Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), today, launched the iconic Hilux in the Indian market to cater to the needs of customers seeking an incredible lifestyle utility vehicle that is best suited for off-roading adventure drives on tough terrains, and everyday city use. The name Hilux, which is derived from ‘high’ and ‘luxury’, known for extreme ‘toughness’ and ‘ruggedness’ across terrains of the world for decades.
Today’s launch ends the wait for many SUV aficionados looking to experience the Hilux on the tough roads of India. The Toyota Hilux has been developed considering the local conditions and requirements even as it stays true to its character. The highly anticipated lifestyle vehicle was launched in a mega event today in the presence of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Chief Engineer – Mr. Yoshiki Konishi, Toyota Regional Chief Engineer – Mr. Jurachart Jongusuk, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) Managing Director – Mr. Masakazu Yoshimura, TKM Executive Vice President of Sales & Customer Service – Mr. Tadashi Asazuma and TKM General Manager of Strategic Business Unit, Mr. Wiseline Sigamani.
Globally, the Hilux sales has surpassed 20 million units winning hearts of millions from over 180 countries. For over 5 decades and through 8 generations, the Toyota Hilux has moved with the times to create exceptional experiences and an unbreakable bond with those who desire for awesomeness in their daily drives be it business or family. With world-class engineering, enhanced safety, advanced technology and best-in-class comfort, the Toyota Hilux offers many first-in-segment features.
This global icon’s reputation of being a powerful performer is courtesy of the rigid Innovative Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) platform and a strong powertrain system. It is the same platform (body-on frame chassis construction) that underpins the Innova Crysta and Fortuner which have been a runaway success in India and across many countries. These segment-leading and admired models continues to receive positive feedbacks from customers, thanks to a wide range of remarkable features coupled with a robust engine, while also offering absolute confidence regardless of driving conditions, amazing endurance, low cost of maintenance, and great practicality for various usage purposes of these vehicles.
The Hilux is loaded with features a heavy-duty turbo engine and diamond-like carbon coating on the piston rings for maximized frictional efficiency. The result is a whopping 500Nm of Torque which is by far the best in the segment. In essence, the Hilux is an unrivalled amalgamation of performance, power and fuel efficiency in its class. The Variable Flow Control to the power steering has boosted drivability making the steering lighter at low speed in city traffic condition & heavier at higher speeds cruising on a highway. The steering dynamics intelligently adapts according to the drive mode – switching from Eco to Power, or Power to Eco. Being true to its reputation of being a tough outdoor companion, the Hilux features a large flatbed deck which provides unmatched flexibility to carry anything from outdoor gear to sports kits.
With the IMV frame structure at its heart, the Hilux has set new benchmarks in off-road capabilities. The Hilux comes with an unmatched water wading capacity of 700mm meant to maneuver though Indian trails. The exceptional wheel articulation and the adoption of Electronic diff-lock also gives the Hilux unimaginable off-road capability in the toughest of conditions with greater fuel efficiency. In real sense, it is based on Toyota’s philosophy of “customer first” – truly understanding customers’ expectations and desires, testing and driving on a wide variety of local road conditions, to experience & feel the multi-functional elements. Indeed, it is a wholesome package of renowned ruggedness, recreational lifestyle, performance, responsiveness, and safety.
The length & height of the Hilux give it a presence like no other. The engine hood, front bumper, lower guard, and bumper corners converge to bring focus to the bold & sophisticated trapezoidal piano black grille with chrome surround, Distinctive LED Rear combi lamps give a dynamic presence and enhance nighttime visibility. The sophistication is further enhanced with striking 18” alloy wheels.
The Hilux truly offers the most advanced experience by beautifully harmonizing performance with glamorous interiors that combines sophistication and practicality with innovation, style and design. The leather seats, soft touch interiors with metal accents give it a modern and progressive look. To enhance driving comfort the vehicle comes equipped with Front parking sensors to ease parking in tight city conditions. The Tablet style 8″ touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay ensures you’re always in control and connected on the go.
Safety is paramount to Toyota, to ensure the safety of both the driver and passengers, the Toyota Hilux packs the most advanced safety features across its variants. The ABS, EBD, Brake Assist System and Hill-Start Assist Control ensures safe driving in any given road conditions, making it the most desirable car. With features such as reverse camera, clearance sonar and back up sonar for all variants, with seven SRS airbags, Downhill Assist Control and Vehicle Stability Control, customer is assured to experience the thrill and joy of driving the safest Toyota Hilux.
As a result of high-levels of in-built safety features, Toyota Hilux was awarded a 5-Star Crash Safety Rating by New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP).
