Contents of the review:
- Appearance
- Salon
- Specifications Toyota FT-4x 2017
- Security systems
- 2017 Toyota FT-4x cost and configuration
The 2017 New York Auto Show could have been another run-of-the-mill auto show if Japanese designers and engineers from the Toyota Motor Corporation hadn't intervened, presenting the FT-4x concept model to the world community, which clearly demonstrates the direction of the future development of the brand's crossover and SUV line.
To say that the car turned out to be unusual means to say nothing, since the crossover has received a revolutionary design and a lot of innovative solutions designed to increase comfort and make the car as functional as possible for young people and people leading an active lifestyle.
The company itself reports that the Toyota FT 4x was developed for millennials - people born in the late 80s - early 90s of the last century, permanently residing in the city, but occasionally getting out into nature. Moreover, the car is ideal for today's youth, who will appreciate the built-in GoPro camera in the rearview mirror, the removable multimedia system that easily converts into a portable boombox, and the standard "The North Face" sleeping bag located in the place of the center armrest. ...
Toyota even dubbed their new product a special term - "casual-core", which literally sounds like "casual hardcore" and emphasizes the readiness of the car for any tests.
Note that the last time Toyota created something similar was in 2003, when the world first saw a concept version of the future serial FJ Cruiser SUV, which made a real breakthrough in the design of modern SUVs.
2017 Toyota FT-4x Concept Exterior
The new FT-4x has been designed by Calty, a Calty studio that has already produced world-renowned designs for the Lexus LC 500, Toyota C-HR and the latest generation of the Camry business sedan.
The concept stands out for its bright, youthful and practical appearance, which, hopefully, will remain in the production version of the model if it is destined to roll off the assembly line in the near future.
The front part of the car is made in the X-shaped style, which has already appeared on Mitsubishi and Lada cars, as well as collected a lot of flattering reviews from automobile critics and journalists. The car received stylish LED headlight optics, connected by a large white trim, in the central part of which there is a large Toyota lettering, as well as an aggressive front bumper, emphasizing the concept's off-road capabilities.
When looking at the car in profile, which, in our opinion, evokes the image of the Kia Soul, large side doors are striking, as well as impressive wheel arches with 18-inch alloy wheels inscribed in them, shod in GoodYear off-road tires.
The rear of the car deserves special attention, since it is here that the unique transforming trunk door, called Multi-Hatch, is located. Its main feature is that it can be either opened to the sides, dividing it into a pair of vertical flaps, or raised entirely upwards. In the second case, it may well cope with the role of an awning that protects travelers from rain or scorching sun. Moreover, inside each of the flaps, the manufacturer has placed special thermal compartments, one of which is responsible for cooling, and the other for heating the contents.
Directly below the Multi-Hatch door is an imposing rear bumper, which houses a pair of towing hooks to securely attach the winch or increase the vehicle's cargo capacity. By the way, there are also special eyelets on the ideally flat roof of the concept, for which you can fix various luggage or camping equipment. A nice bonus is the presence of outlets located outside the body, removable glasses and an action camera GoPro built into the rearview mirror.
The external dimensions of the novelty have the following parameters:
- Length - 4.249 m;
- Width - 1.821 m;
- Height - 1.623 m;
- Wheelbase length - 2,639 m.
Thus, the car turned out to be shorter than the Toyota C-HR and RAV4, but unlike the latter, it has excellent geometric cross-country ability, giving the car impressive off-road capabilities.
Overall, the off-road FT-4x has an innovative and slightly space-based design that evokes associations with intergalactic shuttles and lunar rovers.
Interior of Toyota FT 4x
The interior design of the car is made no less impressive than its exterior. The front dashboard is designed in a minimalistic style and boasts a large number of niches and shelves for various luggage. The driver's seat is represented by an almost square steering wheel with stylish knobs, as well as a small LCD display showing the speedometer and fuel level. Above the display is a special mount for a smartphone, which, after installation, can act as a full-fledged dashboard.
In the lower center of the front panel is a stylish stereo system, which can be removed if desired, thus turning into a small boombox - ideal for picnics and outings.
The front seats are comfortable enough for long journeys, and between them is the original armrest, which is played by the rolled The North Face sleeping bag - simple, comfortable and practical. The rear sofa accommodates three passengers, and the amount of free space allows them to feel quite at ease.
The interior of the concept, as shown by the Toyota FT 4x review, is divided into three main areas. The first is the "clean zone", represented by the driver's seat and the front passenger seat, as well as fabric mats and wear-resistant door sills. The second is the “wet zone”, located under the rear passengers' sofa, equipped with a unique ventilation system and designed to store wet things (wetsuit, wet clothes and shoes). And the last, cargo area - located in the luggage compartment. Its main feature is the presence of a removable backlight (read a flashlight) and loops for securing cargo, as well as a hidden compartment for storing additional cargo and travel accessories.
Moreover, the boot floor can be pulled out, which allows it to be used as a tourist table or bench for sitting. The volume of the trunk, unfortunately, is not known, however, even from the photographs it is clear that it is extremely roomy.
Technical characteristics of Toyota FT 4 X 2017
The concept SUV is built on Toyota's signature TNGA platform used on the new Prius and C-HR models, featuring a monocoque body, a transversely mounted engine, classic MacPherson struts on the front and multi-link arms on the rear axle.
The manufacturer decided not to disclose the exact technical specifications of the Toyota FT 4x, but noted that in theory the car can be equipped not only with a full-fledged 4x4 manual transmission, but also with a demultiplier. Dynamic characteristics, such as acceleration from 0 to 100, top speed and fuel consumption are also unknown, but it is unlikely that the car will become a champion in the class according to these parameters.
A few words should be said about the handling and off-road capabilities of the concept car, which promise to give the owner a lot of positive emotions.It is assumed that the SUV can be launched into mass production with a gasoline or diesel engine, as well as with a modern hybrid power plant.
Toyota FT-4x safety
The TNGA bogie assumes the use of high-quality grades of steel, as well as the presence of programmed crumple zones, which positively affects the rigidity of the body and the overall level of vehicle safety. Potential security systems include:
- Immobilizer;
- Anti-lock braking system, as well as a stability control system;
- Assistant when starting from inclined surfaces;
- Parktronic;
- LED optics for rear and front light;
- Disc brakes;
- Three-point belts and the ability to install child seats using ISOFIX mounts;
- Dead zone tracking sensors;
- Surround camera;
- Front and side airbags and more.
At the same time, no one excludes that after launching into the series, the car can also be equipped with innovative security systems that have not previously been found on the serial models of the company.
2017 Toyota FT-4x configuration and price
Unfortunately, while the manufacturer does not announce information about the future future of the concept, its equipment is also unknown, which can be drastically changed if the car is still on the conveyor. However, already now we can say that the Toyota FT 4x price will be comparable or slightly higher than that of the same Toyota C-HR and RAV4.
The equipment list of the presented concept includes:
- R18 alloy wheels wrapped in GoodYear off-road tires;
- LED head and rear optics;
- Digital instrument panel;
- High quality audio system;
- Multifunctional trunk;
- GoPro camera built into the rearview mirror;
- Unique tailgate Multi-Hatch;
- Climate control;
- All-wheel drive transmission;
- Sleeping bag instead of an armrest and more.
It is assumed that if the car goes into mass production, then first its sales will begin in the United States and in its native Japanese market, but the appearance of the Toyota FT 4x in Russia will be a big question mark, even despite the success of the Land Cruiser FJ SUV.
Conclusion
Whatever the future of the FT-4x concept, Toyota clearly demonstrated the future development of design and technology, which can be reflected in the following models of the company.
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