TNGA – Toyota New Global Architecture, and How it Helps Make Toyota Cars Better

Lately, there has been a lot of references to TNGA, which stands for Toyota New Global Architecture – and we get many viewers asking us what it is all about.

Basically TNGA is Toyota’s latest implementation of structural innovation across its global car-making business to make even better cars for its customers. Toyota uses ‘architecture’ because it is changing the basic nomenclature of its cars, in other words Toyota is re-examining the very core structures that make up its vehicles, to enhance basic performance and the product appeal.

Toyota’s TNGA program is based on three pillars – Agility, Stability, and Visibility. Nice–sounding words, but it means the objective is to make Toyota cars more agile – so that they are not only easy to drive, but fun to drive too. In terms of stability, TNGA strives to make Toyota cars more stable on the road, on the straights as well as around corners, the result of which is actually cars that are much safer, and therefore protect the users. The final pillar, visibility implies that TNGA will make cars that have better visibility, which again makes them easier to drive, and also safer for driver and occupants.

In terms of the basic builds, everything that is developed are ‘tested’ against the above three pillars – and must meet the objectives set.

Much of the work is not visible to the layman – the body frames are built more rigid, to withstand torsional forces and therefore contribute to durability, and stability. If you look at the new Toyotas that are built under the TNGA banner, you will note that bonnet lines are lower, and even the wing mirrors are re-positioned to the door panel and the A-pillar thicknesses are reduced, all for visibility. The current vehicles that have been built under the TNGA platforms are the C-HR, the Camry, Corolla, the RAV 4, and the latest addition is the Corolla Cross.

The first three models above feature double wishbone suspensions at the rear, but the Corolla Cross comes with a new torsion beam set-up that performs exceptionally well too. Whilst building the Corolla Cross, internal space must have taken precedence, which is why the design engineers opted for a torsion beam arrangement in lieu of double wishbones, which would have taken up more space; and we note that SUV users do place a high priority on available cabin and storage space.

In the area of drive trains, Toyota is also developing new engines which will be introduced in stages throughout the Toyota range. We have seen the first of these ‘Dynamic Force’ engines in the RAV4, and it is a matter of time before we see these new engines which are more powerful, yet are fuel efficient, in more Toyota cars.

Our channel has tested a few of the local Toyota range that features TNGA items – we shall share some of our observations here:-

The Toyota Camry: On our test drive, we note that the Camry handles exceptionally well, and easily out-performs many other cars especially in the area of comfort. The Corolla Altis also behaves very well in the same department. Both these cars are a joy to drive on our favourite mountain climb, and on the highways too.

The RAV4 features the ‘Dynamic Force’ engine, which delivers exceptional power whilst sipping at the fuel. Road manners of the RAV4 are good as well, and the suspension offers the perfect balance between comfort and road handling.

The C-HR was tested in a wet environment on our hill climb route, and it was quite impressive in handling and comfort too. Our latest test involved the Corolla Cross, which was just launched very recently, and well, if you watch the video, you will be impressed as to what it can do too.