Toyota Hilux Pickups

Key Points

• 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine for 4WD (EX/GX)
• Limited slip differential on 4WD (EX/GX )
• Safety – Twin Airbags EX/GX
• Security – Engine immobiliser and vehicle linked to international security register
• Full alarm system on GX
• Remote central locking (Double Cab/GX only)
• Electric front windows (GX only)
• Single and Double Cab 4WD models now badged ‘EX’
• Top of the range Double Cab 4WD GX model gets Sony CD/RDS tuner audio
• Prices remain unchanged since October 1999 realignmen

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 over 56,000 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, Balfour Beatty, 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 in 1995 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 ‘car like’ 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 two-wheel drive model all others have a turbocharged 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.

The Double Cab four-wheel drive EX and top of the range Double Cab four-wheel drive GX models can handle a maximum payload of 1035kgs and 1020kgs respectively meaning they enjoy broad market appeal thanks to their versatility and suitability for both small and large businesses. VAT registered businesses can reclaim the VAT on both Hilux Double Cab models.

POWERTRAIN AND CHASSIS

Engine

The Toyota Hilux is designed to keep Toyota ahead of its competitors in this rapidly changing market. This hardworking model is offered with a 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine in the four-wheel drive and Double Cab, which develops 89bhp at 3,500rpm with maximum torque of 161lb ft at 2,200rpm.

Reliability and economy are the two fundamentals of the diesel engine’s design, and a water-cooled turbocharger provides dependable performance under heavy load conditions.

A low back pressure exhaust is fitted for good high engine speed performance while low engine speed torque is boosted by careful shaping of the cam lobes. All versions of the Hilux are fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox with ratios to match the engine characteristics.

SAFETY

The Hilux is designed around a stiff, strong cabin with side impact beams in all doors. Driver and passenger airbags are fitted as standard on the four-wheel drive Single and Double Cab EX and GX grades.

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 linked to a 24-hour security register, the Hilux continues to offer class leading security features as standard.

INTERIOR

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. 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 4000 RDS Tuner/CD.

EXTERIOR

The Toyota Hilux has a striking and purposeful exterior look. 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 grille, 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

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.

TOYOTA HILUX EQUIPMENT LIST

TOYOTA HILUX TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

ENDS