Samiksha Jaiswal (Editor)

Toyota Kijang

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Manufacturer
  
Toyota Astra Motor

Production
  
May 1977 – 2004

Toyota Kijang

Also called
  
Toyota Stallion/Venture/Condor (Africa)Toyota Qualis (India)Toyota Tamaraw/Revo (Philippines)Toyota Unser (Malaysia/Singapore)Toyota Zace (Taiwan/Vietnam)

Class
  
Subcompact car (1977–1997)Compact MPV (1997–2004)Pickup truck (1977–2007)

Body style
  
Pickup truck (1977–2007)Wagon (1983–2004)

Layout
  
Front-engine, rear-wheel-driveFront-engine, four-wheel-drive

The Toyota Kijang (Japanese: トヨタ・キジャン, Toyota Kijang), an acronym of "Kerjasama Indonesia-Jepang" (English: Indonesian-Japan Cooperation), is a series of pickup trucks and MPVs sold mainly in Southeast Asia by Toyota. "Kijang", meaning deer/muntjac in Indonesian, was first introduced in Indonesia in 1977 and it has become the most popular car in the country. The same vehicle was earlier produced in the Philippines as the Toyota Tamaraw, where it was launched in December 1976. Fourth generation models in the Philippines were sold under the Toyota Revo name. This car also sold in other countries, and is known as the Toyota Qualis in India and Nepal (third and fourth generation), Toyota Zace in Taiwan (third and fourth generation), Toyota Unser in Malaysia (fourth generation), and Toyota Stallion in Africa for the basic models (second, third and fourth generation), with higher specifications labelled Toyota Venture (third) and Toyota Condor in South Africa (fourth generation).

Contents

It is relatively affordable in the markets where sold when compared to four-wheel drive vehicles (the Kijang is a rear-wheel drive) and features high seating capacity, high ground clearance and rugged suspension, popular features in an area with generally poor road conditions and large extended families.

It is manufactured as a CKD (complete knock-down) in almost every country it is sold in, and many of the parts come from each of the markets in which it is sold. The Kijang was designed with ease of manufacture in mind; in 1986 assembly of a Kijang only cost 42 percent of the cost of assembling the much smaller Corolla 1300.

First generation (F10; 1976–1981)

The prototype was displayed at the 1975 Jakarta Fair, and production began in 1977. The first Kijang was a compact, light pickup truck powered by 1.2-liter 3K engine matched to four-speed manual transmission. A pickup variant with rear body and roof was also produced. The Kijang Minibus (van/wagon version) was built by a local company.

The Kijang first entered the Indonesian market on 9 June 1977, although it had been on sale in the Philippines since 2 December 1976. It was a boxy pickup truck with externally hinged half doors and plastic/canvas windows. Called "KF10" it shared the 3K engine with the 1972 Corolla, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. It was nicknamed "Kijang Buaya" (Crocodile Kijang) as the engine hood resembled a crocodile's mouth once opened. The KF10 Kijang car sold 26,806 units until 1981, when it was replaced by the second generation Kijang.

Tamaraw

In the Philippines, the Kijang was sold as the Toyota Tamaraw (named for one of the country's national animals, the Tamaraw), produced in the 1970s up to the early 1980s. Introduced in December 1976, it started as a small 34 ton high-side pick-up (HSPU) with the 1.2L "4K" gasoline engine (producing 56 horsepower), and was produced by the now-defunct Delta Motors, which assembled Toyota vehicles in the Philippines. It was considered a BUV, or "Basic Utility Vehicle". It had a four-speed transmission, and some models had no driver- or front passenger-side doors. Because of its ruggedness and ease of maintenance, even its upgradability (some swap the 4K engine with a more powerful engine, usually a diesel engine or any in Toyota's "K" series of engines), some of these vehicles survive today, and its designs are sometimes copied or modified by local assemblers to this day. It was so successful that General Motors (through Francisco Motors), Ford, and Chrysler (with Mitsubishi) created their own versions, including the two versions of the Pinoy and the Ford Fiera and Cimarron.

Second generation (F20, F30; 1981–1986)

The 20-series Kijang retained its boxy style although the body panels were different. Under its slimmer hood was a 1.3-liter 4K engine, which was replaced in 1985 by a 1.5-liter 5K. The only transmission was a 4-speed manual. The facelift model had rectangular headlights. In the Philippines, the Tamaraw was also sold as long wheelbase 30-series.

