Launched in 1968, the legendary Hilux has been a dominant presence in the pick-up market for nearly 50 years, recording global sales of more than 16 million units.
The new Hilux arrives in Irish showrooms in time for 162 registrations. Toyota says that the new Hilux driving performance is much improved courtesy of an all-new 2.4 D-4D engine. Despite its smaller size, the new torque figure is 16.5 per cent higher at 400Nm, and this higher torque figure is available at a lower engine speed than before giving greater flexibility.
Driveability and greater efficiency has been achieved, with new Hilux combined fuel consumption improving from 7.7L to 7.0L. An all-new six-speed gearbox helps deliver this figure with a new 23 per cent taller ratio in top gear. An impressive 148bhp is generated at 3,400rpm. The six speed automatic transmission is also new.
The new Hilux features ECO and power Modes. ECO mode reduces fuel consumption by modifying accelerator pedal response as well as heating/cooling performance. Power mode provides a stronger acceleration response, ensuring more agile driving on slopes and winding roads.
The improved driving performance is complemented by an enhanced cabin area. The seat hip point is 10mm higher than before for better visibility and now comes with telescopic steering adjustment to ensure the optimum driving position and maximum comfort.
Toyota claims that the new Hilux provides a best in class performance in terms of noise, vibration, and harshness. There is better dash silencing, improved engine noise, better engine compartment sound insulation, thicker carpet for the cabin, wider weather-strips for the door openings, and foam insulation in the roof area. It says that the new comfortable and quiet cabin also comes with a much more SUV-like level of sensory quality, fit, and finish.
The Toyota Touch multimedia platform comes with a larger 7” screen and a 4.2” colour TFT information screen within the dash display. In terms of off-road ability, there are a host of improvements. A benefit of the new six-speed gearbox is a lower first gear which provides more power from start off and also reduces the risk of stalling at low speeds.
Off-road performance is also enhanced due to an increase in ride height and improved axle articulation which is 20 per cent better than before. The new Hilux also has a 20 per cent improvement in structural rigidity, making it tougher than ever. Many features are designed on new Hilux specifically with improved off-road performance in mind, such as re-positioned electrical components, curved cross member edges, and improved under-body protection.
The biggest single improvement in the Hilux toughness is the new Active Traction Control system. This system senses slip and brakes the slipping wheel to encourage grip whilst also transferring torque to non-slipping wheels, thus keeping the vehicle moving in really tough conditions.
This is in addition to other safety features such as hill assist control, downhill assist control, trailer stability control, and active traction control, ensuring that the new Hilux offers best in class safety.
