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22nd November, 2008
Since its debut in 1968, the Toyota Hilux has been the most widely produced Toyota commercial vehicle. Over 11 million units have been produced and sold worldwide and to a number of countries, Malaysia included, it is the most popular pick-up.
A whole truckload of reasons have made the Hilux the number one pickup; not only is its performance as a utility vehicle superior to other makes, but its adaptability and design have made it highly suited for the demanding commercial applications.
In recent years, it has also become popular for non-commercial purposes as its design and concept have also added comfort and style to the model.
The current Hilux is the first of a new generation of models under the Innovative International Multipurpose Vehicle project (IMV) which was introduced in 2005. It was a success right from the start and even won an overall ‘Car of the Year’ award from a leading Malaysian auto magazine, Autocar Asean.
Recently, the Hilux received some updating which gives it bolder, more muscular looks and enhancements inside the vehicle. Besides the three variants available before, a new one has been added in response to customer requests. This is the Hilux 2.5 Double Cab STD 4×4 Manual, which is packaged to meet customers demand for a more basic double cab pickup variant for business applications.
Two new body colours are also available for the new Hilux Double Cab – Grey Mica Metallic and Bronze Mica Metallic. These join the previously available colours which are Greyish Blue Metallic, Champagne Metallic, Silver Metallic, Coal Black and Solid White. The Hilux Single Cab is available only in Solid White.
Feedback indicated that customers have been satisfied with the layout so the interior designers focussed on enhancing details. The dashboard with its flowing character lines gives a sense of security for the occupants and to keep the driver fully informed at all times is a stylish instrument panel housing three meters. With LED illumination and white calibrations on a reflection-free black background, viewing is clearer and all warning lights are clustered in one area for quick reference. A liquid crystal display (LCD) provides odometer and tripmeter information, with the latter having two separate counters.
Many storage spaces are provided, one of them being a space-saving storage section hidden under the rear seats of the double cab. It can be used to store valuable items which need to be kept out of sight. Access to the storage section is by raising the rear bench seat. The seat can also be locked in place upright, thereby providing a cargo area behind the front seats which can be used for luggage, golf bags or other items which cannot be left exposed on the rear deck.
A vehicle like the Hilux is used by people with active lifestyles and also those who need to transport cargo on a regular basis. Thus, versatility and utility are very important and with its spacious rear deck measuring 1520 mm (length) by 1515 mm (width) and a height of 450 mm, the Hilux can carry lots of stuff.
The Hilux is powered by a Toyota D-4D turbodiesel engine with Common Rail Direct Injection technology. The use of the latest technologies allows the 2.5-litre engine to produce a maximum output of 75 kW/102 ps at 3,600 rpm, with a flat torque curve at 260 Nm available between 1,600 rpm and 2,400 rpm.
Buyers of the Hilux Double Cab G variants have a choice of either a 4-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission or a manual 5-speed transmission (the Hilux Double Cab STD and Single Cab is only available with a manual 5-speed transmission). All Hilux variants have a part-time 4×4 system with High/Low ranges in the chain-driven transfer case.
The Hilux Double Cab also comes with a standard Automatic Disconnecting Differential (ADD) which makes engaging and disengaging 4×4 very convenient, even while the vehicle is on the move. With ADD, there is no need to have free-wheeling hubs that usually require manual locking of the hubs for 4×4 operation.
The Hilux uses a time-proven independent double wishbone/coil spring at the front and rear leafspring suspension at the rear which offers good control and comfort, even when the vehicle is lightly loaded. For better handling over rough terrain, the suspension mounts at the front and rear are especially strong at the joints which meet the frame, giving greater rigidity.
As with all Toyota vehicles assembled in Malaysia, the new Toyota Hilux comes with a warranty of 3 years or 100,000 km, whichever comes first.
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