2016 Toyota Hilux launched in Malaysia, priced from RM90k to RM134k



UMW Toyota Motors has finally introduced the all-new 2016 Toyota Hilux, just as they promised. A total of six variants (previously there were only five) will be offered, and each one of them are locally assembled at the Shah Alam production facility.

This time, the Hilux’s pricing may just be the deal breaker for many prospective buyers, but it’s all due to unfavourable foreign exchange rates (also in line with the price increase which came into effect early in the year). On-the-road pricing starts from RM89,900 to RM133,900, including GST and insurance.2016 Toyota Hilux Media Drive - AutoBuzz.my

QUICK FACTS

Toyota Hilux Single Cab 2.4 (MT) 4×4 Double Cab 2.4 STD (MT) 4×4 Double Cab 2.4 STD (MT) 2×4 Double Cab 2.4G (MT) 4×4 Double Cab 2.4G (AT) 4×4 Double Cab 2.8 (AT) 4×4
Engine 2,393cc; DOHC intercooler, turbocharged, four-cylinder 2,755cc; DOHC, turbo, four-cylinder
Transmission 6-speed manual 6-speed auto with Super ECT & Sequential Shifter
Max Power 148 hp @ 3,400 rpm 175 hp @ 3,400 rpm
Max Torque 400 Nm @ 1,600 – 2,000 rpm 450 Nm @ 1,600 – 2,400 rpm
Price  RM89,900  RM91,900  RM99,900 RM109,900 RM121,900 RM133,900

EXTERIOR

The Hilux is quite a looker too, and gone are the plastic claddings on all four wheel arches. For the 2.4G variants, external features include body-coloured front bumper with integrated fog lamps (halogen), chromed side mirrors with integrated signal indicators, chrome door handles, adjustable wipers and chromed rear bumper. According to Toyota, the rear bumpers now conform to the latest safety standards and is positioned lower to prevent regular cars from ending up beneath the Hilux in a rear-end collision.2016 Toyota Hilux Media Drive - AutoBuzz.my

Exclusive to the 2.8G are the LED projector headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights, 18-inch wheels with 265/60 series highway terrain tyres and chromed door belt moulding. All 2.4 Double Cab variants will settle for 17-inch wheels, whereas the Single Cab makes do with 16-inch wheels. The smaller tyres on the Single Cab equates to best turning radius among the rest – at 6.1 metres.

INTERIOR

This time around, Toyota puts more emphasis on comfort and refinement. The Hilux’s cabin is now up to 12 percent quieter than before, and this is achieved through more extensive use of insulating materials and by reducing vibration produced by the powertrain.2016 Toyota Hilux Media Drive - AutoBuzz.my

The dashboard is completely new as well, and in the centre is a new 6.1-inch touchscreen DVD player which supports MP3, auxiliary, USB, SD Card and Bluetooth connectivity. This head unit comes with six speakers, and are only offered to the 2.8G and 2.4G variants. As for the lower three variants, a 2-DIN CD player and four speakers come as standard, but the Single Cab only comes with two speakers.

There is also a 4.2-inch Optitron multi-info display and 8-way power adjustable driver seat, though they are both reserved for the range topping variant. Other features offered on the 2.4G are full auto windows (all four windows, mind you), ECO and Power drive modes, keyless entry with push-start button, leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel and gear knob.

PERFORMANCE

We’ve gone to great depths in detailing the new GD-series engines. Both the 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre turbodiesel engines seen here are much more technologically superior than the KD-series of yore. The smaller unit produces a full 148 hp at 3,400 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 2,000 revolutions, and is mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.2016 Toyota Hilux Media Drive - AutoBuzz.my

The 2.8-litre punches a little harder than its size suggests, making 175 hp at 3,400 rpm while providing a meatier 450 Nm of torque through a broader rev band of between 1,600 to 2,400 rpm. This engine is reserved exclusively for the top trim, as such it will only be available with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Besides the new powertrain, Toyota has also reengineered the ladder frame, improving torsional rigidity by thickening the cross section. Together with the new rear axle setup (longer and wider leaf springs with larger shocks), the new Hilux rides more comfortably than before. The front axle gets independent double wishbone suspension with coil springs and a stabiliser bar.

SAFETY

New to the Hilux is an array of active and passive safety features. But as you would expect, the full range of safety systems are only reserved for the more expensive variants. The only standard safety feature shared across the board is ABS with EBD. The 2.4G (AT) 4×4 and 2.8G get additional features such as Brake Assist, VSC, Active Traction Control, Hill-start Assist Control, Emergency Stop Signal and Trailer Sway Control.2016 Toyota Hilux Media Drive - AutoBuzz.my

Reverse sensors and reverse camera are also thrown into the mix in the aforementioned duo, however the 2.4G (MT) 4×4 gets a small slice of the cake in this regard as well. The 2.8G gets a maximum of seven airbags (including driver knee airbag), but the rest will settle for just three (dual front and driver knee airbag).

Because the old Hilux was so prone to thievery, Toyota paid particular attention in addressing the issue. Now, all variants except the cheapest two will get double locking and speed auto door lock, on top of the standard cabin sensors, immobilisers and sirens. Be sure to get yourself an aftermarket steering lock, just to be on the safe side.2016 Toyota Hilux Media Drive - AutoBuzz.my

WHAT ELSE?

Each purchase of the Hilux comes with a 5-year or 150,000km manufacturer’s warranty. A total of eight body colours are available, three of which are new: Avant-garde Bronze Metallic, Super White 2 and Crimson Spark Red Metallic. The Single Cab variant will only be available in Solid White, though. The new Hilux is now available for viewing and test drive at all Toyota showrooms nationwide.


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2016 Toyota Hilux Media Drive