Al-Futtaim Motors, exclusive distributor of Toyota in the UAE, today introduced the eighth generation of the world’s most popular commercial pickup truck, the all-new unbreakable Toyota Hilux, featuring tougher refreshed styling, a newly developed frame structure, an SUV-like interior and better core performance to deliver the best results in its class, reinforcing its leadership of the pick-up segment.
First launched in Japan in 1968, the Hilux is one of the most symbolic Toyota vehicles and has always been renowned for its toughness, durability and ability to perform under extreme conditions and in the toughest terrains.
Celebrating the same credentials, the 2016 all-new Hilux now features a six speed automatic transmissions that is coupled to a newly developed frame, making it tougher, more efficient, and more economical while boasting the lowest total cost of ownership in its segment.
“The first Hilux was brought to the UAE forty years ago, and since then it has sold more than 150,000 units to date, becoming one of the most relied upon commercial vehicles in the country, and a major staple in the country’s construction firms, farms, oil fields and more. It has cemented itself as the best-selling commercial truck across the nation, spearheading the Light Commercial Vehicle market in the UAE,” said Jon Williams, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Motors.
“The new Hilux was designed with the driver in mind, taking an extensive look at the human element. The new additions to the vehicle were introduced to support a healthier and safer workforce that is able to deliver consistently better results,” he added.
Available in single and double cabins, the all-new Hilux comes in 2.0L and a 2.7L petrol engines, or a 2.4L diesel engine, and in 4WD and 2WD choices.
The new generation Hilux has improved ride comfort and easier driveability, thanks to a newly developed frame and redesigned suspension, with longer leaf springs and forward/rear facing shock absorbers, and employs an all-new six speed automatic transmission for a smoother ride.
The new transmission translates into enhanced fuel economy figures of up to 15% over the last generation Hilux – depending on the choice of petrol or diesel engines – while the redesigned tougher rear suspension makes for better reliability to support the Hilux’s enhanced deck usability and towing capacity.
Powerful Engine & Smooth Handling
The tried-and-trusted TR petrol engine has been developed even further, simultaneously achieving increased fuel economy and high output. While the newly developed 4-cylinder Global Diesel (GD) engine stands out for its improved manageability of the low and medium speed ranges, realizing unprecedented acceleration performance. The 2.4-litre diesel engine is also available with a 6-speed manual transmission which delivers 40.7 / 1600-2000 KG-M/RPM of torque and 147/3600 HP/RPM.
The new Hilux features a convenient switch that allows the driver to select a preferred drive mode – ECO for optimum economy and POWER for enhanced acceleration. The ECO Mode reduces power consumption in relation to acceleration, heating and cooling, whilst also taking into consideration the environment, whereas the POWER Mode provides sharper acceleration response, ensuring a more agile drive on slopes and winding roads.
‘Tough and Emotional’ Design
The front of the new Hilux features new headlamps adding style to the distinctive and refreshed design.
The design language is characterized by continuous flowing lines that connect all parts of the vehicle from corner to corner, with the chrome beltline running along the windows and linking up to the top of the deck. That same beltline divides the lower half of the body, giving the vehicle a tough, grounded, sturdy look on the road.
The new Hilux offers a full line-up of wheel choices from sizes 15 to 17 in., each featuring a unique design that is both fresh and sporty in either wheel cap or alloy.
The deck itself has been re-imagined with structure panels that have been strengthened and reinforcements added underneath, while the deck floor ribs have been redesigned to better resist deformation during loading/unloading of heavy payloads. Staggered tie-downs and thickened load secure points make the Hilux the best tool for various transport needs.
SUV-like Interior Styling
The vehicle’s interior also reflects the concept of “Tough and Emotional”, and echoes the same attention to detail as the exterior with passenger vehicle styling, accents and ornamentations. The new Hilux makes no compromises for being a pickup and even comes with a new, stylish smart key that includes fine details.
The seats have been designed to hug the driver’s body thanks to the new frame structure, ample padding and increased bolsters.
The same level of comfort has been transferred from the front seats to the rear seats. Body support, leg support and legroom have been increased to make a total package for the second row passengers.
The steering wheel – incorporating both tilt and telescope functionality, features audio switches so the driver’s hands never need to move away from the driving position. Armrests have been padded with soft materials and aligned with driving duty. The shift lever has a shorter height and throw to mimic passenger vehicles while also allowing the driver to operate the vehicle with a more relaxed posture.
A newly introduced Multi-Information Display (MID) on the instrument panel incorporates a 3-dimensional message as well as advanced features such as ECO Judge / ECO Wallet to promote effective fuel consumption.
Comprehensive Safety Features
The all-new Hilux comes equipped with a vast array of safety features that highlight Toyota’s focus on occupant and pedestrian protection. From ABS and SRS airbags for the driver and front passenger to a knee airbag for the driver, the Hilux offers a number of active and passive safety measures. The vehicle comes equipped with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) to properly perform brake force distribution between the front and rear wheels according to the vehicle condition. It also features Brake Assist, which generates a large brake force during emergency braking to support drivers who may not be able to depress the brake pedal with enough force.
Other safety features include a three-point type Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seat belt equipped on all seats except the center seat (which features a two-point type seat belt), and the use of high-tensile strength steel sheets and supplementary materials throughout the body structure to help reduce passenger injuries, as well as extensive use of impact-absorbing structures for parts such as the engine hood, front fender and cowl in order to reduce impact force to the head and legs of pedestrians during a collision.
Colours
Available immediately across all Toyota showrooms in the UAE, the new Hilux comes in two interior colours, Black and Black & Dark Maroon, and five exciting exterior colours –, Silver ME, Gray ME, Attitude Black MC, Super White and White Pearl which is being introduced for the first time due to high demand from the UAE customers.