Around two decades back, Toyota introduced what it called the ‘Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle’ platform (IMV) to be used for the manufacture of vehicles like the Fortuner, Hilux and Innova, utilising a ladder chassis frame. We drive the latest ninth-generation model, which is based on the same IMV platform but with updated credentials.
Toyota calls its new styling ‘Cyber Sumo’. This gives the vehicle quite an aggressive stance up front, in keeping with the image the vehicle is trying to project. The front row is now all about angles and looks quite edgy. The whole body sees an increase in rigidity, so the whole vehicle feels tighter than usual, with fewer vibrations. The wheels are now 17-inchers, down from the 18-inches that came on its predecessor. What we liked were the two side steps now built into the body, which allow easy access to the truck bed. The wheelbase remains the same at 3,085mm. Headlight duty is carried out by a pair of LED projectors, and the DRL is right above, which also functions as a turn indicator. There is a black panel with Toyota lettering on it, and below that is a honeycomb grille. Top models also get rear LED lighting, and the tailgate gets its own dampers for a soft release.
The interiors see a revised dashboard, with the steering wheel and other elements from the Hilux’s bigger brother, the Land Cruiser. gets a retro-modern style, very similar to that of the Land Cruiser Prado. However, certain features have gone missing over its predecessor like the climate control system and powered driver’s seat. You do get a 12.3-inch display for the infotainment with 8 speakers that can handle wireless Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto, and a smaller 8-inch setup for driver’s display. Gone also is the leatherette fabric that gave the seats their sheen – you now get fabric, which is not bad, but one misses the old-style seats. The electronic climate control has also been eliminated in favour of a manual controller. Thankfully, there is a wireless charger and the 7 airbags remain – making this a safe vehicle to travel in. A new 360-degree camera is included. The vehicle does not get ADAS, unlike its international version.
Power comes from the tried and tested 2.8-litre 4-cylinder diesel that puts out 204 horses and 500Nm of torque. There are 3 variants in all – two of which are 4x4 and one that is 4x2 – which is a new variant. There is only one transmission available – a 6-speed torque converter automatic, but the engine is quite powerful and refined with low NVH levels. It never runs out of breath, and we love the surge of torque that just washes over any situation, like what a good diesel is expected to do. The 4x4 version is supremely capable and will survive any obstacle you throw at it.
The new Hilux from Toyota is a very capable machine. It is designed to be simple and tough and build further on its already formidable reputation. It, however, does miss certain key features, but then a Hilux customer is very different from a normal SUV user. The Hilux is a workhorse in a true sense of the term, and it will be your faithful and loyal companion for a long time.
Prices start at ₹32 lakh for the 4x2 and at ₹33.7 for the 4x4, all prices ex-showroom.
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