Toyota Hilux facelift gains new engine

Toyota has revealed an updated Hilux pick-up, which features a new look, revised chassis and a more powerful engine.

Due to go on sale in November, the Hilux is expected to offer improved on and off-road driving performance.

Its new-look front end features a three-dimensional grille, for enhanced road-presence, and LED headlamps.

In the cabin, new instruments and an eight-inch infotainment screen are fitted. The Hilux also has Apple Carplay and Android Auto, plus a faster, more responsive, interface with buttons and dial controls.

Features such as keyless entry and start, sat-nav, climate control and parking sensors are available, along with a new 800W JBL sound system.

Joining the existing 2.4-litre diesel engine is a new 2.8-litre unit. With 204PS and 500Nm, it shaves more than three seconds off the current model’s 0-62mph time – achieving the benchmark in 10 seconds.

Combined fuel consumption is rated at 36.3mpg, with CO2 emissions of 204g/km.

The Hilux is one of the few vehicles to still use a body-on-frame construction, a design that is hard-wearing and better able to withstand the twisting forces encountered in extreme off-road driving conditions.

Toyota has retuned the front and rear shock absorbers, improved the leaf spring design and fitted new bushings to provide a smoother ride with less shock when driving over joints and holes in the road surface.

Off-road performance has also been enhanced with the lowering of engine speed at idle from 850 to 680rpm and accelerator response tuned for greater driver control. The vehicle stability control has been updated and a new tyre angle monitor has been adopted.

Further details, including pricing, will be released closer to the vehicle’s launch in November.