Toyota's new compact concept is for urbanites in need of utility

It has the functionality of a compact truck, the spaciousness of a cargo van, and the size of a compact car. In a nutshell, that's how Toyota describes the newly revealed Urban Utility concept. I'd describe it as a highly configurable box on wheels.
The Urban Utility concept (U² or U Squared for short) was unveiled today at a private event hosted by Make Magazine in San Francisco and was developed by Toyota's Calty Design Research facility in Newport Beach, California. The concept was designed to be "a flexible, functional gadget that owners can customize according to individual on-the-go needs."





http://www.cnet.com/news/toyota-urban-utility-concept-revealed/

 

looks like the toyota version of a PT Cruiser, although i think its ugly as hell it looks very funtional. i could easily see many businesses using this as a delivery or around the town type vehicle.

 

Kind of brings back memories of the A-Bat, had the same concept kind of...but never came into fruition.

 

The U2 looks like it would be very practical and versatile vehicle. No details were provided about the drive-train except it is expected to get good MPG. This sort of suggests an internal combustion engine of some kind. The flat and low cargo area might suggest it's a FWD van but this is only speculation. If that is true, this vehicle would only be good for light hauling because hauling heavy loads is most effective when the load is over the drive wheels. This is why all serious trucks have RWD or 4WD. However it would be great for light-duty urban deliveries and home use. Because hybrids are most efficient in city driving, I'd like to see it come with a PHEV engine option with good electric range. Personally, I'd love to see it come with a PHEV with a small diesel. That would be the best of both worlds, hybrid electric for great city MPG and diesel for great highway MPG, but Toyota hasn't been too keen on making diesels for NA. The real question is will it ever be produced? The A-BAT was a great concept that never saw the light of day so I guess we'll have to wait and see if this is just another tease or the real thing.

 

IMO, it's really ugly. Pretty sure I wouldn't buy one regardless of how much utility it offered.

 

Compact panel van? I kind of like it. I would like it more without the Jeepish front end though. And maybe a lift. And possibly a 4x4 option. And bigger tires.

 

I like it. Don't care for that front bumper though. Sounds like a good idea. The wheels remind me of the Momo Idea that was popular in the 90's.