THE NEW TOYOTA HILUX
Toyota will launch its new tough looking Hilux pick-up in the UK in November. It’s on-road presence will be enhanced with a 2.8-litre 201bhp powertrain, while the off-road performance has been further improved along with other equipment upgrades. These changes are aimed to strengthen its appeal to the growing market for customers who need a vehicle that’s right for both business and leisure.
At the top of the range, the new Invincible X model gains bespoke styling features and premium equipment features, but sacrifices none of the vehicle’s well publicised strengths.
The one-tonne payload and 3.5-tonne towing capacity are also features of all three body types: Single Cab, Extra Cab and Double Cab.
Since its launch in 1968, the unstoppable Hilux has proved its toughness time and again, conquering the North Pole, Antarctica and Icelandic volcanoes. In 2019, it also claimed victory in the Dakar Rally.
Exterior and interior design
Hilux’s frontal design has a completely new look, with a more powerful, three-dimensional treatment of the grille and bumper, increasing the vehicle’s road presence and reinforcing its robust, go-anywhere credentials.
According to model grade, new front and rear LED light clusters are available, plus 18-inch alloy wheels with a contrast machined/black finish. There is also a striking new colour option – Titan Bronze metallic.
The upgraded cabin features a new-design instrument ‘combimeter’ and an eight-inch multimedia screen mounted on the centre console. This uses buttons and dial controls for easier use in all driving conditions. The multimedia system has faster software and screen response, and enables easy smartphone integration using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Top quality features include smart entry and push-button start, satellite navigation, automatic air conditioning, front and rear parking sensors and a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system with an 800W eight-channel amplifier and CLARI-Fi technology for improving the reproduction quality of digital music files.
Customers can choose from a wide range of accessories to personalise their Hilux and equip it to suit their specific work or leisure requirements. Items include a range of hard tops and roll covers, a locking tailgate and a 12V power supply mounted on the deck.
Details of UK model specifications will be announced nearer Hilux’s November 2020 launch date.
Powertrains
Hilux’s powertrain range has been bolstered by the addition of a more powerful, 201bhp* 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine, a unit that ensures the pick-up stays on the performance pace in its segment.
The new engine generates 500Nm* of torque and can accelerate Hilux from nought to 62mph in 10 seconds* – up to 3.2 seconds faster than the current 2.4-litre unit. Combined cycle fuel consumption is 36.3mpg* and CO2 emissions are 204g/km*.
The new powertrain is aimed at customers who require a vehicle that’s appropriate for both business and personal use, and those wanting an extremely capable leisure vehicle. It will be available with six-speed manual or automatic transmission. All UK versions have all-wheel drive.
Driving dynamics
Toyota’s engineers focused on improving Hilux’s on-road comfort, while preserving its legendary off-road capabilities. Hilux remains one of the few vehicles to still use a body-on-frame construction, a design that is hard-wearing and better able to withstand the twisting forces encountered in extreme off-road driving conditions.
Comfort and driveability have been enhanced through improvements to the suspension and power steering. The front and rear shock absorbers have been retuned, there is an improved leaf spring design and new bushing is used. These contribute to a smoother ride with less shock when driving over joints and holes in the road surface.
Off-road performance has been enhanced with the lowering of engine speed at idle from 850 to 680rpm; and accelerator response tuned for greater driver control. The vehicle stability control has been updated and a new tyre angle monitor has been adopted.
Hilux Invincible X
The range-topping Hilux Invincible X Double Cab is distinguished by exclusive exterior styling details, including bespoke grille and front bumper, skid plate, over-fender, door handle and tailgate designs.
Invincible also comes with its own instrument combimeter design, interior black metallic and dark chrome trim accents and even a model-specific key. There is also “clear blue” illumination on the door trims and two-tone perforated leather seat upholstery.
* All figures provisional pending final homologation; fuel and emissions are NEDC correlated data; WLTP data will be issued nearer the time of European vehicle homologation