2000 Model Year Toyota Hilux Pickups Carry A Heavier Burden And A Lighter Tax Load

This is an archived press release.

For up to date specifications and prices on current the current model, please visit our Hilux model page.

For more historical information visit our Hilux archive.

Key Points

• Latest Hilux takes Toyota’s working pick-up to new heights
• 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine for 4WD (EX/GX)
• Limited slip differential on 4WD (EX/GX )
• Improved safety – Twin Airbags EX/GX
• Engine immobiliser
• Full alarm system on GX
• Remote central locking (Double Cab/GX only)
• Electric front windows (GX only)
• Higher payload on Single Cab and Double Cab 4WD pickup models
• VAT now reclaimable on Double Cab models for the first time
• Single and Double Cab 4WD models now badged ‘EX’
• Top of the range Double Cab 4WD GX model gets Sony CD/RDS tuner audio & new side stripes
• Prices remain unchanged since October 1999 realignment

Short story

If you removed all the Toyota Hilux pick-ups from the UK’s roads would the economy grind to a halt?

Quite possibly. Small and large businesses alike have come to depend on the rugged and durable Toyota Hilux pick-up since it was first introduced into the UK market in the early 1970s. Since then, Toyota has sold nearly 50,000 of them.

Many large companies and corporations rely on the Hilux to conduct their everyday business and many to reach their farthest flung customers – The Maritime and Coastguard agency, the Environment Agency, North of Scotland Water Authority, Tarmac, English, Welsh and Scottish Railway are just a few companies who use the Hilux.

The vehicle has evolved from its early role as ostensibly a working vehicle to encompass a wider brief today. In 1995, Toyota was one of the first manufacturers to understand that its UK Hilux customers wanted to carry passengers (and often their families) as well as work loads and equipment. Hence the Hilux Double Cab (a full five seater Hilux) was launched and has since been followed into that niche by many competitors.

Toyota has also recognised that Hilux customers do not expect a compromise in comfort and so a high specification Double Cab ‘GX’ derivative was launched to meet the demand for a higher specification Hilux Double Cab in 1998.

In price ascending order the current Hilux range comprises the 2.4-litre diesel Single Cab with two wheel drive. All other models feature selectable two or four wheel drive with high and low ratio transfer boxes. Next comes the Single Cab ‘EX’ 2.4 turbo diesel, the 2.4 turbo diesel Double Cab ‘EX’ and the top-of-the-range 2.4 turbo diesel Double Cab ‘GX’. Bar the 2WD model all others have a turbo charged diesel engine.

THE LATEST EVOLUTION OF THE HILUX

The Toyota Hilux has established a strong market position in one of the most competitive vehicle sectors and remains one of the best selling pick-up trucks across the world. It was the leading brand in the pick up segment in 1999.

The latest evolution of the Hilux is dramatic and sporty in its design and will satisfy both the established market for reliable, working pick-up trucks and the newer, growing market where customers drive the vehicle in their leisure time. It is available in both switchable two or four wheel drive and permanent four-wheel drive.

The new Double Cab GX completes the range and is fitted with a tilt adjustable steering column and manual tilt glass sunroof with shade.

The Toyota Hilux pickup is delivering good news to the nation’s small businesses early in the New Millennium. The two Hilux Double Cab models in the range can now carry a higher payload meaning that VAT registered businesses are able to reclaim the VAT at purchase.

The Double Cab 4WD EX and top of the range Double Cab 4WD GX models can handle a maximum payload of 1035kgs and 1020kgs respectively meaning they will enjoy far greater market appeal thanks to their versatility and suitability for both small and large businesses. The Single Cab 4WD EX model has received an increase in payload to handle a maximum of 1035kgs.

POWERTRAIN AND CHASSIS

Engine

The latest Toyota Hilux is designed to keep Toyota ahead of its competitors in this rapidly changing market. This hardworking model is now offered with a 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine in the 4×4 and Double Cab, which develops 89bhp at 3500rpm with maximum torque of 161lb ft at 2200rpm.

