2016 Toyota Hilux officially unveiled

Australia’s favourite ute Toyota HiLux is set to take its ‘unbreakable’ DNA to new heights with the world premiere of an even tougher next-generation model.

The global unveiling, staged simultaneously in Australia and Thailand, has taken the wraps off the eighth generation of the segment’s best seller.

The new Hilux is due in local Toyota showrooms from early October, and according to its maker, is even tougher than its predecessor, while also packing advanced comfort and safety features.

New HiLux expands the model’s legendary prowess with an even stronger frame, four powerplants (including two new high-torque turbo-diesel engines), increased towing capacity up to 3.5 tonnes and payloads of up to 1240kg.

Toyota’s Australian engineers took global responsibility for developing the rugged suspension package for the local HiLux with testing at the Anglesea proving ground and over sealed roads and off-road trails in Victoria, NSW and South Australia.

The set-up – with improved off-road performance, better suppression of vibrations and improved roll stiffness – is said to provide even better ride and handling in the harsh conditions of South Africa, Russia and South America.

Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the first all-new HiLux since 2005 redefines the ‘unbreakable’ tag.

“The next-generation Toyota HiLux inherits the core values of quality, durability and reliability – and takes those attributes to an even higher level,” Mr Cramb said.

“The introduction of an even stronger frame, new engines, greater off-road ability and car-like features ensures the next-generation HiLux combines the best features of a workhorse ute and an SUV,” he said.

“A highlight is the Australian-developed suspension that delivers increased wheel articulation, improved handling and greater comfort so owners can enjoy stress-free driving, even with a full load.”

HiLux’s two newly developed GD-series four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel engines are notable for their low-end punch and develop substantially more torque than the current model’s 3.0-litre unit.

A 2.8-litre version offers up to 450Nm of torque, a gain of 25 per cent, while its 2.4-litre sibling generates up to 400Nm. In each case fuel use has been reduced by around 10 percent.

Upgrades to HiLux’s 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine have produced greater power, torque and fuel efficiency due to lower weight, enhanced combustion efficiency and reduced friction. The 4.0-litre petrol V6 engine continues.

Improved performance and economy are supported by new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, including an ‘intelligent’ manual transmission that helps eliminate shift shock by matching engine revs to the transmission speed.

HiLux will arrive in Australia with greater customer choice – 31 variants (currently 23) with 4×2 and 4×4, three cabin styles (single, extra and double) and three equipment grades (WorkMate, SR and SR5).

The expansion in HiLux variants is focused on adding more double cabs, more 4×4 variants, more diesel options and reintroducing 4×4 WorkMate.

For the first time, the HiLux range includes Hi-Rider variants – a 2WD with the ride height and heavy-duty suspension of a 4WD model.

The double cab HiLux revealed in Australia features 18-inch wheels on a body that is sleeker and more muscular, at 70mm longer and 20mm wider, with a slightly lower roofline. The range also includes 16 and 17-inch wheels.

Larger exterior dimensions and clever packaging have liberated more interior space front and rear and enabled designers to offer a more natural seating position.

HiLux also benefits from a larger fuel tank (80 litres), all-terrain tyres on many variants and available LED headlights and daytime running lamps.

Toyota expects the entire next-generation HiLux range to attract the maximum five-star safety rating with stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes, reversing camera, seven airbags, hill-start assist and emergency stop signal all standard across the range.