UMW Toyota set to launch Hilux in Q2 2016, Alphard and Vellfire in Q3 [+Video]



UMW Toyota Motors is set to have a busy 2016 as the company recently revealed its plans to introduce the new Hilux, Alphard and Vellfire models in the coming months.

First to hit our shores is the eight-generation Hilux in Q2 2016 where it’ll go against the new Ford Ranger T6, Nissan NP300 Navara and Mitsubishi Triton. The popular pickup debuted in Thailand in mid-2015 and will definitely help Toyota regain traction once it arrives here. There are two brand new and high-tech commonrail diesel engines powering the Hilux; a 2.4-litre and a 2.8-litre turbodiesel.2016 Toyota Hilux

Engine Name 1GD-FTV 2GD-FTV
Displacement (cc) 2,754 (2.8-litre) 2,393 (2.4-litre)
Bore x Stroke (mm) 92.0 x 103.6 92.0 x 90.0
Compression Ratio 15.6:1
Max Power (bhp @ rpm) 174 hp @ 3,400 rpm 148 hp @ 3,400 rpm
Max Torque (Nm @ rpm) 450 Nm @ 1,600 – 2,400 rpm 330 Nm @ 1,600 – 2,000 rpm
Low-Speed Torque (Nm @ rpm) 370 Nm @ 1,200 rpm 330 Nm @ 1,200 rpm

The new 2.4L produces 148 hp with 400 Nm of torque, whereas the 2.8L unit makes 174 hp with 450 Nm of torque. Receiving drive is a new Aisin-sourced six-speed automatic gearbox. Underneath it all is a new and improved chassis which features Toyota’s Frame with Integrated Rigidity Mechanism (FIRM) technology.

In an effort to not lose out premium MPV sales to parallel importers, the company will launch the new, third-generation Alphard and Vellfire models during Q3 2016. We spotted both the Alphard and Vellfire during a trip to the 2015 Bangkok Motor Show, and both will likely come with a 2.5-litre Dual-VVTi engine with a seven-speed Super CVT-i transmission.

2015 Toyota Vellfire launch in Bangkok Motor Show - AutoBuzz.my

UMW Toyota has set a sales target of a modest 87,000 for 2016, – 2,000 of which will come from Lexus. In 2015, Toyota sold a total of 93,760 cars, and just 65,295 of them were passenger cars. They subsequently lost the top spot and was dethroned by Honda as the top non-national automaker in Malaysia.

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Honda’s strong performing models like the City, Jazz and HR-V have made things a little difficult for Toyota, but what it should be is nothing more than a huge wakeup call on Toyota’s end. It may be a struggling 2016 for Toyota especially after factoring in the rising prices of their cars due to the weakening Ringgit, but it’s only a matter of time before they once again become the non-national king.


IMAGE GALLERY

2015 Toyota Vellfire at Bangkok International Motor Show

2015 Toyota Alphard at the Bangkok International Motor Show