NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Toyota FT-4X revealed

UPDATED 11:45pm: Updated with official images and video, which were released moments after we published leaked images earlier today. No significant further details have been released so far, Toyota describing the FT4X concept as a "modern 4x4 toolbox for the most intrepid urbanites" and confirming the small SUV is indeed trail-ready.

"The FT-4X, which stands for Future Toyota Four-Wheel Drive, symbolizes a new type of adventure vehicle for young urbanites. One that is compact enough to navigate around the city, but capable of escaping into the wild at a moment’s notice. Anytime. Anywhere," said Kevin Hunter, Calty Design Research president.

"We envision the FT-4X to be equipped with a fuel-efficient yet powerful 4-cylinder engine, paired to a true mechanical four-wheel drive system. Underneath, we imagine a comfortable yet capable MacPherson strut front, double-wishbone rear suspension, tackling rocks and potholes. It charms its tech-savvy, screen-clicking users with a distinct, tactile charisma sensed at every button push, handle twist and dirt road trekked. And it does it all while proudly wearing Toyota’s rich heritage of capable trucks."

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Toyota's wild new FT-4X concept has broken cover ahead of its world debut at tomorrow's New York motor show courtesy of these leaked images.

No official information is yet available for what was expected to be Toyota's first direct rival for the Jeep Wrangler and a replacement of sorts for the now-discontinued, Prado-based FJ Cruiser.

If the FT-4X does point to a future production model, it will be a lot smaller than it looks, with Kelly Blue Book claiming the concept measures just 4249mm long, 1821mm wide and 1623mm tall.

Despite its rugged, off-road oriented design, that makes it more than 100mm shorter but about 25mm wider and 60mm taller than Toyota's smallest SUV, the C-HR, making more of a Citroen C4 Cactus competitor.

Combined with what's reported to be a 2640mm wheelbase -- the same as the C-HR, meaning it's also likely to be based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) monocoque platform -- the FT-4X is much smaller and less capable than the ladder-frame FJ Cruiser.

That said, combined with a low-range transfer case and those chunky Goodyear Wrangler tyres on 18-inch wheels, even the C-HR's 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine would make this diminutive SUV a decent off-road adventurer.

The FT-4X also has a futuristic, carpet-free cabin that appears to be entirely functional, featuring a large flat rear cargo area that can be hosed out and made even bigger by folding down the rear seats, which are accessed via rear-hinged rear doors.

Among its several retro references are rear barn doors that can also be made to flip upwards like a traditional hatch via a large circular dial, while other practical touches include a small digital display with smartphone dock behind the steering wheel and a centre armrest that doubles as a The North Face-branded sleeping bag.

We can't wait for Toyota to reveal full details of the FT-4X in the Big Apple early tomorrow morning.