Latest developments include further improvements in reducing noise and vibration and lower exhaust emissions. Reliability and economy are the two fundamentals of the diesel engine’s design, and a water-cooled turbocharger is now added for dependable performance under heavy load conditions.

Noise and vibration in the engine has been reduced by using a balanced crankshaft and the crankpin diameter has been increased for greater strength. A lower back pressure exhaust is fitted to increase high engine speed performance while low engine speed torque is boosted by careful shaping of the cam lobes. All versions of the new Hilux are fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox with ratios to match the engine characteristics.

Suspension

Springs have been refined to improve ride. Noise levels are greatly reduced by careful use of soundproofing and new design features. Front track has been increased by 40mm on two-wheel drive vehicles and the suspension stroke has been increased by 15mm. Four-wheel drive versions also get the increased track and now have independent front suspension, with 15mm longer rebound.

At the rear, track has also been increased on the 4×2 and the effect of the leaf springing decreased to give improved ride comfort. On the four-wheel drive model, spring characteristic has changed to improve ride comfort.

Suspension stroke has also been enlarged. All suspension bushes, geometry angles and shock absorber settings have been tuned to provide an excellent combination of ride, comfort and handling.

SAFETY

The new Hilux is designed around a stiffer, stronger cabin with side impact beams in all doors. Driver and passenger airbags are fitted as standard on the 4×4 Single and Double Cab. An ‘intelligent’ front seat belt system which employs both pre-tensioners and force limiters is also fitted. The pre-tensioners and force limiters act in harmony to cut stresses on the upper body during an accident and further reduce the chances of injury to chest and ribs.

SECURITY

All Hilux models are fitted with an ignition key activated engine immobiliser system. The Hilux Double Cab and GX both have remote central locking. Combined with security window etching, the Hilux now offers class leading security features as standard.

INTERIOR

Cab space has been increased, with more height on all models and more length in the Double Cab version. Getting in and out of the vehicle is easier and the seating position is more natural, having been raised by 30mm. The rear seating position is more spacious too.

The interior of the Double Cab GX is fully carpeted and supportive seats are finished in a hard wearing patterned cloth material. The driver’s seat offers height adjustment and lumbar support, while the rear bench seat features two head restraints.

The cabin heater system is practical and effective. Cool air delivery has been improved by increasing air flow during maximum delivery and warm air delivery has been improved by increasing the vent size. A rear heater duct fitted to the GX delivers heated air to the feet of rear passengers, improving their comfort. Numerous stowage areas are available throughout the cab, including a large rear console box.

The 2×4 Single Cab is fitted with a TM2000 cassette while the 4×4 Single Cab vehicle is fitted with a Toyota TF4001 cassette RDS. The Double Cab features a TM4000 RDS Tuner/cassette while the GX features a SONY CDX 4270 RDS Tuner/CD.

EXTERIOR

New radiator grille and fresh clean look to the integrated headlamp and indicators create a striking frontal view. Smart new wheels complete the sporty exterior look which is rounded off by the integrated corner extensions with a sophisticated new rear light combination. High tensile steel sheet is used for many outer body panels to provide a balance between weight reduction and dent resistance.

The Double Cab has chrome bumper, door handles and grill, while the GX adds chrome door mirror covers and rear step bumper together with stainless steel side steps and also features a flush load deck exterior with inner mounted load hooks.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

The new Hilux has also been able to take advantage of the many advances made in environmental protection since the launch of the previous model.

Extensive use has been made of Toyota’s super-olefin polymer (TSOP) material in both interior and exterior components. These specially developed plastics are extremely easy to recycle and can be used many times over in cars and commercial vehicles across the whole Toyota range. The Hilux pickups also receive new chrome EX and GX badging while prices are held at the reduced level announced in October 1999:

X = Not available O = Optional √ = Standard

TOYOTA HILUX TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

ENDS