What's the news?
The best-selling pick-up in Ireland - and Europe, for that matter - has just been overhauled for an all-new 2016 model. Say hello to the Toyota Hilux, the eighth generation, with prices starting from €29,250.
Exterior
Sleeker styling all round sees the Hilux ready to take on the likes of the Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan NP300 Navara. The Toyota is 90mm longer, 20mm wider and 5mm lower than its predecessor, which leads to increases in interior space and the load bed. Furthermore, it can now tow up to 3.2 tonnes of braked trailer as a double-cab and 3,500kg as a single-cab, which makes it very useful. Toyota also claims 20 per cent better axle articulation and structural rigidity, although - unlike that pesky Nissan - the Hilux doesn't benefit from advanced multilink rear suspension.
Interior
A 10mm higher hip point provides better visibility than before and the quality of cabin materials used has been ramped up for the new Hilux. There's a 220-volt plug-type charge point on-board, so you can juice up a laptop or similar on the go, while Toyota says it has paid particular attention to sound-deadening materials to give its pick-up class-leading noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels. Pick higher-specification models and the Hilux even comes with Toyota's Touch 2 multimedia platform, including a seven-inch touchscreen.
Mechanicals
The engine capacity of the new Hilux has decreased from 3.0- to 2.4 litres, but torque has risen 16.5 per cent from 343- to 400Nm, produced from 1,600- to 2,400rpm. Power stands at 150hp, delivered at 3,400rpm, with drive going to all four wheels via either a standard six-speed manual or, at higher trim levels, an optional six-speed automatic transmission that's all new. That 4WD system features a rear differential lock as standard on all models, as well as the system now being selectable by a switch on the dashboard, rather than a second gear lever in the floor.
Repositioned electrical componentry, curved crossmember edges and extra underbody protection go with a new engine under-cover and improved approach/ramp/departure angles to make the Hilux very difficult to damage when off-road, while a new Active Traction Control system should ensure it keeps going no matter what terrain it is traversing. Toyota also says the new D-4D 2.4-litre diesel engine reduces fuel consumption from 7.7- to 7.0 litres/100km (or 40.4mpg now, compared to 36.7mpg previously).
Anything else?
Ireland's preferred choice of truck - more than 5,000 have been sold here since its launch - has been number one in its segment since 2011, recording a 27 per cent market share this year alone. Prices start from €29,250 for a single-cab DLX model with the manual gearbox, with the same specification in double-cab format costing €36,500. Both SR5 (€39,895) and Invincible (€45,850) trims are double-cabs only, with a choice of manual or auto transmissions (the latter costing +€1,755 on SR5, +€1,800 on Invincible).
Just to outline trim specs, DLX models come with 17-inch steel wheels, Hill Assist Control, air conditioning, Bluetooth, a front coolbox, multiple airbags and a few other toys. SR5 grade swaps the steel wheels for alloys of the same size and also adds Toyota Safety Sense, Active Traction Control, Downhill Assist Control, Trailer Sway Control, cruise control, seven-inch Toyota Touch multimedia, chrome bumpers and door handles, folding mirrors, front foglamps, privacy glass and side steps. Invincible Hiluxes, aimed at the non-commercial user, go up to 18-inch alloys and add leather trim, heated front seats, self-levelling LED headlights, keyless entry, climate control and chrome finish for the roll-over bar and side steps.