First released in Japan in 1968 the Toyota Hilux, the world's favourite pick-up, has recorded cumulative global sales of over 13 million units. Compared to the previous generation model, the current Toyota Hilux range offers a myriad of styling cues that enhance the pick-up’s modern design, emphasise its tough underpinnings and keep the vehicle truly appealing.
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| Toyota Hilux Double Cab |
Looks
Seen from the front the Toyota Hilux offers the first cues of its tough nature. The bonnet, with clearly defined centre bulge, creates a powerful presence. The bonnet lines flow through to the bold grille. The grille features a trapezoidal design with wide horizontal slats. On the upper level the grille is flanked by eye catching headlights.
Below the grille the large bumper mirrors the shape of the grille. It is in turn flanked by fog lights, with chromed bezels on top spec versions. Viewed from the side the Toyota Hilux numerous wheel designs for the steel wheel caps and alloy wheels on higher specification models. At the each end of Toyota Hilux rear are large lights with clear squared off distinctions and a chrome strip. The indicators and reverse lights feature clear light coverings.
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| Remains the world's most popular pick-up |
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| Capable off-road |
Performance
Powering the Toyota Hilux is a choice of two power units. There is a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder unit and a large more powerful 3.0-litre four cylinder unit. The 2.5-litre unit churns out 75 kW (100 hp) at 3 600 rpm. Maximum torque, rated 200 Nm, is available from 1,400 rpm through to 3,400 rpm. Paired with the 2.5-litre unit is a 5-speed manual transmission.
The larger and more powerful 3.0-litre unit delivers 120 kW (160 hp) and 343 Nm of torque between 1,400 rpm and 3,200 rpm. This engine shares the electronically controlled common rail type fuel injection technology used on the 2.5-litre engine, to improve its overall efficiency. The 3.0-litre delivers its power to the wheels via a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The Toyota Hilux rides on double wishbone independent suspension, with coil springs, while the rear suspension consists of leaf springs.
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| Power train |
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| Chromed face on top spec model |
Interior
Step inside the Toyota Hilux and you will be welcomed by a range of design and comfort features. Gone is the cylindrical instrument cluster design of the previous model as it has been replaced with one that is squarer in shape. The instrument cluster features analogue instrumentation and gloss black detailing on entry level models and Optitron instrumentation with graduated amber lighting, chrome highlights and finer detailing on high spec versions. The centre console is wider than the unit on previous model.
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| Room for five in the double cab version |
The centre console also features large air vents and silver detailing on higher spec versions and ventilation controls on entry level versions. High spec models feature a display audio system that integrates RDS radio function, CD player and iPod and USB connecting ports. The driver grips a four spoke steering wheel with high volume foam padding. On high spec models, the steering wheel is adorned with silver detailing and remote controls for the audio and Bluetooth systems. All occupants benefit from a large and airy cabin with room for five for double cabin versions.
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| Rear look |
Verdict
The world’s most favourite pick-up is kitted with numerous features key among them being powerful performance. The Toyota Hilux remains one of the must have pick-ups in its segments. An all-new Toyota Hilux is already undergoing development.
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