Toyota made headlines with its IMV 0 concept at the Japan Mobility Show 2023. The concept is built on the robust and innovative International Multipurpose Vehicle (IMV) platform that also underpins popular models like Hilux and Fortuner. The IMV 0 concept indicates the future direction of Toyota’s commercial vehicles. In such a situation, preparations are underway to launch this car in the Indian market. Some reports have claimed that it might launch next month i.e. after Diwali.
If reports are to be believed, it may be launched in hybrid and electric powertrain options. This will be the production version of the EV compact cruiser concept shown a few years ago. It can also be named Light Cruiser or Yaris Cruiser. It will be a new compact lifestyle off-road SUV, called Mini Land Cruiser. It will be an SUV in the affordable segment. In its segment, it will compete with Mahindra Thar and Maruti Suzuki Jimny. Another model is Force Gurkha. However, Thar has unilateral dominance in this segment.
This off-road SUV will have a design similar to the compact cruiser concept. It will have high pillars and an almost flat roof. The Land Cruiser Mini will be similar in size to the Corolla Cross. It will be longer than the 5-door Jimny and will be built on a body-on-frame chassis. The length of the latest car can be kept at 4,350 mm, the width at 1,860 mm, and the height at 1,880 mm. In this context, circular LED headlights can be used with the spare wheel mounted on the tailgate. As for its design, it seems quite rough and durable.
As for the engines of the Land Cruiser Mini, they can be offered with the 2.0-liter gasoline engine from the Corolla Cross, the 2.5-liter gasoline/hybrid engine from the RAV4 or the 2.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel engine similar to the the Prado and the Hilux. Along with this, a mild hybrid system is also expected to be added to the vehicle. It is also expected that it could make its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show next month. One thing is for sure: once it hits the market, it can pose a big challenge for Thar and Jimny.