Isuzu recently launched its popular V-Cross in India after the BS6 upgrade. Additionally, the popularity of Mahindra Thar suggests the trend of customers towards lifestyle off-roading vehicles. To cash in on this opportunity, Toyota is also planning to bring its iconic Hilux pickup truck to our market. Based on the platforms of Innova Crysta and Fortuner and sharing parts with these products makes for a valid business case. The prices can be kept in check because of part sharing and high localization levels. The Toyota Hilux was also spotted testing on our roads earlier this year which meant that Toyota was considering the launch of Hilux in our market seriously. Let us take a look at what to expect from the Hilux.
Also read: Toyota Hilux spied testing in Delhi – Isuzu V-Cross rival!
Toyota Hilux – Exteriors and Platform
The Hilux will most likely be based on the same platform as the Innova Crysta and Fortuner. This will translate into spacious exterior dimensions. Being a pickup truck, the length could be as long as over 5m and the wheelbase could be as long as over 3 m. This already means that this lies in the territory of Isuzu V-Cross. The front might feature LED headlamps, broad front grille, upright stance, sporty bumpers, high approach, break-over and departure angles and a ton of boot space at the rear compartment. The focus will be on ruggedness, along with practicality and utility. There will be plenty of off-roading equipment as well to make sure that it could be taken into remotest of corners of our country.
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Toyota Hilux – Expected Interiors and Features
Being a modern pickup truck, we can expect features like Digital Infotainment Touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Multi-purpose Steering Wheel with Controls, Digital Instrument Cluster for Driver’s Info, Connected Car Tech Features along with plenty of safety tech. In fact, the international Toyota Hilux is a 5-star Safety Rated product at the ASEAN NCAP. One can expect all the latest gadgets and gizmos inside the cabin of the Hilux.
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Toyota Hilux – Expected Powertrains and Prices
The Toyota Hilux might well come with almost the same powertrains as the Fortuner. This means a 2.8-litre diesel engine making 204hp and 500Nm mated to a 6-speed manual or an automatic gearbox. This will send power to all four wheels with the 4×4 drive system for the ultimate off-roading experience. There might also be a 2.7-litre petrol engine on offer, which makes 164hp and 245Nm with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Not to mention, the overall chassis, suspension setup and other equipment will be geared towards enhancing the off-roading capabilities of the pickup truck. The prices might also be around the region of Isuzu V-Cross. This means that we can expect prices to range from Rs 18 lakh to somewhere around Rs 24 lakh, ex-showroom.
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