New HiLux: Tougher, better-looking, more capable than ever
Toyota has revealed far-reaching changes to HiLux that significantly advance the performance, handling and emotional appeal of Australia's best-selling vehicle.
Toyota Australia's design studio participated in an international team to deliver a bolder, tougher look for the wide-body 4x2 Hi-Rider and 4x4 extra and double cabs.
Their Australian engineers were also involved in the global development of a more powerful 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine that noticeably improves acceleration, overtaking and towing performance.
A raft of changes has been implemented to lift maximum power to 150kW and peak torque on automatic models to 500Nm while improving fuel consumption by as much as 11.1 per cent1.
The local vehicle evaluation and development team assisted in retuning the HiLux chassis, achieving a significant improvement in ride quality when driving without a load, along with more responsive handling and even greater stability when towing.
The steering has been revised for turbo-diesel variants to make parking easier and to produce a more connected and confident feel at any speed.
As a result of the technical changes, braked towing capacity is now 3500kg2 for all 4x4 variants while 4x2 diesel variants are rated at 2800kg2, an increase of up to 300kg. There are 27 HiLux variants with a payload of at least one tonne3.
Equipment levels have also been expanded, including an 8-inch display with control knobs rather than touch-screen operation for easier use. The multimedia system has enhanced voice recognition and adopts Apple CarPlay®4 and Android Auto™5.
New-look instrument dials sit either side of the 4.2-inch multi-information display, which incorporates a digital speed readout, among other new functions.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said the first major updates to the eighth-generation HiLux are the result of customer feedback.
"HiLux fans will appreciate the bold new look as well as the performance boost from our biggest-selling engine that makes towing and overtaking even easier in all conditions, including heading up a hill on a 40-degree summer's day,"
"They will also find HiLux more fun to drive with sharper handling and an unladen ride quality that is now vastly improved, without compromising its body control when carrying a load over undulating roads," he said.
"Such significant improvements to Australia's favourite ute will inspire even greater go-anywhere confidence in HiLux's dual role as a rugged workhorse and a family vehicle with the comfort and convenience of an SUV."
