toyota has prepared to launch its small SUV in the Indian market. The company has trademarked the name “Land Hopper” for this SUV. Additionally, the name “Land Cruiser FJ” has also been applied for in Japan. The company has not ruled out launching this mini SUV car in the Indian market.
This will be an SUV of offroad segment.
A few months ago, Toyota introduced an all-new mini off-roader SUV based on the Land Cruiser 250 series. It will be introduced in other international markets like America and Japan. This will be an SUV of offroad segment. In India, it will compete with Mahindra Thar and Maruti Suzuki Jimny.
Launch expected by next year
If reports are to be believed, this SUV can be launched in hybrid and electric powertrain options. This will be the production version of the compact cruiser EV concept showcased a few years ago. Which can be introduced next year. It may also be named “Light Cruiser” or “Yaris Cruiser”.
Direct competition with Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Thar
If it is launched in the Indian market then it will compete directly with Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Thar. Looking at its concept design, it is clear that customers will like it.
May be launched with rugged look
This off-roader SUV will come with a design like the compact cruiser concept. It will have high pillars and almost flat roof. The size of the Land Cruiser Mini will be similar 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 4,350mm, width at 1,860mm and height at 1,880mm. In this, circular LED headlamps can be used along with the spare wheel mounted on the tailgate. Talking about its concept design, it looks quite rough and tough. Anyone can like this rugged look at first sight.
There will be trouble for Thar and Jimny!
Talking about the engine of Land Cruiser Mini, it can be offered with 2.0-litre petrol engine of Corolla Cross, 2.5-litre petrol/hybrid engine of RAV4 or 2.8-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel engine similar to Prado and Hilux. . Along with this, a mild-hybrid system is also expected to be added to the vehicle. It is also expected that it can be presented globally at the Tokyo Motor Show next month. One thing is certain that after coming in the market, it can pose a big challenge to Thar and Jimny.
Expected features of the new Land Cruiser Mini:
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rugged look
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Body-on-frame chassis
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4×4 system
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Engine from Corolla Cross, RAV4 or Prado/Hilux
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Hybrid and electric powertrain options
Potential competitors of the new Land Cruiser Mini:
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Mahindra Thar
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Maruti Suzuki Jimny
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zip ranger
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Volkswagen Taigun
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Toyota 4Runner