Toyota is testing the waters in the small utility van segment with the newly revealed Urban Utility concept vehicle, also known as the U².
The brand says it is trying to capitalize on a growing trend of entrepreneurs and do-it-yourself folks, and the vehicle reflects the qualities they would want. Features include a configurable rail system which can hold mounted add-ons like bike racks or baskets, a foldable and removable front passenger seat, fold-up rear seating and a shifter with what Toyota calls intuitive shift.
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Put together to offer the dimensions of a compact car with the functionality of a small truck, the Urban Utility concept offers many functional exterior features as well. A tailgate is fitted to the back which can be folded down into a ramp, and is covered by protective, replaceable ridges. There is also a sliding glass window on the rear which retracts into the tailgate.
The concept was designed at Toyota’s Calty design studio, and was unveiled at private panel discussion hosted by Make: magazine in San Francisco.
GALLERY: Toyota Urban Utility Concept
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