Toyota Hilux Spied on Indian Roads, What Enthusiasts Should Expect
Published On Jan 30, 2017
Toyota is rumoured to launch its first lifestyle pickup truck in India soon. Toyota’s Hilux pickup was recently spied while being tested on Delhi roads. Not many people know, but Toyota’s famous SUV Fortuner is based on Toyota Hilux’s platform. Yes, that’s right! Toyota is busy testing the Hilux pickup truck in India, which makes us believe that the automobile manufacturer may soon launch the beast in the country soon.
Though Toyota offers Hilux in different variants ranging from single cab 4X2 to double cab 4X4, we assume that the brand may just stick to selling double cab variants in the country. Toyota does not sell vehicles falling under the commercial vehicle category in India.
What’s Inside Toyota Hilux?
Engine
Different Hilux pickup double cab pickup variants come either powered by a 2.4L turbo charged Diesel or 2.8L turbocharged Diesel engine. Toyota also offers a 4.0L V6 petrol engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission setup in many other countries. However, we are guessing that India might only get the 2.4L version of this mighty pickup, as higher engine specifications may just put Hilux pickup above the consumers’ price pocket.
Wheels
Toyota Hilux variants available for buying outside India come sitting on wheels ranging from 16 to 18 inches. The top variant of this powerful truck uses 18 inch wheels, which come elegantly placed on black coloured alloy wheels. Steel rims of 16 inches or 17 inches are also available with the truck.
Toyota might roll out the 16 inch and 17 inch steel wheel options for sale in our country, especially considering India’s love for after-market modifications. We definitely look forward to the 18 inch black alloy wheels.
Infotainment System
Hilux variants come loaded with different infotainment systems. These usually start from a 4.1 inch touch infotainment system and go till 7.2 inches touch ones. Bluetooth, Toyota link are standard fitments offered with most of the variants outside India.
Toyota India may take help of an Indian Infotainment system manufacturer as the step might help cut cost by a couple of thousands of bucks. We expect the versions to be available in India to come pre-equipped with at least six inches of pure touch screen entertainment.
Miscellaneous
Toyota offers Hill Start assist control, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Active Traction Control (A-TRC), Brake Assist (BA), Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Trailer Sway Control (TSC) and many other such features with different variants. Indian versions of the Hilux may not get most of these because of the price factor involved. There is also a strong possibility that the brand offers all these at extra costs and add on features.
Pricing
The fact that Toyota Fortuner was especially developed on Toyota Hilux’s pickup platform hints a lot about the pricing part. We expect the pickup to be priced more than 15 lakhs in INR. If Toyota can price this beautiful monster lower than the above mentioned amount, it would certainly be successful in catching more eyeballs than what it’s anticipating.
The Big Pickup Fight
Once launched, Toyota Hilux Pickup will be pitted against Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, Tata Xenon and Mahindra Scorpio Getaway. Owing to low maintenance costs, durable quality of its automobile vehicles, Toyota may just pick up in sales numbers of its first pickup in the country.
Yes, we are as eager as you to test the pickup as soon as it gets launched.