IndianAutosBlog reader, Mr. Ankur Singh, snapped
these images of the new Toyota Hilux near Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It must be
noted straight away that this is a customer vehicle registered in Nepal; Toyota
Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is not launching the Hilux in India, and this is not a
prototype proving itself.
The current generation Toyota Hilux was introduced
in May 2015, and India got the SUV version of it, the new Fortuner, which came
in November 2016. Back to the Hilux, the variant is the 'G' powered by a
1GD-FTV 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine capable of 177 hp and 420
Nm of torque. For Nepal, only a 6-speed manual gearbox is offered, and in the
global market Toyota offers a 6-speed automatic as well.
The eighth generation Hilux is based on an all-new
platform with improved front and side impact structure which meets stricter
crash test norms (Toyota refers to this technology as Frame with Integrated
Rigidity Mechanism or FIRM for short).
Keyless entry with push-button start, automatic
climate control, rear AC vents, a 7-inch infotainment system, LED headlights
and LED daytime running lights are the features offered on this dual-cab
pickup. A total of 8 colour options are offered in Nepal, which imports the
model from Thailand.
TKM's immediate focus is to leverage on Maruti
Suzuki products, which reports state, will be redesigned for Toyota to sell.
The first among these products are reportedly the Maruti Vitara Brezza and
Maruti Baleno. If all goes well, the first Toyota-Suzuki cross badged product
is expected to be revealed next year.
