Toyota Australia has shown off the 8th generation Toyota Hilux at its head office in Sydney ahead of its official launch in Australia, in October 2015.
When the 2015 Toyota Hilux goes on-sale in Australian buyers will be able to choose from 31 variants, 4 engines (2 x diesel and 2 x petrol), 3 body styles (single cab, extra and double cab) and 3 model grades (Workmate, SR and SR5).
The Toyota Hilux is a hugely important vehicle for Toyota with over 850,000 of them sold since it was first sold here. In fact it has been the best selling commercial vehicle in Australia for the past 17 years.
The 8th generation Toyota Hilux is the first new Hilux in over a decade. Toyota hopes to perfect balance between work ute and family adventure vehicle. With Toyota promising improved comfort levels, increased towing capacity to 3.5 tonne and a payload up to 1240kg.
Toyota will also introduce a new Hi-rider model that gives the higher ride height and heavy-duty suspension of the 4x4 model in a 4x2 configuration.
Australian engineers have also had major input in to development and evaluation of suspension for tough Australian conditions. Toyota’s Australian engineers put the all-new Hilux through a tough testing regime with testing at the Anglesea proving ground and over sealed roads and off-road trails in Victoria, NSW and South Australia.
This input will also allow the Hilux to meet similar demands in South Africa, South America and Russia.
Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the first all-new HiLux since 2005 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,” Mr Cramb 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,” he said.
“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.”
The 2016 Toyota Hilux will be offered with two newly developed diesel engines and two revised petrol engines. There is also a new “Intelligent” manual transmission that matches revs to transmission speed for a smooth more car like gear change.
The new 1GD engine is a 2.8-litre produces up to 450Nm and 130kW or power and can be matched to either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
The 2GD 2.4-litre diesel produces 400Nm and 100kw of power and will also be matched to the same six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Toyota expect the 2.4-litre diesel engine to bethe main engine in the 4x2 variants.
Toyota will keep the V6 petrol engine however no details are available as yet of the revised power figures.
The 2.7-litre, four-cylinder 2TR petrol engine, sees power improve by five per cent to 122kW and torque up more than two per cent with fuel consumption falling to less than 11litres/100km on the combined cycle.
Toyota are expecting the 2016 Toyota Hilux will receive the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating thanks to a host of new standard safety features including stability and traction control, ABS, BA EBD, Rear Camera, 7 airbags, Hill Start assist and emergency brake signal.
Depending on variant the Hilux will 16, 17 and 18-inch wheels. Also expect higher-grade models to receive keyless entry and smart start technology.
No interior information has been released for Australian spec’d cars but on the higher spec’d SR5 models expect more luxury SUV than tradie workhorse. Toyota did confirm that there will be more front shoulder room +19mm, headroom +8mm, front seat height +15mm and passenger in the rear can +35mm knee room.
Full 2016 Toyota Hilux pricing and specifications will revealed closer to the October 2015 launch date. When CarShowroom.com.au will have the ability to review the 2016 Toyota Hilux.
Australian ute buyers are spoilt with choice this year with the new Mitsubishi Triton, Ford Ranger, BT-50 and Nissan Navara all being launched this year.
Which one would you buy?
