s Santa Rosa, Laguna production plant which will then be followed by the much-awaited launch.

We’ll keep a close eye out for further updates on the Toyota Tamaraw, for now, you can head over to the Toyota Car Guide on AutoDeal.com.ph and check out Toyota’s diverse lineup of vehicles in the Philippines.