Mk7 HiLux
TOYOTA’S seventh-generation HiLux utility is considerably larger in all dimensions, extra highly effective, extra refined, extra comfy, safer and, importantly, represents higher worth than its seven-year outdated predecessor.
Constructed on an all-new ladder chassis and using new engines and suspension, the brand new HiLux vary includes some 30 variants (up from 27) – opening with the four-cylinder Work Mate single-cab/chassis and shutting with the flagship turbo-diesel dual-cab SR5.
Providing a wider alternative of physique, powertrain and tools grade mixtures, the brand new vary once more contains the selection of 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains and both single, “Xtra” and double-cab physique choices – every with cab/chassis or style-side pick-up tray choices.
The entry-level Work Mate tools grade (4×2 solely) additionally continues alongside the SR and range-topping SR5 variant, however is now out there in dual-cab guise as properly.
Additionally out there for the primary time are a six-cylinder 4×2 and the choice of an automated transmission in turbo-diesel 4×4 fashions.
All Gen-7 HiLux variants include twin entrance airbags and entrance seatbelt pretensioners, however whereas anti-lock brakes are customary within the top-shelf SR5 and non-obligatory in SR, ABS stays unavailable on lesser HiLux variants.
Air-conditioning is customary solely on SR5 variations.
A wider footprint and new double wishbone entrance coil suspension enhance stability, dealing with, journey high quality and lively security, whereas the brand new physique and chassis design and new security tools enhance passive security.
Claimed to be some 50 per cent stiffer than earlier than, the considerably bigger new HiLux is 345mm longer, 60mm wider, 75mm increased, presents a 155mm-longer tray (165mm longer on dual-cabs), a 235mm-longer wheelbase and now accommodates a 190cm driver in consolation partly because of 240mm of fore-aft seat journey.
Unique to single/double-cab Work Mate 4×2 handbook variants is a brand new entry-level 2.7-litre DOHC four-cylinder petrol engine producing 118kW at 5200rpm 241Nm of torque at 3800rpm.
Accessible in single, Xtra and double-cab 4×2 and 4×4 variants is a brand new 4.0-litre quad-cam VVT-i petrol V6 lifted from Toyota’s Prado SUV completely for Australia and producing 175kW at 5200rpm and an enormous 376Nm of torque from 3800rpm in auto guise – or 343Nm between 2400 and 4800rpm in handbook kind.
Finishing the quantum leap in efficiency is a brand new 3.0-litre DOHC inline four-cylinder intercooled turbo-diesel with widespread rail direct injection and twin stability shafts.
Accessible solely in single-cab/chassis and double-cab pick-up SR trim (4×2) and in single, Xtra and double-cab 4×4 guises, the brand new oil-burner produces 120kW at 3400rpm and 343Nm of torque from simply 1400rpm – considerably up on each variations of the present HiLux diesel.
All fashions supply a shift-on-the-move two-speed switch case and each V6 and turbo-diesel engines will be mated to a brand new five-speed automated transmission.
In 2008, Toyota launched the supercharged TRD HiLux in Australia after previewing it on the 2007 Melbourne motor present, quickly after the corporate had been pressured to slash the value of the TRD Aurion to spice up gross sales.
The TRD HiLux was launched with two mannequin variants, the sporty 4000S priced at $59,990 – nearly $10,000 greater than the SR5 Twin Cab on which it’s based mostly – and the extra luxurious 4000SL, priced from $64,990.
Each are powered by the identical pressured induction 4.0-litre V6 engine with a water-to-air intercooler, which develops 225kW of energy and 453Nm of torque operating on premium unleaded petrol, and include an ordinary five-speed automated transmission.
They journey on 17-inch alloy wheels with 265/65 R17 all-terrain tyres and make use of a modified and lowered suspension with retuned springs and high-performance Bilstein monotube shock absorbers with stone shields to guard them off-road.
Braking is supplied by larger entrance discs and calipers sourced from the Prado – 338mmx28mm rotors with four-piston calipers versus 294×25 discs and two-piston calipers on the usual HiLux – whereas ABS is customary.