NEWS: Toyota officially unveils all-new Hilux

Toyota has officially pulled the wraps off its eight-generation Hilux, the first all-new Hilux in ten years. But while Toyota was happy to reveal the highlights of this new model, many of the details are yet to be made public.

• Slightly bigger new body
• New 130kW/450Nm 2.8 diesel engine
• 3500kg towing capacity

The new Hilux will go on sale in October with 31 variants in both 4x4 and 4x2, nine more variants than currently on offer. The good news is that most of the model-range expansion will come through extra 4x4 and dual-cab models.

The new Hilux will come in three model grades, Workmate, SR and SR5 and with the choice of three cabins, single, extended and double cab.

In general terms, Toyota says the new models are tougher and more work-capable than ever before, but will also bring new levels of comfort, refinement and sophistication.

Headlining the new model is an all-new 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel (1GD designation) that claims 130kW, a 4kW increase over the current 3.0-litre diesel. Better news is the increase in torque, which is now up to a maximum of 450Nm on tap from 1600 to 2400rpm.

Toyota were reluctant to discuss details but it appears that the 450Nm engine will only come with the new six-speed automatic gearbox while the new six-speed manual will have the maximum torque figure pegged back, although Toyota would not confirm whether the 420Nm figure quoted elsewhere is correct.

Either way, this a significant improvement over the 360Nm that the current 3.0-litre puts out with the auto and the 343Nm it makes when mated to the manual box. The new diesel is also 10 percent more fuel efficient than the outgoing engine.

The current 4.0-litre petrol V6 will also be carried over in 4x4 models while 4x2 will get an all-new 110kW/400Nm 2.4 litre diesel and a revised version of the current 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. While the 2.4-litre diesel will be the main engine for the 4x2 range it may also appear in the Workmate spec 4x4 models.

The 4x4 drive models will have a conventional part-time, dual-range system but a rotary dial will replace the transfer level of the current model. It is not certain at this stage if the new Hilux will come with a rear locker as per the Ranger/BT-50 twins and the VW Amarok but photographs of the interior of models in Thailand suggest it will be available.

The chassis is straightforward with an independent double-wishbone, coil-spring front end and a leaf-sprung live axle rear. The leaf springs are however longer than the current model to improve the ride compliance while the ladder frame is claimed to be stronger and more robust than the current model.

The new Hilux will ride on a mixture of 16, 17 and 18-inch wheels with the SR5 that was shown getting 18s wearing 265/60 HT tyres. Other models will come with AT tyres.

The new Hilux is 20mm wider and 70mm longer than the current model but has a slightly lower roofline. The extra size means both a more spacious cabin and a bigger tray. The fuel capacity is also up from 76 to 80 litres.

The maximum tow rating is now up to 3500kg while maximum payloads are as high as 1240kg.

All variants are also strong on safety with seven cabin airbags, ESC, ETC and a reversing camera standard across the range. Toyota expects all variants to achieve the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating.

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