Further, the new GR DKR Hilux T1+ developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing team brings the outstanding victory at the 44th edition of Dakar Rally 2022, which is considered the most grueling rally event, held at Saudi Arabia recently. This spectacular win with new Toyota GR Hilux is a testament of Toyota’s ability to continuously push the limits of engineering and build ever-better cars.
Talking about the design concept of Toyota Hilux, Mr. Jurachart Jongusuk, Toyota Regional Chief Engineer, said,
“In our pursuit of developing ever-better cars, we conduct deep analysis of consumers’ driving needs and varied usage of vehicles in local conditions with greater market insights. Considering their wants and desires for an enriching mobility experience, we are pleased to bring to India the tough and invincible Hilux based on the strong IMV lineage.
Powerful, sophisticated and built to last, the Hilux is a testament to Toyota’s world-class engineering, enhanced safety and best-in-class comfort rightly channelized to position the go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle for those seeking adventure, thrill and enriching moments with friends and family”.
Commenting on the launch of the Toyota Hilux, Mr. Masakazu Yoshimura, Managing Director, TKM, said, The launch follows our ‘customer first’ philosophy of responding to the ever-evolving expectations of various customer demographics, with new product offerings. Today, as India continues to make larger economic strides, many customers are seeking a sophisticated lifestyle vehicle that delivers exceptional on & off-road prowess and fulfil their daily urban mobility needs be it work or pleasure.
The Hilux will cater to these customer demands and hopefully spawn a new genre in the country. Further, this launch will set the path for us in India to welcome many more new customers to the Toyota family and help us achieve our goal to deliver “Mass Happiness to All”. We look forward to bringing more awesomeness in the time ahead as we begin 2022 with landmark moments.”
Sharing his views, Mr. Tadashi Asazuma, Executive Vice President – Sales & Customer Service, TKM, said,
“The launch of Hilux brings out the key essence of “unmatched toughness & sophistication”. Customers will get to enjoy the Quality, Durability, and Reliability that they have experienced with the successful models as Innova Crysta and Fortuner. For many of our loyal customers, this new offering will be a step up in their journey with Toyota. Our desire is to continue to excite them and our new customers with lifetime experiences that fulfil varied needs and provide a bouquet of options.
The Hilux which draws inspiration from the lifestyles of people who don’t give up, brings together the best of all worlds. Further, to supplement the amazing experience of Hilux, we are much excited to launch the specialised range of accessories for adventure-oriented customers’, truly reflective of the design concept. These range of suggested accessories will amplify the versatility of the Hilux. To know more about such accessories, we urge the customers to visit and explore at their nearest Toyota touchpoints.
There is already a good response from our existing and newer customers in the run-up to the launch and we are confident that this will peak even further.”
Key Feature Highlights of Toyota Hilux
· All-new lifestyle vehicle is powered by 2.8 L Four Cylinder Turbo-Diesel Engine & available in an option of 6-Speed Automatic or 6-Speed Manual Transmission
· With world-class engineering, enhanced safety, advanced technology and best-in-class comfort, every day will be an adventure. Automatic Transmission (AT) variant provides segment-leading power of 204 hp & torque output of 500 Nm; Manual Transmission (MT) variants generate 204 hp and 420 Nm. All variants come with a 4X4 drivetrain enabling customers to engage in smooth off-roading
· The lifestyle vehicle renowned for its ruggedness sports a bold look with a Muscular Bonnet Line & Piano black Trapezoidal Grille with thick chrome frame thereby lending a sophisticated feel. Further, it comes with striking 18-inches Alloy Wheels with Super Chrome Finish
- Sharp Swept Back LED Headlights & LED Rear Combi-lamps with an iconic night-time signature complete the modern look of the lifestyle vehicle
· Top safety features such as 7 SRS Airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TC) Electronic Systems to keep vehicle control under adverse weather & road conditions
· Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Automatic Hill Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Automatic Limited Slip Differential (ALSD) ensures complete control for driver in any conditions
- VFC steering that provides natural handling that matches the speed of the vehicle
· First-in-segment features such as Drive modes options (Power & Eco), Tire Angle Monitor & Front Parking Sensors for a smooth drive
· Utmost passenger comfort on the inside with Leather Seats, Dual Zone Fully Automatic Temperature Control, Smart Entry & Auto Head Lamps
· Eight-inch infotainment table style screen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay provides entertainment and seamless connectivity technology
· Toyota Hilux is available in exciting colors – Emotional Red, White Pearl, Silver Metallic, Super White & Grey Metallic
· Large deck which provides unmatchable space & flexibility
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