Toyota Hilux

2016 Toyota Hilux officially revealed

2016 Toyota Hilux  (15)

Simultaneous events in Bangkok and Sydney saw the global unveiling of the all-new, eighth generation 2016 Toyota Hilux pick-up. A sister model to the India bound, next generation Fortuner, the new Hilux is armed with two new turbo-diesel engines, new six-speed ‘intelligent’ manual & automatic gearboxes, a stronger frame, along with enhanced comfort, safety and convenience features.

2016 Toyota Hilux  (26)

The two new turbo-diesel engines include a 2.4-litre four-cylinder motor (2GD-FTV ) producing 150 HP at 3,400 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,000 rpm (343 Nm between 1,400 and 2,800 rpm, when mated to the five-speed manual transmission) , and a bigger 2.8-litre four-cylinder motor (1GD-FTV) with 177 HP at 3,400 rpm and 450 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm – both from the newly unveiled “GD” family of engines that are supposed to be powering the next generation models of the Innova and Fortuner as well, apart from the new, 2016 Pardo.

2016 Toyota Hilux  (23)

A new six-speed ‘intelligent’ manual transmission will also be available with the 2.8-litre diesel engine, offering a rev-matching function which mitigates shift shock. In fact torque ratings have also been revised, with the 1GD-FTV being rated at 420 Nm (instead of 450 Nm) between 1,400 and 2,600 rpm, when paired to the new six-speed manual transmission.

The new diesel engines employ common-rail direct-injection, variable-nozzle turbos, exhaust gas re-circulation, a stop/start system, and are Euro 4-compliant for the Thai market, apart from claiming to be 10% more fuel efficient than the outgoing KD engines.

In addition, the 2016 Hilux gets two petrol engines – a 2.7-litre four-cylinder motor and a 4.0-litre petrol V6 motor, the latter being exclusive to Australia. Developing 166 HP at 5,200 rpm and 245 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, the familiar 2.7 litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine is said to benefit from lower weight, better combustion and less friction. This engine can be had with either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission in Thailand.

2016 Toyota Hilux  (25)

The updated ladder chassis is addressed as the FIRM (Frame with Integrated Rigidity Mechanism), and employs high-tensile strength steel and more spot welds. There are also reinforcements to the tub and body rigidity has been improved, lending better steering response. The improvements are said to yield lower noise, vibration and harshness levels. The 2016 Hilux, to be available in both dual and single cab configurations, uses a double wishbone suspension setup in the front, along with a rear-leaf spring setup.

2016 Toyota Hilux  (28)

However, three suspension setups will be available for the 2016 Hilux – models sold in Australia, South Africa, Russia and South America will get an Australian-developed heavy-duty suspension setup that favors improved off-road performance, better vibration suppression and improved roll stiffness. Models sold in Thailand, on the other hand, will make use of a comfort-biased setup.

Towing and payload capacities for the 2016 Hilux have also been revised. Toyota says maximum towing capacity has risen from 2.5-tonnes to 3.5-tonnes on dual cab models, while payload rating will rise as high as 1240kg. Other revisions include a larger 80 liter fuel tank, increased wheel articulation and more under-body protection.

2016 Toyota Hilux  (14)

Top-end variants get LED headlamps with DRLs, while wheels are available in 16-, 17- or 18-inch sizes. Safety features comprise of seven airbags, traction control, VSC, ABS, EBD, BA, hill start assist and emergency stop signal – all of which are standard across the range in Australia.

Comfort and convenience features include key-less entry with push button start, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, and a 7-inch infotainment system. A total of 31 different variants will be sold in Australia – spawning 4×2 and 4×4 variants, single, extra and double cabin styles, and WorkMate, SR and SR5 trims. An Australian launch is expected in early October.

1 thought on “2016 Toyota Hilux officially revealed”

  1. I like the refinements on the 2016 Toyota Hilux. Just that I wish to know if this model is available for left steering.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top