TINASHE MAKICHI
The new Toyota Hilux is a legendary pick-up truck and since its introduction in 1968, the model has etched an enviable reputation for itself across the globe, where its durability, strength and outright quality has entrenched itself in the hearts of its owners.
This could not be truer than in Africa, where its legacy lives on.
Tough and sleek in nature the Hilux is built to be urban friendly and sub-urban ready. The Hilux has proven around the world and was born from the road and built to go beyond.
The vehicle on the local front has already proven itself by making it on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s motorcade, where the past President Robert Mugabe’s motorcade used to be manned by the Mercedes brand.
The vehicle has taken the market by storm ever since the Ford through its Wildtrak registered its presence in the market three years ago.
The new Hilux which also comes in the form of a Revo has provided the direct and firm competition to the Wildtrak which has up to now failed to recover despite coming up with a Raptor version recently.
The Hilux boasts of its core values of durability and reliability and takes these to yet another level. It is a pickup which becomes the benchmark for the category by surpassing other vehicles with SUV-like comfort.
The headlamps are equipped with Light Emitting Diode (LED) low beam and Daytime Running. The LED low beams provide excellent light distribution performance while also maintaining energy-efficiency.
The DRL uses white LEDs to enhance visibility of the vehicle during
daytime driving while also maintaining energy-efficiency. The wipers and washers nozzles are optimised in consideration to the interior and exterior vehicle appearance.
A colour line-up of five popular colours has been added to achieve both toughness and high quality. The eye catching colours are newly developed and appeal to the driver’s emotions and make the Hilux stand out in each community.
The steering wheel has a shape that is easy to grip no matter where you hold it from. Thumb rests are provided, producing a sporty feeling and a high-quality feeling is produced through the color stitching. Steering switches allow the audio and Multi-information Display to be operated without taking your hands off the steering wheel. Also, linked operation with the display is possible through a four-directional switch.
The thickness of the front seatback is reduced to increase knee clearance for rear seat occupants. This ensures a more comfortable rear seat space. A 60:40 split tip-up type rear seat has been added to accommodate a wider variety of uses. The seat cushion material and frame structure have been optimised, achieving a lightweight structure while also maintaining ride comfort. Also, it requires less effort to fold up the seats.
A newly-developed frame structure, with unprecedented improved rigidity, demonstrates exceptional durability performance in extreme environments.
The high-reliability frame is made to enhance the strength of the cross-member, side rail and suspension tower.
The Hilux has SUV levels of safety technology in addition to its increased mechanical grip and stopping performance achieved through the new suspension and brake package.
All Hilux models have seven airbags – driver, front passenger, driver’s knee, front-seat side and side curtain-shield airbags.
Active safety features include vehicle stability control, active traction control, anti-skid brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, and trailer sway control.
Its air conditioner combines powerful performance with energy-efficient operation. Independent vents in the rear seats contribute to the comfort of all occupants.
Its strategically positioned assist grips make getting in and out of the spacious cabin easy. The vehicle also boast of 60/40 split seat cushions tip up to accommodate a range of passenger and load combinations, and access to two storage spaces under the seats for valuables and small items.
