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TRANSPORT
with Terry Martin
I
f there is one utility against which all others are benchmarked
in Australia, Toyota’s HiLux has to be it. Not only the market-
leading commercial vehicle in the land, the Thai-built one-
tonner is one of the top three biggest-selling vehicles, month in
and month out, alongside the Corolla and Mazda3 small cars.
So an all-new HiLux is big news, and prospective buyers have
plenty to look forward to when the eighth generation docks
Down Under in October.
Full specifications were still to be revealed at the time of
writing, but Toyota Australia has outlined key details such
as two newly developed turbo-diesel engines – part of a
four-tiered powertrain line-up – new six-speed manual and
automatic transmissions, a stronger body, locally developed
suspension package, major equipment upgrades and new
model variants including ‘Hi-Rider’ 4x2 versions.
The latter will have the ride height and heavy-duty
suspension of an equivalent 4x4 model, and form part of a
31-variant line-up – up from 23 today – that again spans two
drivelines, three body styles (single, extra and double cab) and
three equipment grades (WorkMate, SR and SR5).
Other new entrants include more double cabs, more 4x4
variants, more diesel options and the reintroduction of the 4x4
WorkMate, with tradespeople a key target audience.
Toyota’s newly developed GD-series four-cylinder common-
rail turbo-diesel family will be offered in 2.8L and 2.4L guise,
replacing the current 3.0L oil-burner and offering more power
and up to 10% better fuel economy.
The bigger-displacement engine will develop 130kW and
450Nm with the six-speed automatic (peak torque falls to
420Nm when the six-speed manual is specified), while the
smaller engine is good for 110kW/400Nm (five-speed manual:
343Nm). The 2.4L will mainly see duty in 4x2 variants.
The 4.0L petrol V6 will continue, while at the entry level the
2.7L four-cylinder petrol engine has received a major overhaul,
this 2TR-series unit now producing 122kW/240Nm.
Other headline items on the new HiLux include an increase in
towing capacity up to 3,500kg, payloads of up to 1,240kg, more
interior space in the dual cab, expanded cargo volume, a larger
fuel tank (now 80L) and improved body rigidity via greater use
of high-strength steel and additional spot welds.
Toyota has promised that standard features across the range
will include seven airbags, hill-start assist, an emergency stop
signal system, electronic stability and traction control and ABS
brakes. A reversing camera will also be fitted to all pick-up
models, and offered as an option on cab chassis variants.
Every HiLux will also carry a touch screen audio display, air
conditioning, cruise control and powered windows, mirrors and
door locks.
Toyota Australia
www.toyota.com.auTOYOTA HILUX