With starting in Lisbon, specifically the premises of Salvador Caetano, we head to Troy where we waited for a program that promised to test the qualities of the new Japanese pick-up. But before we get there, it was on motorway and national roads that we withdrew the first impressions of this eighth generation of the Hilux. A pick-up that reaches the national market with a Herculean task ahead: to defend 1st place in a segment that has traditionally been led by himself and was No. 1 in sales 4 times in the last 5 years (last year reached a quota of 40 7% of the pick-up segment).
More refined
For Toyota, one of the new generation of large banners Toyota Hilux is its proximity to an SUV in terms of comfort and equipment. To achieve this result, the brand strengthened chassis with high strength steels, softened the suspension and profoundly reshaped the cabin. And it is precisely in the cockpit that the new Hilux comes closest to an SUV. There nothing is missing: navigation system Toyota Touch 2, rear parking camera, cruise control, leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons, automatic air-conditioning and various aid systems to conduct, among other mainly present equipment in the Tracker leisure versions and Tracker S (full list here).
the apparent quality of the materials used in the interior is not fabulous, but as an attribute in the Hilux most likely here for 10 years are exactly the same aspect. What can we ask for more in a vehicle that surely will not have an easy everyday?
Forgetting considerations on the inside, as previously said the first kilometers at the wheel of the Hilux were on asphalt (motorway and trunk road ). Although the behavior has greatly improved, the truth is that this particular is still far from an SUV. The comfort has also improved substantially, aligning the middle segment, but not without the typical bouncing around the rear axle to the smallest unevenness of the floor, getting to be annoying. Perhaps least one blade on the rear axle address this problem.
Also robust
Do with this approach to the SUV Hilux lost some its mythical strength? The answer is no. The new Hilux features a new frame rails that offers a 20% increase in torsional stiffness compared to the seventh generation and back, Toyota decided to continue betting on the proven spring system blade and rear suspension with double buffer in this deeply revised generation to enable an increase of the suspension stroke by 20%. Thanks to these ribs and improvements, the towing capacity of Hilux rose to 3,500 kg. In other words, can now go to the balances with your wives without major concerns
Very important in the heaviest work is broadcast.. The Hilux has this generation a switchable traction system to all four wheels with a box of transfers to high and low and front differential relations. A convenient rotary knob, ergonomically placed next to the steering wheel allows switching between traction to two wheels (H2) and four-wheel drive (H4 and L4) allowing performance throughout the high level of land, which is not unconnected with the largest course suspending the segment and the 31 degrees entrance angle and exit 26 degrees. But already there we …
As for the engine, the new Toyota Hilux is available with a new engine 2.4 D-4D Global Diesel (GD ) equipped with Stop / Start function. This new 16-valve engine controlled by two camshafts and four-cylinder is equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger and intercooler, and is capable of generating 150 hp at 3,400 rpm and a maximum torque of 400 Nm between 1,600 and 2,000 rpm. The efficiency of the new engine fuel use improved 9% compared to the unit it replaces. The 2.4 D-4D achieves an average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions announced 7.1 l / 100 km and 187 g / km, respectively. actual values? We will have to wait for another opportunity to gauge accurately.
In practice, the feeling that we were the new 2.4 engine is that is always available and quick unit, capable of both carrying the heaviest burden as make that overtaking quickly and safely. In stop-start the 1st interface box feels too short (unlike other relationships very well spaced out), a feature that is no more than a manifestation of concern Toyota with mechanical durability to offer a 1st relationship heavier work not punish the clutch. There are fields where the distance to the SUV is very welcome …
Off-Highway
Toyota has prepared a route where possible test in practice the capacity all-terrain Toyota Hilux. Nothing less than the military zone of Pinheiro da Cruz, where a few years ago the US troops were with their car stuck on the beach during a training exercise. Fortunately, we do not repeat the ‘cute’ very merit of the Hilux drive system and constant tips from accompanying the military on the way.
the obstacles were overcome in sand without major difficulties and some of the journalists asked even more obstacles. The Hilux certainly did not care, even if it was with 1.055kg behind the cargo box lets you carry.
In short …
at ruggedness and reliability characteristics already known from previous generations, Toyota added more comfort, technology and equipment without damaging the first. A remarkable work, which certainly will continue to allow the Toyota Hilux discuss an increasingly competitive segment.
Can the Hilux be assumed finally as a real alternative to an SUV? The € 39,750 requests for this Tracker version and the distance that still lacks go to rolling comfort level tell me no. But I am of the opinion that those who want an SUV to buy an SUV, and who want a pick-up can now buy one that even approaches an SUV, allowing greater use of amplitude, which goes far beyond the work or leisure activities demanding
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