Toyota Motor Philippines is set on launching a new light commercial vehicle on July 15, 2022. Interestingly, this marks the return of a familiar nameplate, which some of you folks might have gotten to ride on or drive back in the day. That’s right, TMP is launching the all-new version of the Toyota Lite Ace.
A teaser photo for the upcoming Philippine-spec Toyota Lite Ace
So how will the new Lite Ace fit in the current TMP model lineup? Well, according to the brand, it will be positioned as a light commercial vehicle (LCV). As such, it is slated to become a handy logistics partner for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the local setting.
On its launch, the 2023 Toyota Lite Ace will assume a single body type. We still aren’t sure what this body type is, though TMP said that it will be capable of moving goods and people. To this end, this might be a small van-type body that the current Town Ace DX uses in other markets.
Speaking of which, the teaser photo for the Lite Ace reveals its front end, which is nearly identical to the Town Ace DX van currently sold in Japan. And like the photo that TMP shared, it uses a pair of square-shaped halogen headlamps, as well as a black-colored plastic lower front bumper.
Being identical with the Town Ace DX in terms of looks, we can then assume that the upcoming Lite Ace for the Philippines might come with the same engine as well. Specifically, it could be getting the 1.5-liter inline-4 2NR-VE gasoline engine that’s good for 97 horsepower and 134 Nm of torque.
This is how the local Lite Ace could look like, save for the body-colored front bumper
Furthermore, it will then use a manual gearbox, combined with a rear-wheel-drive layout. That’s pretty much like most LCVs in the Philippines.
As with any of our speculatory articles, do take our guesses with a grain of salt. But, we do know that TMP will sell the upcoming Lite Ace with a starting price of Php 570,000.
We also know that its July 15, 2022 launch will be held at the Farmer’s Plaza activity area at the Araneta City in Cubao, Quezon City. Also, units of this upcoming LCV will be on display to the public as well.
For more information on the all-new Toyota Lite Ace, keep it here on Philkotse.