Third generation (F40, F50; 1986–1996)

Introduced in November 1986, the Kijang was offered as short wheelbase (KF40 series) and long wheelbase (KF50 series). The Standard trim level had a 4-speed manual transmission, while the Super variant had a 5-speed manual and a better equipped interior. Introduced in this generation was Full Pressed Body MPV built by companies appointed by Toyota. This technique were applied to reduce usage of putties up to 2–5 kg for each car.

Facelift occurred in 1992. The minibus now received a right-side rear door and adopted a new name, Toyota Original Body, instead of Full Pressed Body. In its creation process, it was fully pressed and used pointed welding. Up to this time, this model can be said as the one and only putty-free Kijang. The trim levels for the minibus were:

  • Standard (SX/KF42 & LX/KF52): a base model Kijang with four-speed manual, standard dashboard and no power features.
  • Deluxe (SSX/KF42 & LSX/KF52): an upgraded version of base Kijang with new refined dashboard, better quality interior materials, steel rims with center caps, single AC, basic audio system with radio receiver, etc. (Alloy wheel was available as an option.)
  • Grand Extra (SGX/KF42 & LGX/KF52): top of the range model with double blower AC, alloy wheels, suede-covered door trim and seats, power steering, power mirror, power windows, tachometers, upgraded audio system with tape deck and radio receiver (CD player available as optional), alarms and power locks.
  • Kijang Rover (GRX Special Edition, KF42): a coachbuilder model with more spacious interior, power windows for all 4 doors, center console, refined audio system with 4 speakers and 2 tweeters, wooden trim, specially made door trim, new alloy wheels and new rear-end.
  • Kijang Jantan (LGX-based model, KF52): a coachbuilder model with larger trunk capacity, air conditioning system with rear defogger, leather seats and same luxuries as Kijang Rover. Both Rover and Jantan models have different wheels and rear styling.
  • The Kijang Kencana (KF42/KF52) is a coachbuilder model based on Kijang Rover/Jantan with higher roof and higher ground clearance.

    In 1994, the Kijang received a second facelift, including a new grille, new Enkei 14" racing aluminium wheels, new steering wheel, tachometers for deluxe trim, and the larger carbureted 1.8-litre (1,781 cc) 7K-C OHV engine. With the introduction of 7K engine, the production of 5K engine was completely stopped. On 17 August 1995, a four-speed automatic gearbox was introduced as an optional modification for the SGX and LGX models for the first time for the Kijang. This 1995–1996 version was an anniversary model and was relatively expensive—it cost Rp 100,000,000 at the time.

    The Kijang was sold in India under the name of Toyota Qualis. The Qualis was based on the third-generation model, but updated with front and rear styling reminiscent of the fourth-generation, and sharing some fourth generation drivetrain components. Critics said the vehicle was outdated that came with an awkward design and did not expect it to sell well. However, Qualis was a hit as the vehicle was welcomed by taxi and fleet operators over others like Tata's Sumo.

    A version was built and sold in South Africa as the Venture, with the pickup variant called the Stallion. The advertising campaign for the Stallion featured local Afrikaans comedian Tolla Van Der Merwe, and because of his popularity it is commonly called the "Tolla bakkie".

    Tamaraw FX

    In the Philippines, versions of the Kijang were sold as the Tamaraw FX when it was introduced in the early 1990s. The Tamaraw FX was available with the 1.8-litre 7K-C petrol engine, or the 2.0-litre 2C diesel, all coupled with a five-speed manual transmission. Power was 78 hp (58 kW) and 69 hp (51 kW) respectively, allowing for top speeds of 130 or 125 km/h (81 or 78 mph). Standard, Deluxe and GL were the equipment levels offered.

    The FX was meant for use as a passenger wagon. It still retained the ruggedness of the old Tamaraw and is ideal for rough roads and carrying heavy loads. It was then still assembled by Delta Motors. Mazda, Ford, and Isuzu released their competing versions. A local Philippine auto brand, Dragon, has taken the designs of the Tamaraw FX and marketed it. Also around this time Nissan, through its local assembler Universal Motors, assembled and marketed their own variant on the AUV theme: the Bida (Tagalog, protagonist). Local car assembler Carter Motors came up with their own version, the Masa (Tagalog for masses, implying that the car is within reach of the masses).

