TOYOTA HILUX TOUGHER LOOKS, MORE SAFETY
Here comes a pickup truck that will be suitable for urban Malaysian customers who want the ‘tough’ image on the road but need cabin and driving features that come with a Crossover.
Target Market
Urban ‘cowboys’, meet the Rogue from Toyota. This is basically a pickup truck designed for a comfortable drive in the city, with features that allows its driver to enjoy outdoor hobbies and leisure activities with an added dose of adventure thrown in.
For drivers who want to own a ‘crossover’ that offers high driving performance, exceptional comfort, and advanced safety technologies and still want that rugged looking truck exterior.
What’s New
Meet the Hilux Rogue from Toyota that now comes with several new design improvements in the interior and on the exterior. In addition, the driving performance has been significantly enhanced with the 2nd Generation of “GD Super Power”, giving a maximum output of 204 PS, with a flat torque of 500 Nm. The performance of the 4WD is also further enhanced with better grip and a smoother ride.
This is also the first time that the world-class Toyota Safety Sense is integrated in Toyota pickup trucks in order to bring utmost confidence to both drivers and passengers in all journeys. Priced from RM92,880 to RM146,880 for this 2.8L Rogue, you will need to visit a Toyota showroom to get a closer look and feel of this new premium truck.
Drive Impression
We were given the keys to the Rogue for a two hour drive up to Janda Baik and we took our time on the smooth highway tarmac right up to Batang Kali. The electric powered drivers seat comfort was good as we progressed past the legal speed limit and the reworked diesel engine note was well suppressed by the cabin sound insulation. There is a decent sounding entertainment system and all the necessary ‘crossover/passenger car’ cabin features.
Once we left the smooth highway and worked our way along the old JKR maintained roads we could feel the available ‘grunt’ of the 204PS working with the slick shifting 6-speed auto gearbox for easy overtaking and quick steep hill climbs. The well weighted steering allowed us to ‘feel’ our way around the tight bends and when we braked hard, there was immediate action from the Rogue’s braking system with the tail staying neatly tucked in our lane.
From memory, this revised Hilux is now more refined and powerful with added safety features over its outgoing best selling sibling.
Is it the best in its segment? The rivals are close, very close and this is why the Rogue has ticked all the necessary boxes to inch forward against them in this very competitive segment.
PRESS RELEASE: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd announces the sales launch of the 2020 Toyota Hilux, Malaysia’s best-selling pick-up truck. Besides a refreshed appearance on the inside and outside, there are also improvements in performance as well as upgraded safety systems.
Five variants are available, with the new Hilux Rogue 2.8 Double Cab AT positioned as the flagship of the range. The other variants are the new Hilux 2.4 V AT Double Cab, Hilux 2.4 E AT Double Cab, Hilux 2.4 G MT Double Cab, and Hilux 2.4 MT Single Cab.
Customers would be able to order their new Hilux in one of seven exterior colour choices: Bronze Mica Metallic (new colour), Crimson Spark Red Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Phantom Brown Metallic, Medium Silver Metallic, Silver Metallic and Super White II. The Hilux Single Cab is available only in a Solid White colour.
The new Hilux takes on a bolder appearance with a redesigned front grille and stronger styling elements. Inside, a more premium image is evident with the new trim. For the flagship Hilux Rogue, the premium interior ambience is elevated with the use of clear blue door trim illumination.
The 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine of the Hilux Rogue has received technical improvements which raise both power output and torque. Maximum power output is now 204 ps at 3,400 rpm while maximum torque is 500 Nm between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm. In spite of the higher output, fuel consumption has actually been lowered by 4% to an average of 10.9 kms per litre.
The 2.4-litre engine, which also has a Variable Nozzle Turbocharger (VNT) and an intercooler as well as a common-rail system, has received refinements that improve cooling and fuel economy. Thanks to increased pressure in the common-rail system, fuel efficiency has been improved by 5%.
In addition, this refined and improved engine for the new Hilux allows longer service interval from 5,000 kms/3 months to 10,000kms/6 months which will help to reduce maintenance costs.
All variants are fitted with 6-speed transmissions; for the Double Cab variants, only Electronically Controlled automatic transmission with Sequential Shift is available, while the Hilux Single Cab is available only with a manual transmission.
Two driving modes can be selected if the driver wants to prioritize fuel economy or have strong acceleration. Both modes can be selected while on the move using a rotary switch.
The power-assisted rack and pinion steering system for the new Hilux (except for the Single Cab variant) now has a Variable Flow Control (VFC) system with reduced demand on the power steering pump, benefitting fuel economy.
For better grip and stability in difficult off-road conditions, there is Auto Limited Slip Differential (Auto LSD) which uses the Traction Control System (TRC) to control braking and engine output when one of the rear wheels start to spin. The Auto LSD is faster compared to the mechanical 4×4 system.
Although it has tough workhorse capabilities, the Hilux is also comfortable for daily motoring. The ride comfort has been noticeably improved through various measures, including optimization of cabin mounts to reduced shaking, roughness and noise transmission into the cabin.
In line with Toyota’s aim of making motoring safer and reducing accidents, Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) is provided for the Hilux Rogue. The TSS consists of three systems that assist drivers: Pre- Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), with Steering & Brake Assist.
Other driver-assist systems (depending on variant) include Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Downhill Assist Control, Hill Start Assist Control, Trailer Sway Control, Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control, Brake Assist and, of course, ABS with Brakeforce Distribution.
Inside the vehicle, there are up to 7 SRS airbags to help reduce injuries during an accident. The Seat Belt Reminder now has sensors on front and rear seatbelts and ISOFIX points are provided at the rear for easy and secure installation of compatible child seats.
Every Hilux variant comes with a customized security system consisting of an engine immobilizer, alarm and cabin intrusion sensor. Additionally, a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) is installed as standard in the Hilux Rogue and 2.4 V (option for the other variants) and this enables real-time tracking of the vehicle using GPS signals.
A warranty of 5 years/150,000 kms (whichever occurs first after original registration) is provided with every new Hilux for peace of mind ownership.
The new Hilux range is available for viewing and test-drives at all authorised Toyota showrooms nationwide.
