The Tamaraw was first released in the Philippine market back in 1976 as a utilitarian vehicle. Serving various fields as a workhorse, the nameplate helped many Filipino livelihood throughout its generations. With the arrival of the next-generation Toyota Tamaraw, it aims to continue the legacy of its predecessors.
Showing more of the next-gen Tamaraw, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) hosted the first-ever Lakbay Tamaraw. This event serves as a homecoming to the classic nameplate with a special media drive in Mindoro, the home of the Mindoro dwarf buffalo, in which the iconic Toyota utility vehicle was named after.
The trip started at the Batangas Port with a RoRo ship filled with select members of the local motoring media and a fleet of next-gen Toyota Tamaraw, sailing all the way to Calapan, Mindoro. Rolling off the boat signals my adventure with the Tamaraw on the road.
I was assigned to a Toyota Tamaraw 2.4 Dropside Diesel LWB Manual, the base model diesel variant. It was my first time behind the wheel of a next-gen Tamaraw and I was curious how it drives. It was pleasant, surprisingly. The ride is pretty tolerable even without rear cargo load. Not the bumpy ride that I was expecting from a work vehicle. I also like how insulated the cabin is with just minimal road noise coming inside. A classy touch for a UV. Only the turbo spools and revs are the sounds that come into the cabin which are much appreciated as you will only be shifting by feel with the absence of a tachometer.
Like a true utility vehicle, you’ll drive the Tamaraw macho style – manual transmission, manual winding windows, and manually adjustable side mirrors. Giving a more pleasurable drive, some features like a 2-din radio that has Bluetooth connectivity, an ice-cold air-conditioning, and power steering have made its way to the Tamaraw.
It shares the same powerplant found in the base Fortuner and Hilux variants, making it equipped for any task. Having the 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV turbocharged diesel engine in it makes driving easy. It packs enough torque to move from dig by just releasing the clutch pedal. It is very easy to get used to driving it.
From Calapan, the group made various stops. First visit was at the Toyota Calapan City wherein the team was warmly welcomed. We were also greeted by the people behind the Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the program tasked for the preservation of the tamaraw and its habitat. The group shared how TMP has helped them with their conservation efforts. Oh, guess what their service vehicle is – a Toyota Tamaraw Utility Van LWB.
After filling up with a delicious lunch, we’re back on the road driving to Baco, Oriental Mindoro. Next stop was on Mangangan Bridge for a quick photo of the next-gen Tamaraw. We then went to the nearby Infinity Farm where we got served with a sumptuous merienda by Sarsa. I was chowing down my pares empanada with serene nature as background. The sound of water falls was relaxing, perfectly energizing us for the next part of the drive.
We then hit the road towards Puerto Galera. On our way, we passed by winding mountain roads which tested the agility of the Tamaraw. It did not disappoint. Despite having a long wheelbase, the Tamaraw was fun driving through the twisties. The torque from the diesel mill to pull even through steep inclines was superb. It also handled stable and balanced all throughout the drive.
Soon enough, we arrived at the Infinity Resort in Puerto Galera. Serving as the Lakbay Tamaraw home base, this is where Overland Kings and Sarsa treated the whole team with a sumptuous dinner.
The following morning was the most meaningful part of the Lakbay Tamaraw. We went to Pagturian Mangyan School in Puerto Galera where we brought in supplies donated by TMP. The chairs, books, writing materials, and other school supplies were all hauled using the Tamaraws.
More than the enjoyable drive, this was when I appreciated the Tamaraw the most, when it was serving its purpose. Seeing the smiles from the young students of Pagturian as we unload the school supplies, it was heartwarming. It was like giving the students hope with every gift pack off the Tamaraw’s bed. It also made me realize how important the Tamaraw nameplate is. What I saw was just one of the many possibilities that a Toyota Tamaraw can serve. Just imagine how much purpose the Tamaraw has given to many Filipinos throughout its generations.
Toyota Philippines has positioned the Tamaraw as a utility vehicle that can be modeled into various configurations for different purposes. After first hand seeing some of its many capabilities, I’m just excited to know more what the Tamaraw can do.
