Toyota reloads... and aims
NZ Company Vehicle editor John Oxley was invited to an advance press preview of Toyota’s all-new Hilux. And he likes what he saw.
I have seen the new Hilux. I have sat in it, I have stroked its metal and examined its undercarriage. In fact I have done everything but drive it. And on that basis alone I have to say it’s going to be an awesome vehicle. It has great new styling, a fantastic interior – with a lot more room inside, particularly in the back – plus metallic finishes on the dash, steering wheel and doors, and hand stitching on the cloth seats of the SR5 model we were shown, as well as a huge iPad-look touchscreen that’s easy to see and intuitive to use. On top of that there’s a new 2.8- litre engine which produces more power than the old three- litre, as well as new sixspeed manual and automatic gearboxes, and better suspension, especially at the rear. There’s also a brand- new chassis which is stronger and more rigid, improving handling as well as lif ting towing capacity on some models to 3,500kg. Of course it’s a bit bigger than the old one in every dimension except body height, and there’s more ground clearance on 4WD models, while the big news is that there are a lot more models in the mix, including a high- riding highspec 2WD version that’s sure to take the sales fight back to the Ford Ranger. The new- style bodywork also gives better approach and departure angles for off- roading. GVW is up 220kg on the current model, and GCM up 270kg, and it ’s got enough
safety spec for a potential five- star ANCAP rating. Although we were shown a pre-production model, I was impressed by the standard of finish and the attention to detail, including two glove boxes, one of them cooled by the aircon, and a flip-up back seat that allows objects to be placed directly onto the floor. For the first time the Extra Cab versions will have four doors, opening, as with the Ranger, “suicide-style”. There will be a total of 21 models in the Hilux range, nine of them new, including five 2WD variants with the ground clearance of a 4WD. “These new 2WD variants are for those buyers who want the high riding cab of a 4WD for its better visibility and tougher looks, but don’t need the 4WD go-anywhere capability,” said Spencer Morris, Toyota New Zealand’s general manager of product planning. Utes made up 20 percent of the new vehicle market in 2014, making it the single most important model segment, with Toyota selling nearly 6,000 Hilux utes, and 2015 sales suggest that trend will continue. “The Hilux will be available in four grades, S and SR, aimed at fleet, company and business users, and the higher specification SR5 and SR5 Limited which offer car and SUV-like equipment features. Fifteen of the models will be powered by a new 2.8-litre diesel engine with 130kW. The three S grade 2WD models have a slightly detuned 126kW version. The other three will continue with the four-litre V6 petrol engine. Buyers have a choice of six-speed automatic or six-speed manual gearboxes. A five-speed manual is fitted to the three entry level 2WDs. The manual SR5 and SR5 Limited models have an intelligent manual transmission which is designed to avoid shift shock and ensure smooth gear changes. It also prevents the engine from stalling in first gear when the clutch is not engaged. While there is four kW more power available from the new engine, it is the 22.4 to 25 percent increase in torque with the new diesel engine that is the Hilux’s main trump card. Peak torque at the low rev range is now up from 420 to 450 Nm ( depending on model) for more stumppulling ability. Fuel economy has been improved up to 10 percent, depending on the model. The braked tow rating of the all- new Hilux rises to a range of 2,500 to 3,500kg, depending on the model, from the outgoing Hilux 2,250 to 2,800kg range, to meet the needs of more recreational and business buyers. Every new Hilux comes with a comprehensive safety package which includes seven airbags, emergency stop signal, trailer sway control, vehicle stability control and hill start assist. A reversing camera is fit ted to all 17 models with a factory-fit ted wellside. Three selectable drive modes are also standard on all models, allowing the driver to choose between power, ECO and normal modes. Standard features on the price- leading S models, include 16- inch steel wheels and a four speaker stereo system. The SR version gets 17- inch steel wheels with all terrain t yres and a six speaker stereo. Both of these models are designed to meet the needs of buyers who need a “work” truck. Other standard features include cruise control and Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio controls. The SR5 model has 17- inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, satellite navigation, LED headlights, smart key remote central locking and climate control air conditioning. The SR5 Limited adds 18 inch alloy wheels, leather seats and a power adjustable driver’s seat. Full technical details and equipment specification together with pricing will be announced at the time of the launch at the end of this year.