2016 Toyota Hilux on sale now – 31 variants to choose from

The all-new Toyota Hilux has launched in Australia with up to 31 variants to choose from – eight more than the previous generation.

Kicking off the range is the 4×2 Single Cab (cab chassis) Workmate manual, priced from $20,990 plus on-roads. The mid-spec SR starts from $28,490 and is available as a Single Cab, Extra Cab (pick up) or Double Cab (pick up) in both 4×2 and 4×4.

Topping the range is the SR5, which is priced from $47,990.

All models feature a touchscreen infotainment system, reversing camera, seven airbags, headlamp leveling function, daytime running lights, Vehicle Stability Control, ABS, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake force Distribution, trailer sway control, hill-start assist and emergency brake signal.

The entry-level Workmate also gets a seatbelt warning reminder, tilt and telescopic steering wheel and cruise control. The ute’s 6.1-inch touchscreen features Bluetooth and voice recognition, while audio and phone controls can be found on the steering wheel.

The mid-spec SR variant adds black side steps, chrome door handles and black B-pillars. It also receives a larger 7-inch touchscreen with Toyota Link, matched to either a four- or six-speaker audio system. Additionally, there’s an air-conditioned cooler and heater box.

Befitting its range-topping status, the SR5 gains 18-inch alloy wheels, auto-levelling LED headlights, fog lights, retractable chrome side mirrors, chrome rear step and a stainless steel sports bar. Inside, buyers get a smart entry system with push button start, climate control air-conditioning and auto up/down function on all four windows.

The SR5’s 7-inch touchscreen system also gets DAB digital radio and satellite navigation, while the instrument cluster features a 4.2-inch colour multi-information display. Additional equipment includes an alarm, 12V and 220V accessory sockets, silver-finished accents and a downhill assist control when equipped with the 6-speed automatic. Buyers of the 4×4 SR5 Double Cab diesel can option their SR5 with leather-accented trim and power driver’s seat.

Toyota has also added a Hi-Rider variant to the SR and SR5 models that comes with increased ride-height and heavy-duty suspensions. It also features larger front ventilated discs and larger rear drums. All models carry on with a double wishbone front and rear leaf-spring suspension.

The HiLux range is powered by a pair of petrol and diesel engines. The new 2.8-litre and 2.4-litre common-rail turbo-diesels is said to improve maximum torque by up to 25 percent and fuel economy and emissions by up to 10 per cent.

In 4×4 and Hi-Rider variants, the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel delivers 130kW and 450Nm of torque when mated with the new 6-speed automatic transmission, and 420Nm when paired with the new 6-speed manual. In 4×2 models, the engine is configured to offer 125kW and 343Nm of torque.

Claimed combined fuel consumption is as frugal as 7.3 litres/100km with the manual versions of 4×2 extra cab and Hi-Rider. The volume-selling SR5 4×4 double cab is rated at 7.6 litres/100km for the manual and 8.5 litres/100km for the auto.

Emissions are as low as 193 grams/km for the manual and 213 grams/km for the auto on Hi-Rider with figures of 201 (down from 219) and 223 (230) grams/km for the 4×4 SR5 Double Cab.

The 2.4-litre turbo-diesel on the WorkMate models delivers 110kW and 343Nm for 4×2 single and double cabs, and 400Nm for 4×4 variants.

Fuel economy varies from as low as 7.1 litres to 7.7 litres/100km in manual guise and from 8.3 to 8.5 litres/100km with the six-speed automatic. Emissions are as low as 186 grams/km for the 4×2 Workmate double cab.

As for the petrol engines, the 2.7-litre four-cylinder offered on the 4×2 WorkMate Single and Double Cabs produces 122kW and 245Nm of torque – an increase of 6kW and 5Nm.

Along with the introduction of a six-speed automatic transmission, claimed fuel economy has improved by as much as 10.3 per cent to a best figure of 10.4 litres/100km. A five-speed manual is also available.

The Toyota 2TR-FE 16-valve four-cylinder engine has been upgraded with dual intelligent variable valve timing (VVT-i), compared with the superseded engine having only variable inlet timing.

Finally, the 4.0-litre quad cam V6 petrol produces 175kW and 376Nm of torque and is now mated with a six-speed automatic. As a result, claimed fuel economy and emissions performance have improved to 11.5 litres/100km and 267g/km on 4×2 variants (previously 11.7-11.8 litres/100km and 277-280 g/km).

The improvement is even more significant for the 4×4 double cab at 12 litres/100km (previously 13).