Toyota has given its Hilux model a facelift giving it a dynamic design, revised engine and interior instrumentation including multimedia technology.
The face of the new Hilux has been completely redesigned with a new bold & powerful 3D grille and front bumper treatment, giving the Hilux more road presence whilst reinforcing its tough, robust, go-anywhere credentials. There are now newly-designed front and rear LED light clusters with the front getting Bi-beam LED headlights whilst the turning signals now feature LED Sequential Turn technology. New 18 inch alloy wheel designs and the addition of new exterior colours complete the exterior changes whist some global markets get up to 20-inch wheels.
The interior changes include a new driver’s speedometer screen design, and a new, 8 inch centre console-mounted infotainment screen which adopts mechanical buttons and dials for enhanced operability under all driving conditions. The enhanced multimedia system features faster software and screen response, and incorporates both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ for smartphone integration.
Smart entry and push-button start, satellite navigation, automatic air-conditioning, front and rear parking sensors are retained whilst there is now also a 9-speaker JBL Premium Sound System incorporating an 800W 8-channel amplifier and CLARi-Fi technology. 3D all round reversing camera has also been added. LED ambient lighting has also been adopted bringing the Hilux up to date.
Reinforcing the exclusivity of the new Hilux range, a wide range of accessories will enable customers to further tailor their vehicles to their own work or leisure requirements. These include a sports bar, an electric aluminium roll cover, tailgate locking, a hardtop and a 12v deck-mounted power supply.
The Hilux powertrain range has been bolstered by the revised top of the range GD-6 engine where the 2.8 litre 4-cylinder engine now produces 150kW (a 20kW increase over the previous spec) with the torque figure now at 500Nm (up from 420Nm). Performance is quoted at a 0-100km/h sprint in 10 seconds whilst returning a fuel efficiency figure of 7.8l/100km. 6 Speed manual and 6 speed automatic transmissions are retained with either 4×2 spec or 4×4 spec. The comfort and driveability of the new Hilux has been enhanced through improvements to the suspension and power steering systems. The suspension benefits from front and rear shock absorber tuning, improved leaf spring design and new bushing to combine a smoother ride with reduced impact on steps and holes. 4×2 models now get a new electronic limited slip differential, an updated Vehicle Stability Control system and a new tyre angle monitor. Local spec has not yet been confirmed in terms of the replacement of a mechanical LSD.
The Toyota Safety Sense is equipped in the new Hilux with several advanced safety technologies, for instance Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert. The new Hilux range will retain the single, extra cab and double cab configurations. Local specifications will be made available at launch with Toyota SA likely to have its own “Mzansi” take on how they spec models. Considering the Hilux is produced locally, the revised model should be available soon.
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