A confident Toyota New Zealand believes its latest Hilux is good enough to entice ‘lapsed buyers’ back to the brand. NZ4WD Editor Ross MacKay explains why.
The 2020 Toyota Hilux will offer ute buyers here an improved driving experience when it arrives later this year, with a facelifted exterior, more powerful engine and additional smart phone connectivity features.
Over the decades, Hilux has been improved with more powerful turbo-diesel engines, refined transmissions, comfort, and convenience features. The new Hilux continues to advance with new technology while maintaining its reputation for being a tough, dependable unit on the farm, in the bush, at slippery boat ramps, on the worksite or on steep coastal roads with a caravan in tow.
Bolder, tougher-looking
With a bolder, tougher-looking face on all ‘wide-body’ SR, SR5 and SR5 Cruiser variants, and a beefed up 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine with 15 percent more power, the new model addresses two major areas tagged for improvement; the way the thing looked, and way it drove.
According to Toyota the extra power has resulted in noticeably better acceleration and overtaking, with the added bonus from the redesigned diesel engine of up to 11 percent better fuel efficiency.
“The Hilux legacy is built on its unbreakable bond with its owner,” says Toyota Chief Executive Officer Neeraj Lala. “Over three decades, the Hilux has had a special connection with our loyal customers here in New Zealand.
“The total commercial segment is down by 29.1 percent year to date, but Toyota commercials are down just 16 percent as loyal customers return to a brand they trust in tough times.
“In tough times, we have seen customers return to Hilux because we stand firmly behind the brand and are committed to supporting our customers,” says Neeraj.
Hands down the best...
“This new model is hands down the best Hilux that we have introduced, and I am confident more customers will return to a brand that previously dominated the New Zealand landscape for more than three decades.
“This Hilux is the most technologically advanced truck introduced in New Zealand and will offer exceptional value.
“It has been upgraded with more grunt to appeal to the performance enthusiasts, while retaining its towing and braking capability. Hilux will dominate its dual role of being a rugged workhorse and capable family commuter,” Neeraj says.
Under the clamshell-style bonnet, the turbo-diesel’s power has been increased to 150kW while peak torque on diesel automatic models has been ramped up by 11 percent to 500Nm. The power increase was achieved through modifications to the cylinder block, pistons, turbo design and cooling system.
Inside, the touchscreen has been upgraded to an eight-inch display and the audio system now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The multi-information display has been revised with new information screens including a digital speedo.
Safety Sense
All 2020 Hilux variants continue to come with Toyota’s Safety Sense suite of electronic driver aids which includes a Pre-Collision System with Autonomous Emergency Braking for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Yaw Assist and Road Sign Assist.
