Japanese carmaker Toyota Kirloskar Motor on Thursday unveiled the Hilux pickup truck in India. Though the vehicle is expected to be launched in March, it is presently available for booking through dealerships and an online portal.
Sharing its parts with the IMV platform - Fortuner and Innova, the pickup will be assembled in India at its Bidadi plant.
Powered by a 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel unit, the engine is mated to a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter. The machine is tuned to generate 201 hp and 420 Nm of torque. When paired to the automatic transmission, the torque increases to 500Nm. It also offers variable flow control for the power steering and has two driving modes – Eco and Power.
TKM has also equipped the vehicle with a 4X4 drivetrain, hill-assist, braking aid, hill descent control, electronic stability programme (ESP), limited-slip differential, differential lock, and 700 mm water wading capacity for enhanced off-road capabilities.
Jurachart Jongusuk, Regional Chief Engineer, Toyota Daihatsu Engineering & Manufacturing Company, said that the Toyota Hilux is a tough and recreational vehicle.
On the features side, it comes with LED rear combi lamps with enhanced nighttime visibility and 18-inch alloy wheels. Other notable features of the vehicle include dual-zone auto AC, premium leather seats and soft-touch interiors front parking sensors, 8-inch touch screen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Car Play.
While on the safety side, it comes with seven SRS Airbags, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist, Trailer Sway Control, Emergency Brake Signal, Cruise Control, Shift Switch Sequential & Shift Lock System. Besides, it also comes with Electrochromic IRVM, Reverse Parking Camera with Display in Audio, ISOFIX Child Seat Restraint System and Anti-Pinch Driver Side Power Window among others.
The Hilux was first launched in the global market in 1968. According to the company, it has so far sold more than two million units of this vehicle in 180 countries.
Tadashi Asazuma, Executive Vice President, TKM, said that with the launch of Hilux, Toyota will create a whole new segment in the country. “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,” he added.