Toyota introduces new Hilux Conquest, previews Rush SUV
THERE are no signs of slowing down at Toyota Motor Philippines. After achieving their 16th consecutive Triple Crown (number one brand in passenger car sales, number one brand in commercial vehicle sales, and number one brand in overall sales) last year, the country’s largest carmaker is gearing up for an even bigger 2018 by introducing a new topof-the-line variant of its Hilux pickup truck as well as previewing its muchanticipated Rush SUV.
TOYOTA HILUX CONQUEST
Already the country’s bestselling pickup truck, the Hilux gets a new flagship model called the Hilux Conquest. Remaining mechanically unchanged from the G model, it has aesthetic and convenience feature upgrades to make it more of a standout—perfect for those looking for a pickup truck that’s equal work and play.
Outside, it’s differentiated from other Hilux models thanks to its unique frontend. Echoing styling cues found on something like the North American Tacoma, the Hilux Conquest gets a larger, upright grille with high-gloss black inserts. The front bumper is also changed with a shapelier design with T-shaped fog light surrounds. Providing better visibility and illumination at night, the Hilux Conquest also comes with LED headlights with LED front fog lights as standard. It also gets LED daytime running lights as standard. Moving to the side, it receives wheels an inch bigger than the G grade. It now moves up to 18 inchers with tires sized 265/65 R 18 at each corner. Towards the back, it gets a standard dropin bedliner, a matte black taillight garnish, a revised rear bumper, and a metallic bed bar. Tailgate graphics that read “Conquest” complete the transformation.
Inside, the Hilux Conquest remains the same as the G grade models down to the black fabric seats, 6-inch capacitive touchscreen infotainment system, and automatic climate control. The only addition is a new smart key system with pushbutton engine start/stop.
In terms of safety, the Conquest 4x4 models (as with the 4x4 G grade) gets features such as 7 airbags, ABS, stability control with traction control, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control. Meanwhile, the Conquest 4x2 gets 3 airbags along with ABS and EBD. Both models get reverse back-up sensors.
The Hilux Conquest is available in both 4x4 and 4x2 models, either with a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. The Hilux Conquest is available in three colors: Freedom White, Attitude Black Mica, and the exclusive Nebula Blue Metallic. Prices are as follows: Conquest 4x2 M/T – P1,311,000; Conquest 4x2 A/T – P1,386,000; Conquest 4x4 M/T – P1,615,000; and Conquest 4x4 A/T – P1,745,000.
Along with the introduction of the new Hilux Conquest variant, Toyota has also upgraded the safety of the rest of the Hilux model range for 2018. All models from the J grade and up gets three airbags and ABS with EBD.
TOYOTA RUSH
It’s finally happening: Toyota Motor Philippines is entering the small 7-seater SUV market with the Rush. Toyota’s first crack at the growing subcompact SUV market, Toyota hasn’t divulged any details during its preview, but they did show it, pardon the pun, rushing across wide open landscapes.
Confirmed to be sourced from Toyota’s Indonesian assembly plant (joining the Avanza and Fortuner), the Rush is described to be a “sturdy and mediumlooking” 7-seater SUV. Measuring in at 4,435 mm in length, 1,685 mm in width, and 1,705 mm in height—it’s roughly the same size as the Avanza MPV.
Globally, the Rush is only offered with one drivetrain option and that’s a 1.5-liter Dual VVT-i equipped 4-cylinder engine making 104 hp and 136 Nm of torque. Power is routed to the rear wheels either via a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.
For the Indonesian market, where it has already been launched, the Rush comes fully loaded with convenience and safety features. Standard across the line are features such as LED headlights, LED rear combination lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, pushbutton engine start/stop, dual air conditioner, reverse parking camera, six airbags, ABS, stability control, hill start assist, and emergency stop signal.
Speculating on the price, it’s worth noting that the Rush is positioned above the Avanza MPV in Indonesia. Therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise for the Rush to be priced at around P1,050,000 to P1,130,000 when it enters during the first half of 2018.
As Toyota celebrates its 30th year in the country, the carmaker says that the introduction of these two new models will only be a small part of their plans this year. They are slated to introduce more products and services in order to uphold their commitment to always provide better cars and always better ownership experience for its Filipino customers. In his speech, Toyota Motor Philippines President Satoru Suzuki says that they always appreciative of the unwavering trust and confidence that Filipinos have in Toyota.