New Look, New Engines For Toyota Hilux

KEY POINTS

• All-new 16V 2.5-litre D-4D direct injection common rail diesel engines
• Two power outputs – 88bhp and 102bhp
• Common rail diesel engine for the first time in a pick-up
• New turbo diesel engines offer improved economy, power and torque
• New diesel engines meet EU Step 3 emissions
• More interior comfort and equipment such as air conditioning on Double Cab
• Redesigned front styling emphasising sporty ruggedness
• New Extra Cab featuring two doors and occasional rear seats for 2WD 240 Hilux – appeal for fleet customers and owner operators
• Model line-up reflects abbreviated Gross Vehicle Weight:
  • Hilux 2WD is 240, 4WD is 250 and Double Cab is 270
• New luxury Hilux Double Cab VX model introduced featuring alloy wheels, sports-style seats, ABS, air conditioning, remote central locking with alarm and over fenders
• Safety – Side impact beams standard on all models
• Twin air bags standard on all models (excluding 2WD Single Cab)
• 4WD with Auto disconnect differential and differential lock on all Hilux 4WD models
• Security – Full alarm with remote operation fitted to GX and VX Double Cab
• Remote central locking (GX and VX Double Cab)
• Engine immobiliser fitted to all Hilux derivatives – glass marked with unique security code linked to international security register – 24 hours
• Now longest service intervals of all pick up competitors – 20,000 miles service intervals, 10,000 miles oil change and health/safety check for new D-4D engines
• Dedicated Commercial Vehicle Dealer Network

HILUX SHORT STORY

Hilux has long been one of the strongest symbols of Toyota’s unparalleled reliability and durability image, successfully conquering the world’s toughest terrains – from Africa to Middle East deserts and from Australian Outback to American plains. In Europe it is recognised as a valuable working machine and an appraised leisure vehicle.

Building on this strong image, the popular Toyota Hilux pick-up range is now available with a host of new features designed to increase its appeal to the growing business user in Europe. The new Hilux features a fresh, sporty face; improved interior comfort and convenience; and a choice of advanced technology, common rail diesel engines.

The Market

Hilux will continue to be tough for work but fun to drive, as the pick-up market in Europe evolves from purely professional to mixed business and leisure users. The new trend towards leisure use has resulted in greater demand for full four-wheel drive vehicles and more sophisticated engine technology, safety and comfort. Around 70 per cent of the market is now four-wheel drive and half of those sales are for leisure use.

Hilux continues to be one of the most popular choices and is the third best selling pick-up in Europe. Hilux is available in two-wheel (2WD) or four-wheel (4WD) drive configuration and with Single, Extra or Double Cab.

Sales Success Since the 1970s

Toyota GB has sold over 54,000 Hilux pick-ups since it was first introduced into the UK market in the early 1970s. Many large companies and corporations rely on the Hilux to conduct their everyday business and to reach their furthest flung customers. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Balfour Beaty, The Environment Agency, Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Staffordshire Water, Customs & Excise, Tarmac and Serco Operations for Defence use in the Hebrides are just a few companies who use Hilux.

As in Europe, the vehicle has evolved from its early role as ostensibly a working vehicle to encompass a wider brief for the UK market 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 workloads and equipment.

Hence the Double Cab (a full five-seater Hilux) was launched in 1995 and has since been followed into that niche by many competitors.

The Double Cab proves particularly popular with small business owners including landscape gardeners, construction workers and outdoor leisure companies who also use the Hilux as their family vehicle.

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

ALL-NEW MODEL LINE UP FOR 2002

The new model range carries over the existing 2WD and three 4WD models. However, the new model line-up for 2002 sees the addition of a sixth model a new 2WD Extra Cab FX, featuring two doors with the addition of occasional rear seats.

The 2002 model line up is named to reflect the Gross Vehicle Weight of the Hilux models. The 2WD is a 240, the 4WD a 250 and the Double Cab a 270. (The Gross Vehicle Weight is 2,415kg, 2,515kg and 2,785kg respectively).

The 2002 model range comprises a choice of the all-new 2.5-litre direct injection common rail D-4D diesel engine with either 88bhp or 102bhp. The entry-level model is the 240 Single Cab Pick-up with two-wheel drive with 88bhp. This is followed by the all-new 2WD 240 Extra Cab Pick-up FX, also with 88bhp, but with a high level of equipment and specification such as air conditioning.

The new 2WD ‘FX’ model is designed to appeal to both fleet customers and owner operators who will make use of the occasional seats and extra luggage storage compartments below the seats. It has a very comprehensive specification with added features including air-conditioning, central door locking, electric front windows, CD player, heated rear window and ladder rack fitted to the stylish ‘A’ deck.

For the first time, all other models now feature automatic selectable two or four-wheel drive with high and low ratio transfer boxes. This new feature will prove useful, especially in harsh weather conditions, as it replaces the need to manually adjust the 4WD settings.

The entry level four-wheel drive model is the 4WD 250 Single Cab Pick-up EX with 102bhp. This is followed by the 4WD 270 Double Cab Pick-up EX with 102bhp.

The high specification 4WD Double Cab GX featuring 102bhp will be available from February 2002. A VX grade, available for the first time on the Double Cab, joins the range with added specification of alloy wheels, ABS brakes and overfenders over the wide wheel arch.

ADVANCED AND EFFICIENT DIESEL ENGINES

The new Hilux will be offered with a choice of Toyota D-4D direct injection, turbocharged, common rail diesel engines.

