[RahulNagaraj]

Earlier this year, Toyota took the wraps off its latest-generation Land Cruiser Prado. However, in the backdrop of the SUV's unveil, Toyota showcased the silhouettes of two other Land Cruiser models for the future, a Compact Cruiser EV and a bZ Concept.

The carmaker also recently applied for a trademark in its home market, Japan, for the name "Land Hopper". Now, as per reports, the Land Hopper name could be used on Toyota's upcoming compact Cruiser model. Reports also state that the smaller Land Cruiser model could be unveiled as early as the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, scheduled for October end.



While details of the upcoming Toyota Land Hopper (Compact Cruiser) are unclear, the carmaker has reportedly stated that the model will not be electric-only, and instead will be offered with petrol and diesel engine options; maybe even a hybrid powertrain. While Toyota is yet to confirm any specifications, the Land Hopper could get engine options ranging from a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol hybrid from the Corolla Cross to a 2.8-litre diesel on the Hilux pickup. For the electric trim, reports state that the electric drivetrain being developed for the Tacoma in the US, upon completion, could be modified and used on the Land Hopper.

The Land Hopper is said to use a shortened version of the GA-F platform, which underpins models like the 300-series Land Cruiser, the Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra and the new Lexus GX. Reports state that Toyota internally refers to the upcoming Compact Cruiser as a "Jimny Killer". The SUV is expected to measure 4351 mm in length, 1,854 mm in width and 1,880 mm in height. Also, the length includes the tyre carrier hung on the SUV's rear boot lid.

Source: Autoblog

Link to Team-BHP news

[adi.mariner]

Why is Toyota taking so much efforts of developing a new vehicle. Instead they could just rebadge the Jimny and sell it under the Toyota brand name as they have been doing it in India.

[Raghu M]

Originally Posted by adi.mariner

Why is Toyota taking so much efforts of developing a new vehicle. Instead they could just rebadge the Jimny and sell it under the Toyota brand name as they have been doing it in India.

Exactly my thoughts! Why are they even attempting something now. The market is swamped and Toyota has clearly lost the first entry advantage. With the resources they have, they could have gotten a clear edge over other brands. The model looks stunning but I guess it will rarely see the light of the day in India! A few years down and someone on the forum will dust this thread and ask for an update.

[Samba]

I wonder why Toyota is calling this as a “Jimny killer”! From the dimensions and engine options, this is clearly a segment above the Jimny. Plus with the 1.5L hybrid turbo petrol, or the 2.8L diesel, Toyota can never price it in the Jimny’s segment. Going by Toyota’s pricing the base variant of this car should cost north of 22L.
And if this car actually see the daylight, this car just won’t compete with the Jimny alone, this will intrude the market share of other 4wd cars like the Thar, Compass, ScorpioN too.
Internationally it can compete with the Renegade or even the Bronco!

[DicKy]

Originally Posted by adi.mariner

Why is Toyota taking so much efforts of developing a new vehicle. Instead they could just rebadge the Jimny and sell it under the Toyota brand name as they have been doing it in India.

Originally Posted by Raghu M

Exactly my thoughts! Why are they even attempting something now. The market is swamped and Toyota has clearly lost the first entry advantage.

Originally Posted by Samba

I wonder why Toyota is calling this as a “Jimny killer”! From the dimensions and engine options, this is clearly a segment above the Jimny.

We have the Thar and Gurkha, but for international markets the Jimny would be the closest rival this will have. Hence why the reference to the Jimny. The Jimny is sub 4m, while this is ~4.3m. I feel we way end up seeing this rebadged as a Grand Jimny than the other way round.

Also there are lots of confusion regarding the model. Whether it will be just a boxier Corolla Cross or use the IMV platform and be a mini Fortuner or use a scaled down TNGA-F platform and slot in between Jimny and Wrangler in most markets. No way this can be designed to have both BEV version or 1.5l petrol engine or 2.8l diesel. Media is getting confused over the 500D project, Compact Cruiser, Mini Cruiser and Land Hopper rumours.

[anjan_c2007]

Their badge engineering arrangement with Maruti sends observers like us the feel that the world's largest and India's largest carmakers are honeymooning, post a happy marriage.

Now these terms like 'Jimny Killer' could be a dampener for the pair's cosy going. In real life (reel life too), divorces between couples happen after some tiny sparks turn into flames and micro-nitpicking metamorphoses into mega everything.

For marriage reconciliations there are counsellors, but we are not sure who would volunteer to reconcile and play the pipes of peace for TKMIL and MSIL ?

[Cresterk]

Japan is big on Kei cars. They are probably developing this with Japan and Europe in mind. If they do bring it here (Most likely we will only get the petrol and hybrid models) it will probably compete with the Thar which is now 20L+ onroad in some states and only expected to climb with the launch of the 5 door model.

Next gen fortuner will be moving up price segments, this one will probably neatly stack underneath for a premium over the Hyrider. The 5 door Jimny isn't dong as well as expected in India after causing a lot of initial hype. It's overpriced and rather cheap feeling, not to mention the plethora of cut corners being discovered such as the whole brakes not working in high attitudes case.

[Uqaab]

Given India's taxing policy on car manufacturing, Toyota's habit of overpricing it's offerings, bad reception of Hilux. I think they will not bring this type of vehicle to our shores. The best alternate would be to cross Jimny and Hyryder and name it Hyrny(in Hindi Hirni means deer), that should be quick and capable off the tarmac.

[swiftnfurious]

If they release an SUV with a design anything close to the render, it will be an EYE-CANDY ! Wouldnt mind killing a few to get it anyhow.

After reading above, this definitely doesn't sound like a Jimny segment, but possibly above that. A 2.8L is close to Fortuner in terms of diesel.engine option

[chef-de-jeep]

Maybe to just get it on forums and make it a little bit of a deal Toyota may have smartly leaked the news as 'Jimny killer'.It may just be yet another rebadge and the Jimny may have a half brother on the street( cannot call it illegitimate )

Toyota has simply been taking the easier way out to keep its dealers floating and cheat the Indian Market. Maybe it is high time that Toyota even explores a foray into the lucrative 2 wheeler segment and especially manufacture/cross badge the clutch less geared scooters (like the hero Honda street) affectionately called as bebeks(ducks) in Indonesia

[FueledbyFury]

Toyota intentionally leaked out the term 'jimny killer' to add a bit of spice to enthusiasts on the upcoming rival of jimny. Great marketing trick of Toyota. Actually Land Hopper is going to be in an segment and price above jimny.

[Venkatesh]

Toyota Land Cruiser FJ to make a comeback.

Toyota recently filed a trademark for the Land Cruiser FJ name in Japan and the smaller SUV that is in the works will get the Land Cruiser FJ moniker.

Source

[DicKy]

Originally Posted by Venkatesh

Toyota Land Cruiser FJ to make a comeback.

Good. The Land Hopper was a terrible name and as seen in the Tokyo Motor Show, it was the name of a small three wheeled scooter like thingy.