Toyota shows off refreshed Hilux
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In production since 2005, the Hilux is given a much-needed facelift by Toyota Motor Corporation to keep it looking fresh amid the heavy competition in the pickup truck market.
From the A pillar forwards, the Hilux gets a new bonnet, radiator grille, headlamps and front bumper to freshen its appearance. More prominent front and rear fender blisters and slightly redesigned door mirrors give the refreshed pick up a more masculine edge. Capping the facelift are, depending on the variant, redesigned 15-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the Hilux gets a new upper dashboard design highlighted by a new, horizontal center instrument cluster to reinforce the breadth and roominess of the cabin. Incorporated in it, at least for the European market, is the Toyota Touch, a 6.1-inch, full-color, touchscreen multimedia unit.
Underneath the sheet metal, the revisions to the Hilux are led by the introduction of variable nozzle turbocharging for the 2.5-liter D-4D engine. This boosts its power output to 144hp and 343Nm of torque while simultaneously improving its fuel efficiency to 13.698 kilometers per liter, and lowering its carbon dioxide emission to 193 grams per kilometer.
In addition, the chassis design of the 4x2 variants have been replaced with that of the 4x4 models. Not only does this improve the ground clearance of the 4x2 models but it also increases its towing capacity to 2.5 tons.
The refreshed Hilux is due to hit the global market later this year.
