All-New 2015 Toyota Hilux Makes Its Global Debut In Thailand

The all-new eighth-generation The all-new eighth-generation 2016 Toyota Hilux made its official global debut in Thailand today which now comes with a new platform, engines, and design.2016 Toyota Hilux made its official global debut in Thailand today which now comes with a new platform, engines, and design.

Of course, the specifications you see here are of the Thai market model (known as the Hilux Revo there) which will likely differ from the one that makes its way to Malaysia in the future.

At launch, the Toyota Hilux is priced from 569,000 baht (RM61,285) to 1,139,000 baht (RM122,677).

Images shown here are sourced from our sister-site in Thailand autospinn.com.

New Platform

First up, the newly-developed FIRM (Frame with Integrated Rigidity Mechanism) platform by Toyota now serves as the Hilux’s underpinnings, 20% stronger due to an enlarged side rail cross-section that promises improved comfort, and ruggedness. Also, the new chassis is designed to better absorb collision forces by 15% for enhanced safety.

For better road performance, the new “Dynamic Control” leaf spring suspension and shock absorbers have been upgraded as well. Meanwhile a new Body Control with Torque Demand (for diesel variants) adjusts the torque to flatten undulations on the road surface, making it more comfortable for passengers. The suspension setup is available in three different specifications as well, depending on the driving condition the pick-up is put in:

• Standard – Suited to all road conditions the world over
• Heavy duty – Suited for heavy loads.
• Comfort – Suited mainly for driving on paved roads

Performance

As revealed earlier by Toyota at the 2015 Vienna Motor Symposium, two new diesel engines will power the all-new Toyota Hilux. The engines feature Economy with Superior Thermal Efficient Combustion (ESTEC) technology along with Toyota’s D-4D common rail diesel injection operating at 1,350 bar together with a variable geometry turbocharger (VNT) and intercooler.

Two engine capacities are offered for the diesel: a 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre with different states of tune depending on the market it is introduced in. As far as petrol options go, a sole 2.7-litre Dual VVT-i engine is offered as well.

The three engines and their specifications are as listed below (for the Thai market):

1GD-FTV (Diesel)

• Specification: 2.8-litre in-line four-cylinder DOHC VN Turbo with Intercooler
• Power: 177hp @ 3,400 rpm
• Torque when paired to six-speed auto: 450Nm @ 1,600-2,400 rpm 
• Torque when paired to six-speed manual: 420Nm @ 1,600-2,400 rpm 

2GD-FTV (Diesel)

• Capacity: 2.4-litre in-line four-cylinder DOHC VN Turbo with Intercooler
• Power: 150hp @ 3,400 rpm
• Torque: 400Nm @ 1,600-2,000 rpm 

2TR-FE (Petrol)

• Capacity: 2.7-litre in-line four-cylinder DOHC Dual VVT-i
• Power: 166hp @ 5,200 rpm
• Torque: 245Nm @ 4,000 rpm

To tackle off-road duties, the Hilux now features a shift-on-the-fly 4WD switch instead of a lever with the ability to lock the differential if needed. A-TRC (Active Traction Control) also assists off-road proceedings.

New Exterior Design

As before, the Hilux is offered in three cab variants – single, smart and double. All three adopt a new design beginning with the front fascia which features a two-bar chromed grille and new front bumper. The new grille is flanked by wraparound automatic projector headlights with LED daytime-running lights and auto level adjustment.

Along the side, there are new-design 17-inch alloy wheels while at the back, rear combination tail lamps features fog lamps are seen as well.

New Interior Design

The cabin receives the largest shake-up here by being more luxurious and offering more features than before. For comfort, leather seats are fitted while for passengers seated in the back of the Double Cab variant, rear air-conditioning vents provide cooling. NVH is also improved with better sound absorption materials

Infotainment is now handled by a seven-inch touchscreen display multimedia unit that now occupies a large section of the dashboard. The unit is compatible with T-Connect navigation and USB, AUX, and Bluetooth connectivity. Audio playback is handled by a six-speaker setup.

This displaces the air-conditioning vents to a new position just above it, controlled via an automatic climate control system.

For the driver, there is a push-start engine button while the instrument cluster has been updated as well to reflect those of current Toyota models including a 4.2-inch multi-info colour display. Elsewhere, the leather-wrapped steering wheel is adjustable for height and reach with on-wheel controls as well.

Safety

On the safety front, Toyota did not hold back in loading the Hilux with the latest safety features. These include the full array of seven airbags, traction control, VSC (vehicle stability control), ABS with EBD (electronic brake distribution) and brake assist, trailer sway control, and hill start, downhill assist control, and a rear view camera.

Images sourced from our Thai sister site