New Toyota Hilux - timely changes in Vietnam

Hilux is equipped with a new engine and gearbox, a significant step to penetrate deeper into the pickup segment, where Ford Ranger is currently occupying.

Vietnamese customers have never seen Toyota change as much as in 2016. Vios has a new engine, new transmission, and an additional version; the new generation Innova is like a transformation. Camry has more airbags; and Hilux also has a new engine and transmission. These core upgrades are not the usual way of doing things for Japanese car manufacturers.

The old 3.0 and 2.5 engines are replaced with 2.8 and 2.4. The 2.8 turbocharged version on the Hilux G produces 174 horsepower and 450 Nm of maximum torque, while the old 3.0 version produces 161 horsepower and 360 Nm. An increase of 13 horsepower and 90 Nm gives the pickup truck a completely different performance.

The new 2.4 turbo version has a power index of 147 horsepower and 400 Nm, the old 2.5 version is 142 horsepower and 343 Nm, meaning the new version increases by 5 horsepower and 57 Nm. Toyota is determined to create a different image for the Hilux in the segment.

The new Toyota Hilux no longer has air vents on the hood.

The new Hilux has 3 versions, while the 2.4 version has a 6-speed manual transmission, the 2.8G has a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous 5-speed automatic. In addition to the "heart" change, the Hilux only has a few small upgrades in design, the air vent on the hood is no longer there, returning a flatter surface and a more urban inspiration.

The fastest growing pickup segment in the market and the increasing pressure of Ford Ranger make Hilux need to change, the advantage of durability is not enough to convince Vietnamese customers to buy pickup. They need more than that, engine power, safety technology and interior comfort.

Toyota proves that not only Ford Ranger but Hilux 2016 also has such things. On the 2.8 AT version, the interior has a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seats, electric driver's seat, automatic air conditioning with rear-seat vents, 6-speaker audio system, DVD player, AUX, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, push-button start, one-touch windows.

The interior integration is just enough to meet the basic needs of today's customers, but the most notable point of the new Hilux is the operation. From a previous dull, slow and noisy Hilux, it has become a strong, agile and stable guy.

Toyota brought experts from Japan to Vietnam to create the most extreme terrain for the Hilux to challenge. Set the electronic bridge to L4 slow two-wheel drive mode for the Hilux to overcome the steep slope, then immediately plunge into a hole about 8 m deep with the same slope. This test was not difficult when the 450 Nm torque of the 2.8G AT combined with the slow bridge even though the dirt road was slippery and wet because of the rain.

The following terrains such as running around deep holes and overcoming rough terrain show the stability of the body when the cross-section of the frame on both sides increases and many welds are reinforced.

To run on a slope of about 10%, which is common in Vietnam, just use the H2 single-axle mode. Hill-start assist technology helps by automatically braking for about 3 seconds when the driver takes his foot off the brake pedal and onto the accelerator, especially useful in the case of mountain roads and heavy loads.

While off-road challenges demonstrate the power of the four-wheel drive system and the rigidity and stability of the body, the power of the new engine and the flexibility of the six-speed gearbox are demonstrated on the road.

The body is more rigid.

Starting off on the same road, if the old Hilux reached a speed of about 90 km/h, the new Hilux reached 110 km/h. Immediately after that, slowing down to about 50-60 km/h and continuously steering to avoid the marker, the ESC electronic body balance technology comes into play to help the car not to swing its tail like the previous version. Keeping the same speed when entering a 90-degree sharp corner, the tire screeching sound is short and small, the tire does not drag or swing its tail. The brakes and throttle are both sensitive and have good elasticity.

On the highway, Hilux creates many surprises. The engine sound no longer "groans" but "oos" steadily every time it needs to accelerate. A bulky pickup truck suddenly turns into a smooth ride. Of course, that is on good roads, but on bad roads, the leaf spring suspension system makes everything bounce. The improvement of Hilux lies behind each throttle.6-speed gearbox. VehicleBetter response, stronger and more stable. Power driving mode is quite impressive with the ability to put all the energy into the acceleration, but it is noisy and jerky, not suitable for family trips.

The Hilux's soundproofing system is also better. But like other pickup models, the diesel engine sound is still not really pleasant to listen to for a long time. The sound is not loud but appears continuously, easily making the driver think "if only this was a gasoline engine".

Safety technology on the Hilux 2.8G AT includes brakes with ABS, EBD, BA, additional ESC body balance, active traction control TRC, hill start assist, emergency brake lights, rear camera and 7 airbags.

After significant changes, Hilux showed positive signs when November sales reached 182 cars, much higher than the previous months hovering around 100 cars. This sales volume is still a large distance from the company's target of 300 cars, and even further from the Ranger's monthly sales of nearly 1,200 cars.

Toyota Hilux is priced at 697 million for the 2.4 MT version, 806 million for the 2.8G MT version and 870 million for the 2.8G AT. This price range is narrower than the Ranger's product range, with 8 versions, from 619 to 921 million VND.

According to VNE