Toyota Hilux 2012

Toyota is polishing up the HiLux team, readying for a fierce season as new and improved players take to the ute field.

The HiLux, as a two and four-wheel drive, remains the country's favourite ute but faces renewed attack with the imminent arrival of Mazda BT-50s, Holden Colorado and all-new Ford Rangers. Then there's the Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan's Navara and Volkswagen's Amarok already kicking goals while Great Wall and Ssangyong utes pick up points at the cheaper end of the paddock.

With the launch of the 2012 Hilux, Toyota introduces a new design and further improves the model’s renowned quality, durability and reliability. The 2012 Toyota Hilux’s new interior has been extensively revised with a refined design which reinforces the pick-up’s credentials as a leisure vehicle. It offers improved sensory quality throughout the cabin, and passenger car levels of convenience.

Design

The interior changes across the range refresh a pretty practical ute cabin without breaking too much new ground. Bigger drivers will still like a little more room height adjustment on the steering wheel, or a little less height to the seat squab.

With the new sheet metal up front, plus fender flares for SR models, the HiLux style is fresher and a little less gawky than its predecessor.

On and off the road the HiLux continues to offer the usual comforts and capabilities. Extra touches, including steering-wheel mounted audio and telephone controls plus satellite navigation for SR5s, further the more carlike interior this time around.

Engine

Toyota’s 2.7-litre, four-cylinder DOHC turbo-diesel is a solid performer with 126kW of power at 3600rpm and peak torque of 343Nm between 1400-3400rpm.

But we still love HiLux V6. The 4.0-litre beauty with 175kW/343Nm or 376Nm (automatic/manual) has grunt with a capital ‘G’.

Features

• 5255 x 1835 x 1810 (mm) Dimensions
• 2494 cc Displacement
• 2KD-FTV Engine Type
• 5 Speed Manual Transmission
• Electronic Fuel Injected System
• Hydraulic Power Steering System
•  76 Liter Fuel Tank Capacity
• Speedometer
•  Power Windows
•  Multi Info Display
•  Front Grill
•  Stabilizer Bar
•  Ventilated Disc Front Brake
•  Dual SRS Airbags
• 3 Persons Seating Capacity
•  GOA Body Structure
•  Fuel Level Warning
•  Air Conditioning
•  Headrest (Front & Rear)

Price

The four-wheel drive SR5 Xtra cab has dropped $5650 and the dearest HiLux is now the auto diesel, four-wheel drive SR5 Double Cab at $53,490, just $250 dearer than the equivalent Nissan Navara and $100 more than the equivalent new Ford Ranger in October. Prices rise by up to $900 on two-wheel drive HiLux models which start at $18,990.

So for HiLux there's now an entry-level, Workmate four-wheel drive dual cab under $40,000 (almost $6000 cheaper than the previous lowest-priced diesel Double cab) and price cuts up to $3650 across the dual cab line-up. 

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