2016 Toyota Hilux: Stylish but tough
I had an opportunity to see and test the new Toyota Hilux twice. The first was at a pre-launch event at the Sisa On Course 4WD training centre. The invite was for an automotive writer (myself), a customer and three selected fleet managers/operators.
Our mission was to test drive the new Hilux on a road track designed to simulate extreme off road conditions.
The second time was the launchin Namanve near Kampala on June 15, where we tested the Hilux and Fortuner on easier terrain—first grade murram to tarmac and a short obstacle course.
At Sisa, we were introduced to the executive chief engineer of the New Toyota Hilux project Hiroki Nakajima who came in from Japan to answer questions and listen to comments about the car.
Focus of the design team
Hiroki’s inspiration was his knowledge that conventional utility pick up vehicles were “rather noisy and uncomfortable”. Focus on passenger space and comfort made Toyota rethink what tough means when designing the new generation Hilux. Therefore, the ethos that drove the design team was “a new era for pick up, every inch Hilux”
At the event, Mahmood Omar, Toyota Uganda’s managing director, lauded the design engineers and revealed that construction of a new headquarters in Namanve is almost complete.
On the fringes of the main launch, I met Jasper Opoipimungu, the national sales manager who assured me that after-sales support for the new Hilux was in place with more than five outlets at appointed service dealers around Uganda.
What is different about the new Hilux?
At Sisa, all test drivers agreed that the vehicle blended saloon car comfort and off-road rugged utility.
Nakajima explained the goal was to increase comfort to make the pickup even tougher and quieter by building the body on a bigger and longer chassis frame.
I found the interior trendy and full of “bling”. Prominently positioned is a 4.3 inch touch screen audio system available on the 3.0L Double Cab models. It is easy to use just like the driver instrumentation and multi-information.
The steering wheel rim is thicker and felt firm. The thumb rests gave me a more comfortable grip. The steering spoke has a chrome finished horizontal spoke design, in line with the other interior chrome finishes.
The different models showcased were fitted with tough and durable patterned seat upholstery tailored for their purpose.
As I walked around the car, I noted that convenience also inspired the interior design. The additional extra long grab rail to assist you climb into the rear seat, multiple storage areas such as the double glove box, cup holders all improve usability and ‘feel at home’ factor.
The front and rear seats feature a new frame structure with a longer, amply padded seat cushion. A ride in the back of the double cab felt comfortable and spacious.
Driving it over the challenging Sisa 4x4 track I realised that this vehicle boasted a combination of good handling, better ride comfort as well as subdued vibration or noise. Safety, rigidity and durability were some of the bench marks for the new Hilux.
To note
Since its introduction in 1969, the Toyota Hilux, now in its 8th generation, has left its marks across the globe, where its durability, strength and quality still resonate with its owners around the world and in Uganda.
After a decade in the making, the new Toyota Hilux, is now available on the Ugandan market. As the Hilux breaks new boundaries, it continues to build on past achievements such as being the first rear wheel drive with a diesel engine.
My impressions from the test drive
Absorbing the elements: I observed that the new Hilux felt light yet firm and comfortable both on and off road. This is an outcome of the new additional high tensile steel reinforcement and increased thickness. This achieves greater body strength while reducing weight. The more rigid chassis frame and new body serve as the foundation for the completely revised suspension
Having fun off-road: I noticed that I could easily shift from 2WD to 4WD using an electronic rotary switch, which replaces the previously used ‘second gear lever’. This frees up interior cabin space as well as creating ease of accessing better traction control. I also noted a first one by Toyota. The new Hilux rear differential lock once engaged switches off the ABS – Antilocking Brake System.
The power plant: I appreciated the smooth but prompt delivery of engine power from the 1KD-FTV 3.0 litre (120 kw @ 3400rpm) and 2KD-FTV 2.5 litre low and high end (75 KW @3600rpm) 4 cylinder in line 16 valve engines. I must admit I enjoyed driving the 3.0 litre engine more due to its rewarding response to my gentle tap on the throttle. I also believe the 3.0L engine provides a balance of power, fuel economy and performance.
Comfort and Convenience: It offers a comprehensive spec level with focus on safety specifications such as driver airbag, ABS, Brake Assist and an anti-theft system. Even the base models come standard with essential safety features.
Serving as the flagship across the Hilux brand is the Double Cab models available in 2.5L 4x4 as well as 3.0L 4x4 models. The 3.0L automatic transmission is equipped with chrome exterior accents, automatic air conditioner, large multi-information display, steering wheel switches, back monitor, touchscreen display audio system with 6-speakers, Bluetooth, USB, leather interior, follow me home light control system, 17” alloy wheels with all terrain tyres, to name just a few.
Safety as a Priority: The Hilux’s safety features contribute to safety performance and occupant protection. The risk of pedestrian head and leg injury has also been reduced by use of impact-absorbing structures to front bumper, hood, fender bracket structure and cowl structure, reducing impact force during a collision. A new feature is the driver-side knee airbag on all models. The familiar brake control systems; ABS, Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) form the first level of active safety.
Warranty & Service Intervals: After enjoying the test drives, I wondered about affordability. All models are accompanied by a three-year or 100,000 km warranty and with a service plan of two years or 50,000 km. The double cabin Hilux with manual gearbox costs $57,000 (Shs193.5m) while the one with an automatic gearbox costs $59,000 (Shs200.3m)
