The Toyota HiLux would not be regarded as one of the most iconic vehicles of the Japanese car manufacturer for nothing.
Since its first generation model was launched in 1968, the Toyota HiLux brand has sold over 16 million units in more than 180 countries and regions. The brand is likewise known in the global motoring industry for its toughness, notes Car Scoops.
For its 2016 edition, which is already the eighth generation HiLux pickup truck, it was reported that the Japanese carmaker has improved the vehicle’s characteristic ruggedness and performance while ensuring the comfort of the passengers and make it easier to drive.
So when the HiLux was simultaneously unveiled by Toyota in Thailand and Australia on May 21, it ushered the new HiLux features including an improved ride comfort, a quiet cabin, and an enhanced cruising range due in part to its improved fuel efficiency.
The 2016 Toyota HiLux also comes with a newly developed frame and suspension with upgraded leaf springs and shock absorbers.
Unlike its counterpart vehicle in the North and South American markets known as the Toyota Tacoma, the 2016 Toyota HiLux came with a diesel engine variant that is rated at 177 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, enabling the pickup truck to have a revolution per minute of 1,600 or 2,400.
10 years in the making
Following the simultaneous unveiling of the 2016 Toyota HiLux in Australia and Thailand in May to mostly positive reviews from pickup enthusiasts, the vehicle was well worth the 10-year wait because the pickup truck came out smoking.
According to the Japanese carmaker, the emergence of the 2016 Toyota HiLux ushers an era of refined pickup trucks and continues the ongoing evolution and development of work trucks closing the gap on the world’s SUVs in terms of providing comfort and utility to its drivers and passengers.
Expected to hit the Australian, Thailand and other Asia-Pacific retail markets in October this year, the 2016 Toyota HiLux is more refined and exudes features which would make it quite appealing among private and family buyers.
The new pickup model brings a lot of improvements in the aspects of noise, vibration and harshness or what is referred to as NVH plus the diesel engines are much quieter now.
Optimism on the 2016 Toyota HiLux
Tony Cramb, executive director of Toyota Australia, expresses optimism on the huge potentials of the 2016 Toyota HiLux in Australia given the vehicle’s comprehensive development and evaluation from local engineers.
The eighth generation pickup is actually 70 millimeters longer and 20 millimeters wider. It also features a lower roofline compared to its predecessor. As it is bigger, it comes with more shoulder room and leg room in its cabin.