Toyota has given its legendary pickup a mild refresh.
Malaysia’s best selling pickup truck has just been given a mild nip-and-tuck, and is now open to orders with prices starting at an estimated RM93,880.
No new images of it yet, but safe to assume that it would look similar to the other facelift variants found overseas like in Europe and Thailand.
The headline news is that this updated Hilux comes with Toyota’s active safety suite in the form of Toyota Safety Sense. This means that most variants of this pickup truck is now standard with Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), with Yaw Assist.
There has also been a healthy increase in power for the 2.8 litre turbodiesel found in the Hilux. The new power figure of 204 PS and 500 Nm of torque represents increase of 27 PS and 50 Nm respectively over the pre-facelift variant. Fuel economy meanwhile remains the same, thanks to a new 2-stage oil pump and a pre-EGR cooler.
Other changes include a new Variable Flow Control power steering pump, that supposedly provides a more natural steering feel while enhancing fuel economy thanks to efficiency improvements.
However, you will be hard pressed to tell the difference between the new and pre-facelifted Hilux from the exterior though. The exterior of the Toyota remains largely the same to the pre-facelift version of the Hilux, with only minor changes to the bumper, grille, fog lamp bezel and alloy wheels for most of the range.
The flagship 2.8 Rouge variant of the Hilux meanwhile gets additional exterior updates with a new bonnet moulding and skid plates. And it is this flagship version of the world’s most invincible truck that is eligible for the Early Bird Special Price of RM 144,880.
More information can be found in the press release below:
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd announces order taking open for the new improvement to the 2020 Toyota Hilux, enhancing the value of Malaysia’s best-selling pick-up truck. Besides refreshing the appearance inside and out, there are also upgrades in performance as well as safety systems.
Customers now have a choice of five variants with the Double Cab 2.4 E A/T being a new addition. The new Double Cab 2.8 Rogue A/T replaces the current Double Cab 2.8 Black Edition, while the new Double Cab 2.4 V A/T is an upgrade from the current Double Cab 2.4 L-Edition. For those who prefer a manual transmission, the Double 2.4 G and Single Cab 2.4 will still be available.
Seven colour choices are available for the 2020 Hilux range. These are Bronze Mica Metallic (new colour), Crimson Spark Red Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Phantom Brown Metallic, Medium Silver Metallic, Silver Metallic and Super White II. The Hilux Single Cab is available only in a Solid White colour.
IMPROVED PERFORMANCE
The 1G-FTV 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine has received improvements which raise both power output and torque. Maximum power output is now 204PS at 3,400 rpm (27PS increase), while maximum torque is 500Nm between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm (50Nm increase).
Although the engine is more powerful, fuel consumption has not gone up. In fact, fuel efficiency has improved due to the use of a 2-stage oil pump that can optimally switch the oil pressure. Additionally, a water-cooled double-pipe type pre-EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) cooler has also been installed to optimise the EGR gas temperature.
The power-assisted rack and pinion steering system for the new Hilux (except for the Single Cab variant) now has a Variable Flow Control (VFC) system which has reduced demand on the power steering pump, benefitting fuel economy. At the same time, the driver will find enhanced steering feel with more natural handling in different speed ranges. The feel is lighter at low speeds to make parking manoeuvres easier but becomes heavier at higher speeds to provide a more confident feel.
The new Hilux comes with an Auto Limited Slip Differential (LSD) which aids traction by using the traction control system (TRC) to control braking and engine output when one of the rear wheels start to spin. The Auto LSD system is available only when in the High range and in 2WD at speeds up to 50 km/h.
TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE
In line with Toyota’s aim of making motoring safer and reducing accidents, many of its models are now getting the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) system. The TSS system consists of three systems: Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), with Yaw Assist.
NEW DESIGN
Various styling elements of the new Hilux have been redesigned, such as the front bumper, grille, and fog-lamp bezel. For the flagship Hilux Double Cab 2.8 Rogue, there’s a new bonnet moulding and skid-plate while the base variants get new designs for the 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the notable change for the flagship variant is a new interior trim design, new meter design, addition of illuminated door trim garnish and a new key cover design. The base variants get a new meter design with additional information on the Multi Information Display (MID).
BOOKINGS ACCEPTED NOW
The new Hilux range will be available soon and bookings are now accepted at all authorized Toyota dealerships nationwide. Estimated prices for the new Hilux range from RM93,880 onwards.
For Hilux 2.8 Rogue the estimated price is RM148,880. Interested buyers are urged to enjoy the Early Bird Special Price of RM144,880 applicable only for the Toyota Hilux D/CAB 2.8 Rouge AT 4×4 (for sales in 2020). The full price list will be issued with the showroom launch.
Customers wishing to place bookings can locate the nearest authorised Toyota showroom to them by visiting toyota.com.my or calling the Toyota FREEPHONE 1- 800-88-TOYOTA (869682).
