IndianAutosBlog reader, Mr. Ankur Singh, snapped these images of the new Toyota Hilux near Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It must be noted straight away that this is a customer vehicle registered in Nepal; Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is not launching the Hilux in India, and this is not a prototype proving itself.
The current generation Toyota Hilux was introduced in May 2015, and India got the SUV version of it, the new Fortuner, which came in November 2016. Back to the Hilux, the variant is the 'G' powered by a 1GD-FTV 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine capable of 177 hp and 420 Nm of torque. For Nepal, only a 6-speed manual gearbox is offered, and in the global market Toyota offers a 6-speed automatic as well.
The eighth generation Hilux is based on an all-new platform with improved front and side impact structure which meets stricter crash test norms (Toyota refers to this technology as Frame with Integrated Rigidity Mechanism or FIRM for short).
Keyless entry with push-button start, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, a 7-inch infotainment system, LED headlights and LED daytime running lights are the features offered on this dual-cab pickup. A total of 8 colour options are offered in Nepal, which imports the model from Thailand.
Also read: 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser rendered by a Japanese magazine
TKM's immediate focus is to leverage on Maruti Suzuki products, which reports state, will be redesigned for Toyota to sell. The first among these products are reportedly the Maruti Vitara Brezza and Maruti Baleno. If all goes well, the first Toyota-Suzuki cross badged product is expected to be revealed next year.
