Toyota have upadated their Hilux for 2012 to create a more car-like environment when inside. But it’s still as “indestructible” as it ever was.
See a Toyota Hilux on the road and the first impression is likely to be, understandably, that you’re looking at a gas guzzler.
It looks like a beast of a machine, and these days being heavy on fuel and bad when it cimes to emissions is hardly appealing.
Which is why the next generation Hilux has not only had a new front end, a rear-view camera and one of those clever new multimedia but it has also been restyled with the addition of diesel particulate filters (DPF) in order to ensures compliance with Euro 5 emissions standards, reduced CO2 output and increased fuel economy
Key to the look of the Hilux is its interior which has been put together to create more of a car feeling with new upper dashboard design and horizontal instrument cluster that emphasise the breadth and roominess of the cabin. The new model also boasts the lowest in class CO2 emissions of 194 g/km for 2.5-litre Double Cab.
Outside, the redoubtable pick-up has been given a comprehensive re-style from the A-pillar forwards, with a new bonnet, radiator grille, headlamps and bumper, plus new wheel designs and new side bars and steps for the top-of-the-range Hilux Invincible.
Meanwhile inside a revised lay-out incorporates the new Toyota Touch multimedia unit with a full colour 6.1-inch touchscreen. The Touch package, fitted as standard to the HL3 and Invincible models also includes Bluetooth and a USB port for connecting digital music players.
The quality feel of the cabin has been improved with new, uniform dark finishes and new chrome surround for the instrument binnacle on the Invincible.
Under the bonnet, the 2012 Hilux carries forward its current engines, the 142bhp 2.5 D-4D and 169bhp 3.0 D-4D units, but these now comply with the Euro 5 light commercial vehicle emissions standards ahead of their introduction at the beginning of next year, thanks to the adoption of the diesel particulate filter (DPF).
As a result of the adjustments to the engines, Co2 emissions for the 2.5 D-4D (Double Cab) have been cut by more than 10 per cent to 194g/km, becoming best in class and combined fuel consumption has also improved by more than 10 per cent to 38.7mpg (all bodystyles).
The emissions figure for the 3.0 D-4D Double Cab automatic has fallen to 227g/km and the manual to 203g/km. Combined fuel consumption figures are improved from 31.7 to 32.8mpg and 34.0 to 36.7mpg respectively.
The standard five-speed manual transmission and the optional five-speed automatic for the 3.0 D-4D engine, exclusive to the Invincible, are also retained.
Similarly the grade line-up of HL3, HL2 and Invincible, and the choice of single, extra and double cab bodystyles are offered for the 2012 model year.
From launch, Hilux will be available with a comprehensive choice of accessory packs.
The 2012 Hilux goes on sale in October.
Nick Bradshaw
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