    Fourth generation (F60, F70, F80; 1997–2004)

    In early 1997, the new Kijang received a redesign to be larger, heavier, and have the completely rounded, aerodynamic shape, and was now in the compact class, rather than subcompact, and was more powerful and more refined than its predecessors. The minibus, often known as Kijang Capsule, was either the 70-series (short wheelbase) or the 80-series (long wheelbase). The pickup model was the 60-series. The diesel-equipped Kijang was the favorite model in Indonesia, and it could achieve up to 14 km/l of fuel, which was comparable to the Isuzu Panther (which gave the same rate of engine but with stiffer design). It was built on the same platform as the sixth generation Toyota Hilux.

    The fourth generation Kijang vehicles were generally released in two series of trims:

  • Long Series
  • LX: Standard (Very basic model without air conditioning, cassette tape player, power windows, tachometer or other luxuries. An air conditioning unit could be added for Rp 950,000, approximately equivalent to US$80.) In Indonesia, the 1997 LX version has four-speed manual transmission, but starting from the facelift model in 2000, the transmission has changed with five-speed manual transmission.
  • LSX: Standard Plus (Equipped with standard AC. cassette tape player and tachometer)
  • LGX: Deluxe (Equipped with double blower AC, cassette tape/CD player, power windows and garnish. Also for the first time, a four-speed automatic transmission variant was offered as standard optional equipment rather than modification.
  • Krista (long series only): Deluxe Sport Edition (Same as LGX but available in only blue, red, black, silver or green color, and including sports kit and refined interior; the Krista edition also included specially made door trim.)
  • Short Series
  • SX: Standard (Without air conditioning, cassette tape player, power windows, tachometer or other luxuries)
  • SSX: Standard Plus (Equipped with standard AC and cassette tape player)
  • SGX: Deluxe (Equipped with double blower AC, cassette tape/CD player, power windows and garnish)
  • Rangga (short series only, 1997–2000): Deluxe Sport Edition (Same as SGX but including new front fascia, SUV-like body kit, higher ground clearance, spare tyre attached on boot, and refined interior with suede seat cover & door trim.)
  • The pickup variant was offered with Standard Deck and Flat Deck (and it was replaced by the Hilux Single Cabin when the Kijang Pickup was discontinued in 2007). Trim levels for the minibus included SX, SSX, SGX (short), LX, LSX, LGX and Krista (long). The short wheelbase and sporty Rangga was also offered for a short time, but this model was not successful in the market, with only a very few units sold. A version called "RoverAce" and "Jantan Raider" made by local company, was also sold only a few units.

    In the year 2000, the Kijang got a new front end. The 2.0-litre engine was offered in the LGX and Krista models. Another minor change was given in August 2002 with new grille, rear garnish, and some small changes with its features.

    Fourth generation Kijang, in Indonesia, was changed three times:

  • First edition (January 1997 – February 2000): The body's steel was thicker than 2nd edition. The window was still equipped with a rubber seal. It used 1.8-litre carburated gasoline and 2.4 diesel engine.
  • Second edition (February 2000 – August 2002): Thinner body-steel was used to decrease production cost; therefore, the new model was sold as the same price as the 1st model. It used compound sealant for the rear window, while the front windscreen was still using rubber seals. The design of the front panel was slightly changed (mostly on the driver's side). For this model (and upwards) customers could choose which engine they wanted to use – the original (but renewed) 2.0-litre EFI gasoline engine, a 2.4-litre diesel engine or the new 1.8-litre EFI engine. LSX and SSX trim got Enkei 15" racing alloy wheels as an option.
  • Third edition (August 2002 – September 2004): LSX & LGX series and SSX & SGX for short series were now equipped with suede doortrim (the older model used cloth doortrim). The interior changed into full beige color (the older models' color is mostly grey).
  • Revo

    1998–2000

    The fourth-generation Kijang was sold in the Philippines under the Tamaraw FX Revo nameplate. The model was introduced in 1998 to replace the Tamaraw FX (though it was sold alongside it for a while). The platform and diesel engine were based from the similar era Hilux. Engine choices include a 1.8-liter OHV EFI for the gasoline engine and 2.4-literOHC diesel engine. Trim lines available are the DLX (entry level), GL, GLX, SR (Sport Runner), the high-end LXV, VX200 and the limited edition SR-J and VX200-J (part of Toyota's series of J, or Japan-spec, vehicles, which extended to the Hilux and the RAV4). The LXV trim was discontinued in the 2000 model year in favor of the VX200, while the GSX is a whole new variant. Facelifted versions were introduced in 2003; two J-spec trim lines (SR-J and VX200-J) were retired from the line, and higher-end trim versions received upgraded leather seating, entertainment systems and appointments.

