Toyota has released information and a massive photo gallery with its all-new Hilux pickup truck for European markets.
The Hilux had a 23.5 percent market share in 2014, when some 36,000 Hilux vehicles were sold in European countries, making it the region’s best-selling pickup.
Toyota hopes that the eighth-generation Hilux, launched in May in Asia and Australia, will help it consolidate its market share in Europe – the automaker expects 40,000 sales a year.
As you’d expect, the European model features no styling changes compared to the Hilux sold in Thailand and other Asia Pacific markets.
The new Hilux features a new and stronger ladder chassis, a reinforced deck structure, enhanced 4×4 capabilities, and an improved towing capacity. It also promises greater comfort, advanced equipment and improved safety.
Toyota says the latest Hilux has been improved in six key areas: design, comfort, safety, QDR (Quality, Durability, Reliability), commercial vehicle capabilities and total cost of ownership.
When it comes to comfort, the cabin is said to be more spacious and comfortable than before, combining “SUV practicality and functionality with passenger car-like cabin NVH levels.”
Safety-wise, the new Hilux has a high strength, impact-absorbing body structure and a series of brake control systems including ABS, EBD, VSC and Trailer Sway Control (TSC).
In terms of QDR, Toyota says the Hilux has the same 4×4 capabilities as the Land Cruiser, thanks to the new ladder chassis and reinforced deck structure, as well as Active Traction Control (A-TRC), Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) systems.
The Hilux also has a larger, stronger and more practical cargo deck, as well as an improved, 3.2 ton (7,054.8 lbs) towing capacity.
Finally, the total cost of ownership is said to be lower thanks to the new 2.4-liter and 2.8-liter D-4D diesel engines. Toyota says they return “class-leading fuel economy,” but no figures have been released yet. The 2.4-liter is rated at 150PS (148hp) and 400Nm (295lb-ft) of torque, while the 2.8-liter unit delivers 177PS (174hp) and 450Nm (332lb-ft) of torque.