Codenamed 500D, the Toyota Land Hopper is a larger Corolla Cross with 4X4 and 2.8 turbodiesel
CY Foong · Oct 5, 2023 02:30 PM
0
0
In Southeast Asia and other developing markets, Toyota offers 4 SUVs across different segments ranging from the Toyota Raize to the Toyota Fortuner. However, it seems that Toyota is looking to add another model slotting between the Fortuner and the Corolla Cross in the future.
The all-new Land Cruiser Prado shown, not officially available in Southeast Asia
There are rumours that the Land Hopper name which Toyota trademarked could be used on this mini-Fortuner rather than on a smaller version of the Land Cruiser. According to Indonesia’s AutonetMagz, the Land Hopper could be unveiled at this month’s Japan Mobility Show, formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show.
The Indo automotive site speculated that the Land Hopper shown might look close to production-ready. Perhaps it might resemble the boxy shape of the Compact Cruiser EV concept, one of the 16 EVs previewed by Toyota in 2021.
Interestingly enough, AutonetMagz also reported that the Land Hopper could be powered by a 2.8-litre 1GD turbodiesel engine. It’s the same powerplant used on the Toyota Fortuner and Toyota Hilux which for an SUV slotting below the Fortuner sounds very interesting.
The rumours of this mini-Fortuner, codenamed 500D first broke by Filipino automotive outlet Auto Industriya. Production is planned to begin as early as the final quarter (Q4) of 2024 in Thailand.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
