The 2016 Toyota HiLux was simultaneously unveiled in Australia and Thailand on May 21 to positive reviews from pickup enthusiasts who all believe that the 10-year wait for the eighth generation revered pickup vehicle line from the Japanese carmaker is well worth it.
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, details Drive.com.au.
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.
High potentials in Australia
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.
The Japanese carmaker is also optimistic of the sales potentials of the 2016 Toyota HiLux given its track record in the Land Down Under where it is averaging 40,000 units sold annually for the past five years. In fact, Toyota Australia has sold over 850,000 HiLux models locally since the vehicle line was introduced to the country in 1968.
Because of its seven airbags, its ABS brakes, stability and traction control, hill start assist, and a standard reversing camera across all variants, the 2016 Toyota HiLux is expected to receive a five-star rating from the Australian motoring industry association.
Preference for HiLuxi
The Aussies refer to the Toyota HiLux as Hiluxi. The Australians preference for the Toyota HiLux can be attested by the fact that the pickup truck has been the best-selling commercial vehicle in the country for the last 17 years, and it is also the third best-seller in any of the vehicle in any class for any purpose for the last seven years.
When Toyota went to the drawing board to design the 2016 edition of its HiLux, the Japanese carmarker specifically surveyed Australian owners of HiLux for the company to know what they needed to do to make the pickup even better.
Thus, the 2016 Toyota HiLux came out customer-focused and looking very good too featuring a stronger yet flexible frame that have reduced cabin noise to ensure a quiet and more comfortable ride.