Toyota Goes Back To Its Compact Truck Roots With The Rangga Concept
The small automobiles that Toyota introduced in Thailand last year have returned, but this time in the shape of a new and incredibly practical work vehicle from the esteemed Japanese car manufacturer. They have named this innovative creation the Toyota Rangga Concept. Toyota presented the Rannga at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS 2023), where they displayed several potential options for the IMV-0 platform, the foundation upon which the remarkable Rangga concept rests.
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Toyota had previously suggested that a fresh utility vehicle would soon enter the market in Southeast Asia. This vehicle could potentially offer various powertrain options, such as a blend of both gasoline and electric, or even solely electric. However, these electric-powered trucks will only be introduced at a later date. For now, the Rangga, upon reaching mass production, will probably be equipped with either a turbo diesel engine or a conventional petrol engine, as reported by Top Gear.
Currently, Toyota is not promoting Rangga's potential EV drivetrain as a selling feature. Instead, they are highlighting its adaptability. Toyota claims that the truck can be completely customized to meet the requirements of various businesses and fleets. The versatility of Rangga is not limited to commercial vehicles alone though. Toyota has initiated a competition in Indonesia to gather innovative customization ideas from the general public.
The contest focuses on the combination of "Public Service x Business x Lifestyle," indicating that Toyota recognizes the potential of a compact truck beyond its use for business purposes. Toyota is welcoming proposals for potential changes to the Rangga concept, which is currently sold as a chassis cab. It is truly refreshing to witness the continued presence of single cab and chassis cab trucks in the world, despite the geographical distance between the ASEAN market and the U.S.
Although there is no specific timeframe for when the final version of the car will be released, it is expected to happen within the next 12 months. Toyota appears to be dedicated to the IMV-0 platform, suggesting that it may potentially replace commercial vehicles that are currently utilizing the Hilux in select markets, such as Indonesia.
The Hilux that we have currently is starting to show its age, and even though it is a good candidate for electric power, Toyota might be considering a fresh platform specifically designed for electric vehicles. Regardless of whether it's an electric vehicle or not, the Ranggan concept still maintains the characteristics of a small, efficient work truck that is not commonly found in the United States anymore. Additionally, it has the potential to perform exceptionally well off-road and in drift competitions, as demonstrated in some of Toyota's contest designs.
