After months of spy shots and endless speculations, the eighth-generation Toyota Hilux was officially unveiled in Bangkok today; marking the start of sales of the all-new model in Thailand.
The 2016 Hilux is 70mm longer and 20mm wider than the old model. Upfront, there’s a massive twin-slat chrome finished grille and sweptback headlamps with daytime running LEDs. Toyota is offering the new Hilux with 16, 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin features audio system with electrostatic multi-touch control panel, climate control and luxurious upholstery. We expect the India-bound 2016 Fortuner to be designed on the similar lines.
The new Hilux will come with a range of engine options displacing between 2.4 and 2.8-litre diesel depending on the market. Toyota says it has made significant improvements in enhancing the fuel efficiency and reducing overall NVH levels. As for the gearbox, there’s a newly developed 6-speed automatic gearbox with optimised gear ratios to maximise performance. The highlight of the entire driveline, though, is the rev matching technology for the manual gearbox which is a first in the pickup truck segment.
Since its inception back in 1968, the Hilux has been the most popular vehicle in its segment, with sales of over 16 million units in more than 180 countries. In fact, Toyota will celebrate one million sales in South Africa alone and the brand has announced that it will launch the new Hilux during the first quarter of 2016.
