The KING is back on top of the hill, Toyota Hilux 2755cc test drive
Did you know there is a revised Hilux pickup truck in all Toyota showrooms right now? This ‘urbanized’ pickup truck still remains every inch a Hilux.
Yet it also heralds a new era for the pick-up truck, with the style, comfort, safety and advanced technology to satisfy even the most discerning leisure truck users, the ‘urban cowboys’.
Physical Attributes
In response to ASEAN customer feedback which desired a more premium and tougher look and feel to ASEAN’s bestselling pick-up truck, the Hilux L-Edition (the ‘L’ refers to ‘Luxury’) was developed for both 2.8 litre AT 4×4 and 2.4 litre AT 4×4 variants.
Differentiating the L-Edition from other Hilux variants is the bold front design with an aggressive image and wider appearance created by its hexagonal grille surrounded by chrome trim. The bumper now has a different profile with a larger and wider air intake below the grille. The changes reflect and emphasise the toughness of the Hilux, a key attribute throughout its 50-year history.
New rear step ornament is integrated with silver trim, adds a premium touch to the vehicle looks. The Hilux L-Edition also comes with a new stylish 5-spoke 18-inch rims with two tone colour – silver and black.
Cabin Like Never Before
Inside, the Hilux L-Edition has an all-black interior theme with a combination of piano black trim throughout the cabin which gives a bolder, upmarket feel to the interior. The high-quality combination leather seat is perforated for more comfort and better ventilation.
Specially for the Hilux 2.8 L-Edition, there are specially designed Optitron meters with white background lighting, to provide clear viewing under all lighting conditions.
The new Hilux boasts class-leading levels of practical storage. Both front and rear door pockets will stow 1-litre plastic bottles, and the Double Cab’s rear accommodation further benefits from twin rear armrest cup holders, pockets and convenience hooks to the front seat-backs, ceiling hooks above the seats, and under-seat storage compartments.
Safety A Priority
This Hilux comes with a high strength, impact-absorbing body structure and comprehensive brake control systems. This L-Edition is equipped with 7 airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Active Traction Control (A-TRC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) as standard. For the 2.8 L-Edition, Downhill Assist Control (DAC) is added to make driving down a steep slope easier and safer.
Drive Dynamics
Trust me, it’s tough. Really tough and yet it drives like a sedan on steroids. With a 217mm ground clearance, the Hilux offers a commanding driving position The drivers seat is leather bound, fully electric and torso hugging just like with the Toyota sedans. In town the size is easy to work with despite a few blind spots. On the highway it is stable and its pulling power impressive. The entertainment system is a 6.1-inch touchscreen with a DVD player, USB/AUX/Bluetooth compatibility as well as reverse camera and there are six speakers to deliver a Camry cabin like entertainment.
It is always good to know you are driving a Hilux when you’re dealing with Klang Valley’s many potholes, broken tarmac, patchy road surfaces and frequent flooding. The 2755cc D-4D unit develops 177bhp at 3,400 rpm, and maximum torque of 450Nm between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm. This also means that it will make a good workhorse for the plantation, logging and farming business owners and their employees.
Toyota Hilux 2.8G (AT) Specifications
Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC intercooler VNT diesel
Capacity: 2,755 cc
Power: 177 PS @ 3,400 rpm
Torque: 450 Nm @ 1,600 – 2,400 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Price: RM133,900 as tested
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