    The DLX has a vinyl interior, a two spoke steering wheel, a two-speaker radio/tape set-up and steel wheels with center ornaments. The GL grade has steel wheels with hubcaps, a four speaker radio/tape set-up and a fabric interior. The GLX, SR and LXV has a six speaker radio/tape set-up, fog lamps, alloy wheels, a rear wiper and all power amenities. Body graphics are exclusive to the SR and LXV only. The LXV had gold-trimmed badges. The SR has the word "Sport Runner" written in a font set similar to the one used for the Supra. It sold very well, in 1998 it accumulated a total sales of 7,700 units. Safety features were basic such as safety belts, load sensing proportioning valve, child-proof door locks and door impact beams.

    The first released diesel powered Revos are notorious for being smoke belchers, among other diesels at that time, with some complaints from owners.

    2000–2002

    For 2000, Toyota revised the Revo, with badge changes and trim line revamp. Engine choices include the 1.8-liter OHV EFI and new 2.0-liter SOHC EFI gasoline engines and a 2.4-liter OHC direct-injection diesel engine. The 2-liter diesel engine has been revised to address smoke-belching complaints.

    The Revo received a facelift, featuring clear halogen headlamps, new wheels, new interiors and availability of new colors. Trim lines includes the DLX (entry level), GL, GSX, GLX, SR (Sport Runner), VX200, and the limited edition SR-J and VX200-J (part of Toyota's series of J, or Japan-spec, vehicles, which extended to the Hilux and the RAV4). The VX line eventually replaced the LXV; and the GSX is a whole new variant.

    The DLX, the entry level, has only power steering, and no other power features. This variant lacks a tachometer, and is equipped only with a tape deck/radio receiver, 2 speakers in the front row only, vinyl interior and it has 14-inch steel wheels with center ornament. The GL is the "higher-end entry-level" with radio-cd setup, fabric interior, tachometer, and steel wheels with hubcaps. The remaining lines has all-power features, CD player/radio receiver and six-speaker setup (but upgradable to a DVD player setup), as well as rear-window defoggers. The VX and SR-J lines have leather seats and TV screens mounted on the dashboard and on the headrests. Only the SR-J, a special version of the SR (distinct wheels, unique livery), the GSX and the VX200 and VX200J had 2.0 liter gasoline engines and power fender-mounted radio antennas. Front-facing third-row seats were made as an option albeit without three-point seatbelts, a rarity for the vehicle type at that time in the Philippines.

    2002–2005

    The VX240D (2 L diesel) was introduced to the new lineup in mid-2004. The Revo received its third and last refreshing. The J series of Toyota vehicles were discontinued, hence the discontinuation of its two J-spec trim lines (SR-J and VX200-J). It received a badge revision, availability of new colors and exterior and interior details, including a 3 spoke steering wheel with a chrome Toyota logo, larger headlights, Land Cruiser style tail lights (which are present in the fourth-generation Kijang), upgraded audio systems and other additional features. The top trim (VX200 and VX240D) received upgraded leather seats, upgraded entertainment systems, chrome appointments, side-steps(together with the SR variant) and upgraded dual DVD monitors. For the SR, a new livery was introduced, as well as the words "SPORT RUNNER" executed in plain text, discontinuing the use of the font used for the Supra. GLX and GSX grades received new wheels and different livery for the GSX

    It had good sales expectations but was discontinued in 2005 likely due to Toyota's IMV Project. The last Revos were either sold to rental fleets, police departments, or people who want to snap the last few examples, until February 2005.

    Kijang Innova

    Toyota replaced the Kijang across Southeast Asia with the smaller Avanza in 2003, and the larger Innova in 2004. The latter has been retailed by Toyota Astra in Indonesia as the "Kijang Innova" to retain its linkage with the original model.

    The Avanza was renewed for a second generation in 2011, while the Innova was refreshed in 2015—retaining the Kijang Innova designation in Indonesia. Toyota Astra categorize the Innova as the fifth and sixth generation Kijang.

    References

    Toyota Kijang Wikipedia