New HiLux makes world debut

Toyota has staged the world debut of its all-new HiLux simultaneously in Sydney and Bangkok, revealing the exterior of a single high-grade SR5 dual-cab version hand-built to Australian spec and flown in specifically for the event.

As previewed by a series of spy shots, the eighth-generation HiLux, which goes on sale in Australia in early October, is bigger, better equipped, safer and wrapped in a rounder exterior design than the top-selling model it finally replaces after a decade.

Standard safety gear across the range will now include a reversing camera,
seven airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, hill start assist
and emergency stop signal; Toyota expects it to achieve a maximum
five-star ANCAP safety rating – unlike all models in the current HiLux
line-up.

Supplies will be thin on the ground initially, but Toyota hopes it will arrest a 2.0 per cent sales slide for the dominant 4x4 version, which has been Australia's most popular ute – and one of the nation's top-selling vehicles – for 17 years.

First released here in 1968, the HiLux notched up 850,000 Australian sales as of last month – 477,000 of which were 4x4s and 373,000 of which were 4x2 – accounting for five per cent of global sales.

In that time the HiLux has averaged 20,000 annual sales, rising to 30,000 over the past decade and almost 40,000 in the past five years. Last year it almost doubled the sales of its nearest rival and the HiLux has been a top-three seller overall for seven of the past 10 years, finishing second in 2012.

Working against the HiLux, however, are a new breed of rivals, including the Ford Ranger and its mechanical twin, the Mazda BT-50 – both which will be facelifted in the third quarter of this year, as well as redesigned Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan Navara.

While the interior of the vehicle shown in Sydney was concealed by blackened windows and locked doors, Toyota did reveal a number of key changes for its vital new ute, but exact specifications remain under wraps until closer to its launch.

Toyota says the first all-new HiLux since 2005 rides on an all-new platform with thicker frame rails, beefier cross-rails and revised suspension including longer rear leafs, larger-diameter shocks and revised double-wishbone front suspension, bringing greater comfort, better handling and more wheel articulation.

Combined with a more rigid body with extra spot welds, greater use of high-strength steel and extra sound deadening, it's claimed to have more responsive steering, a quieter cabin, greater capability both on-road and off, easier to drive than before.

The better packaged, "more occupant focussed" interior is said to better accommodate burly passengers, thanks to more front shoulder and head room, more driver's seat height adjustment and greater rear legroom.

Measuring 70mm longer and 20mm wider but slightly lower overall than the Mk7 HiLux, the new model comes with a larger tray, an increased 3500kg towing capacity, maximum payload of up to 1240kg, reduced kerb weights and a bigger (80-litre) fuel tank.

Four engines will be available – up from three – including two new downsized diesels, a revised 2.7-litre petrol four and carryover 4.0-litre petrol V6. Combined with reduced engine and vehicle weight, Toyota says the new HiLux will be more efficient.

Despite being smaller in capacity, both new diesels are claimed to offer more torque than the aged 3.0-litre they replace, as well as being up to 10 per cent more efficient.

The new 2.8-litre (2755cc) 1GD common-rail four-cylinder turbo-diesel offers up to 450Nm of torque (up 25 per cent) over 1600-2400rpm, while power output also improves by 4kW to a peak of 130kW at 3400rpm.

The 2.4-litre (2393cc) 2GD delivers 400Nm over 1600-2000rpm and 110kW at 3400rpm, and will be the main engine for 2WD models.

An upgraded 2.7-litre 2TR petrol four will offer five per cent more power at 122kW and two per cent more torque, although Toyota claims fuel consumption will fall to less than 11.0L/100km due to improved combustion and less weight and internal friction.

All engines will be matched to new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

Toyota says all models benefit from an extensive Australian chassis tuning program, but would not reveal details.

The 2016 HiLux range will be expanded to 31 variants – up from 23 – including 4x4 and 4x2 drivetrains, three body styles and three equipment grades.

The increase comes via more dual-cab, 4x4 and diesel versions, including a reintroduced entry-level Workmate 4x4 variant and new Hi-Rider variants with 2WD, heavy-duty suspension and extra ride height.

New exterior features include a rounder front-end with wrap-around headlights, a large lower grille and the availability of LED headlights and daytime running lights.

Apart from the usual range of options and accessories, including a locally-made bull bar, a range of 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels will be offered.

Top-spec models like the SR5 will also come with keyless starting and entry, a colour touch-screen infotainment display and factory air-conditioning, cruise control and door locks.

Toyota Australia executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the new HiLux redefines the 'unbreakable' tag.

"The next-generation Toyota HiLux inherits the core values of quality, durability and reliability – and takes those attributes to an even higher level," he said.

"The introduction of an even stronger frame, new engines, greater off-road ability and car-like features ensures the next-generation HiLux combines the best features of a workhorse ute and an SUV.

"A highlight is the Australian-developed suspension that delivers increased wheel articulation, improved handling and greater comfort so owners can enjoy stress-free driving, even with a full load."

Toyota Australia will not comment on pricing at this stage; stand by for more details as they come to hand.