Toyota Announces Full-Model Change of Hilux, Small Bonnet-Type Truck

TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION announced today that the Toyota Hi-Lux, its small bonnet-type truck, has undergone a full model change for the first time in five years and two months. Nationwide sales of the new Hi-Lux will begin on November 4.

Ever since its introduction in 1968, the Hi-Lux has attracted a popular following in both the foreign and domestic markets for its versatility and utility. After a 4WD version was added to the series in 1979, the Hi-Lux was given a more rugged styling, with various equipment added to give it greater mobility and added appeal as a recreational vehicle. Although the Hi-Lux enjoys particular popularity in the Japanese, North American and Middle Eastern markets, it is also a solid seller in other markets as well.

The full-model change reflects considerations of current market trends, with particular attention being paid to improving its basic performance and completely changing its outward appearance and interior appointments to give it more of a passenger-car look and feel. Also, in response to increasingly diversified market demands, a fuller line of models is being offered. The principal features of the new Hi-Lux are as follows

1. External appearance and styling
   Although retaining the rugged appearance of a truck, the new Hi-Lux has been designed to include elements of passenger-car styling, thus giving it a more contemporary appearance. Those elements include the following.
   • A wedge shape profile for a sharper silhouette.
   • The shape of the hood's front and the front pillar have been changed to reduce wind resistance.
   • Glazing area has been increased (windshield: 3%; side windows: 13%; rear window: 25%), thus providing a wider field of vision.
   • New front and rear combination lamp designs give the Hi-Lux a more sporty appearance.
2. Engine
   Two high-performance, fuel-efficient gasoline engines have been added to the Hi-Lux: the 2Y-J type (4-cylinder, OHV, 1813cc) and the 3Y-J type (4-cylinder, OHV, 1998cc).
   The 2Y-J engine has a maximum output of 95 hp (at 5,200 rpm), and a maximum torque of 15.5 kg-m (at 3,400 rpm); and the 3Y-J has a maximum output of 105 hp (at 5,200 rpm), and a maximum torque of 17.0 kg-m (3,000 rpm). Both are high performance engines. Regarding fuel economy, when driving at a constant 60 km/h over a set course, the 2Y-J engine got 14.6 km/L (4-speed, manual transmission), and the 3Y-J engine got 14.2 km/L (5-speed, manual transmission). These figures place the two engines at the top of their class in fuel economy.
   Besides the L-type diesel engine (4-cylinder, OHC, 2188cc), which continues to be popular, a new 2L-type engine (4-cylinder, OHC, 2446cc) will be available for the 4x2 automatic transmission models and the 4x4 models.
   Although the 2L-type is a high-performance diesel engine, with a maximum output of 83 hp (at 4,000 rpm) and a maximum torque of 17.0 kg-m (at 2,400 rpm), it still has a low fuel consumption rate of 17.0 km/L at a constant speed of 60 km/h (5-speed, manual transmission).
3. Interior
   The interior has been redesigned to give the Hi-Lux the feeling of a passenger car and includes the following.
   • Greater roominess for improved comfort.
   • The instrument panel has been redesigned, and seats are now covered with a new knit material.
4. Fuller model line
   A fuller line of models in the Hi-Lux series is available in response to wide-ranging market demands, such as for recreational vehicles, greater economy and increase carrying capacity.
   • The single-cab, long-body, super-deluxe diesel 4x2 model is the first bonnet-type truck in Japan with a 4-speed fully-automatic transmission with overdrive.
   • For greater ease in loading and unloading, a model with a fully open steel deck has been added to the series.
   • In response to customer demands for more luxury, the 4x4 model has a newly introduced SR grade that makes its interior fully comparable to a passenger car's.
   • The long-body, 4x4 gasoline model provides outstanding payload efficiency.
   • With this model change, the number of versions of the Hi-Lux available increased from 17 to 20.
5. More optional equipment
   • A fuller range of options including power steering, a clinometer and altimeter, electric winch (short-body models only), automatic locking hubs, limited step differential, and other equipment is available for the 4x4 model.