Photo: Toyota
The much-awaited utilitarian vehicle known as the Toyota Hilux is finally here, allowing us to see what changes come along with the 8th generation of the pickup.
Although not considered a bad luck bringing number by superstitious people, the number eight Hilux generation kept officials and public on their toes. Yes, we're talking about the numerous teasers and leaks, as well as the recent car trailer crash that damaged a couple of brand new 2016 Toyota Hiluxes.
But what's done is done and we can finally tell you more about the Japanese ute. To start with, the 2016 Hilux is regarded as an all-new model and to mark that, designers made it 70 mm (2.7 in) longer and 20 mm (0.7 in) wider.
If you pay attention to what the interior has to offer, you'll notice that the pickup aura is toned down a bit. Toyota says this decision was made for comfort reasons, and standards are now SUV-like, but the ruggedness is still there, as far as we can tell.
Sure, the cabin offers leather upholstery and a touchscreen display but the Hilux is not about fancy seats and gizmos. It's about sheer force, which is attested by the maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kg (7,716 lb) and a maximum payload of 1,240 kg (2,733 lb).
As far as the diesels are concerned, the 2.4-liter delivers 161 HP and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) while its bigger peer is suitable for 180 HP and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm). For the 2.7-liter petrol unit, Toyota allocated 166 HP while the muscle-packed 4.0-liter churns out 281 HP.
Depending on what engine they choose, potential buyers will either have a six-speed manual or a six-speed auto gearbox to manage the resources. Fuel tank capacity went up to 80 liters while Toyota claims "body rigidity has been improved with additional spot welds reinforcing Hilux’s toughness and contributing to better steering response. Greater use of high-tensile steel helps reduce weight while ensuring body strength."
In terms of sales, the Toyota Hilux has always been a global model. The Australian market was a prolific environment for the pickup, which was the country's top-selling workhorse for more than three decades. To keep the same levels in the next year, Toyota decided to offer 31 variants of the Hilux (compared to 'only' 23 at this moment). Customers also get a chance to choose between 4x2 and 4x4, three cabin styles (single, extra and double) and three equipment grades (WorkMate, SR and SR5).
In Europe, the Hilux has received though competition from the likes of Ford Ranger and VW Amarok, and this is where Toyota has to work harder to improve.
But what's done is done and we can finally tell you more about the Japanese ute. To start with, the 2016 Hilux is regarded as an all-new model and to mark that, designers made it 70 mm (2.7 in) longer and 20 mm (0.7 in) wider.
If you pay attention to what the interior has to offer, you'll notice that the pickup aura is toned down a bit. Toyota says this decision was made for comfort reasons, and standards are now SUV-like, but the ruggedness is still there, as far as we can tell.
Sure, the cabin offers leather upholstery and a touchscreen display but the Hilux is not about fancy seats and gizmos. It's about sheer force, which is attested by the maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kg (7,716 lb) and a maximum payload of 1,240 kg (2,733 lb).
The engines
Depending on the market where Toyota will sell the pickup, the 2016 Hilux can be had with a 2.4-liter diesel engine and a 2.8-liter diesel unit. In the petrol department, Toyota is offering a 2.7-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated plant and a 4.0-liter six-cylinder plant.As far as the diesels are concerned, the 2.4-liter delivers 161 HP and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) while its bigger peer is suitable for 180 HP and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm). For the 2.7-liter petrol unit, Toyota allocated 166 HP while the muscle-packed 4.0-liter churns out 281 HP.
Depending on what engine they choose, potential buyers will either have a six-speed manual or a six-speed auto gearbox to manage the resources. Fuel tank capacity went up to 80 liters while Toyota claims "body rigidity has been improved with additional spot welds reinforcing Hilux’s toughness and contributing to better steering response. Greater use of high-tensile steel helps reduce weight while ensuring body strength."
In terms of sales, the Toyota Hilux has always been a global model. The Australian market was a prolific environment for the pickup, which was the country's top-selling workhorse for more than three decades. To keep the same levels in the next year, Toyota decided to offer 31 variants of the Hilux (compared to 'only' 23 at this moment). Customers also get a chance to choose between 4x2 and 4x4, three cabin styles (single, extra and double) and three equipment grades (WorkMate, SR and SR5).
In Europe, the Hilux has received though competition from the likes of Ford Ranger and VW Amarok, and this is where Toyota has to work harder to improve.
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