These new diesel engines have better performance and lower fuel consumption and increased parts replacement intervals, resulting in significantly reduced cost of ownership. The improvements also make Hilux more comfortable and fun to drive for both its private and core professional user market.

A sophisticated oil maintenance management system ensures even better engine durability and oil change at 10,000miles. Service intervals are now extended to 20,000 miles in line with Toyota passenger cars – the longest service intervals of all pick-up competitors. The new diesel engines are the latest versions of Toyota’s advanced D-4D technology, originally developed for the passenger car range. Hilux customers will have a choice of engines, depending on the power output required.

The entry-level D-4D common rail, turbocharged unit offers 88bhp at 3,800rpm and a flat 192Nm (139lb ft) of torque from 1,200rpm to 3,000rpm. The more powerful version, also turbocharged offers 102bhp at 3,600rpm and 260Nm (188lb ft) of torque from 1,600rpm to 2,400rpm.

Both these engines offer outstanding economy and reliability in typical, tough working and outdoor leisure environments. At the same time they also offer the benefits of Toyota’s advanced, common rail technology – low noise, instant starting and low emissions levels. In fact, Hilux becomes the first pick-up in the world to be equipped with a common rail diesel engine.

Both engines comply with European Step 3 emissions legislation with an ultra-thin wall ceramic substrate catalyst ensuring optimum warm-up capability and lower exhaust emissions.

Oil Maintenance Management System

The new diesel engines are equipped with a sophisticated oil maintenance management system, which helps reduce operating costs by extending service intervals.

The engine control unit monitors the oil contaminant level (through engine rpm and amount of fuel injected) and the distance travelled since the last oil change. If either of these reaches the specified level, the engine oil change reminder light illuminates and can only be reset after an oil change.

The advantage of this system is that it can warn the driver when the oil’s properties have reached a certain deterioration level, ensuring a longer life for the engine if the oil change is carried out.

Electronic Accelerator Pedal

To complement the use of two highly sophisticated diesel engines, Hilux comes equipped with an Electronic Accelerator Pedal. The accelerator pedal position is monitored by a throttle position sensor, which will pass the information to the engine’s ECU. The advantage of this system is a more precise throttle control, which benefits a rapid response and better fuel economy.

ATTRACTIVE, NEW DESIGN

The new, sporty appeal of Hilux is highlighted by the dynamic and modern new look, which expresses a sense of vigour and contemporary quality. Strong bumper lines and lower valence panels complement the bold, thrusting bonnet.

The front grille and valence panels differ between 2WD and 4WD versions, but both offer strong lines and a prominent Toyota logo.

The opening of the lower grill on the valence panel has been widened, expressing a feeling of forcefulness as it grips the ground firmly.

The power and reliability of the Hilux 4WD is expressed through the front grille of the 250 and 270 models.

The valence panel on the 4WD models has been enlarged and the bottom section has been separated, lowered and widened.

A modern multi-reflector type headlight has been designed for the new Hilux. The reflector design headlamps are not only more effective in dull driving conditions; they also enhance the contemporary look with a state-of-the-art wave design.

The rear of Hilux has also been redesigned with a fresh tailgate, emphasising the breadth of the vehicle, and multi-reflector rear lights on selected models.

On ‘A’ deck models (FX, GX and VX) the tailgate has been styled to optimise the sense of newness of the rear view. The design, with two relief lines and a curved surface, emphasises a sense of breadth.

Wide alloy wheels, bumper overfenders and three new metallic colours will be available for customers seeking a full leisure look. The top-of-the-range VX model is equipped with alloy wheels emphasising a new powerful, purposeful design. This is the first time alloy wheels have been fitted to UK specification Hilux.

The new metallic colours, Silver Mist, Orb Gold and two tone Island Green/Silver Mist (GX/VX Double Cab), join the original basic colours Polar White, Magna Red, Blue Royale, Ruby and Onyx Black. New side stripes and D-4D badging highlight the advanced technology diesel engines completing the new design.

More Comfort Inside

The interior of Hilux has also been redesigned to enhance appeal.

A new instrument meter design features brightly illuminated blue dials and letters and numbers have been changed to improve visibility. Extra instrumentation includes the new oil change warning indicator.

Switch layout has also been improved to make the cabin a more ergonomic and driver friendly environment. A comfortable, three or four spoke steering wheel, with airbag as standard, adds to the sporting appeal.

Seat fabric has been changed with a new colour combination sports seat now available and fabric door trims have been upgraded on selected models. Vehicles with a rear console box now feature two cup holders.

TOYOTA SPECIALIST VEHICLES

There are excellent products available to enhance both the utility and flexibility of the Hilux and security of carrying loads in the load bed area.

Tail-lift – provided by Tipmaster

Customers can order the tail-lift, with a lifting capacity of 500kgs, from the Tommy Lift range and a crane that can lift loads of up to 300kgs.

Accessories

The well-respected Truckman top remains available on all Hilux models. A new solid tonneau cover, Bjerg Cap, is also available from £799 plus fitting. The tonneau has a high quality aluminium finish with a black moulded side-mounting frame. There is a rack for securing loads of up to 100kg and in addition an aluminium liner is available for the loadspace bed, which can be fitted with the Bjerg Tonneau.

NEW TOYOTA HILUX EQUIPMENT LIST

NEW TOYOTA HILUX TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

ENDS