Dalam usaha untuk menjaga pikap terlarisnya, Hilux, agar tetap menjadi yang terdepan di pasaran Australia, Toyota telah mengumumkan facelift ketiga untuk model generasi kelapan. Menghadapi persaingan dari pesaing seperti Ford Ranger, Hilux mengalami perubahan penampilan untuk tetap relevan di segmen pikap midsize yang berkembang pesat.
Hilux 2025 menampilkan penampilan depan yang direka semula, dengan bumper yang lebih menonjol, gril radiator segi lapan yang dikemas kini, dan aliran udara yang disegarkan, menghasilkan tampilan yang lebih garang dan dapat disesuaikan. Sementara mempertahankan hubungan reka bentuk keseluruhan dengan pendahulunya, pintu belakang kini termasuk peredam untuk operasi yang lebih lancar.
Pembeli boleh memilih daripada pelbagai kemasan untuk gril dan bumper, dengan model WorkMate peringkat permulaan mempunyai gril honeycomb hitam. Model SR menampilkan kemasan bumper bawah berwarna perak, manakala SR5 didatangkan dengan gril atas hitam, LED gelap dan aksen hitam berkilat pada pemegang pintu dan penutup cermin. Model Rogue dan GR Sport teratas menunjukkan penampilan istimewa yang sepadan dengan ciri unik mereka.
Tambahan yang menarik ialah pengenalan enjin turbodiesel empat silinder 2.8 liter dengan teknologi 48 volt. Sistem hibrid ringan ini, standard pada model Rogue dan SR5 dan pilihan pada SR 4×4, menggabungkan penukar DC/DC, bateri 48 volt dan penjana motor elektrik dipacu tali pinggang. Selain meningkatkan kecekapan bahan api sebanyak 6 hingga 10 peratus, sistem ini mengurangkan bunyi dan getaran sambil memberikan 201hp dan 500Nm tork.
Dilengkapi dengan sistem Multi-Terrain Select dengan enam mode pengemudian, semua mild-hybrid menawarkan adaptability yang ditingkatkan di berbagai keadaan pemanduan.
Di dalam Hilux, ciri baharu termasuk pad pengecas tanpa wayar di sebelah penukar gear dan dua port USB-C di bahagian belakang untuk kelas SR5, Rogue dan GR Sport. Di seluruh julat, ciri standard termasuk kawalan automatik dwi-zon, kunci/mula pintar, tingkap elektrik dan tikar lantai.
Dijangka tiba di bilik pameran Australia pada Mac 2024, Toyota Hilux 2025 mempunyai harga permulaan 26,475 dolar Australia (RM82,574) untuk varian pacuan roda hadapan, manakala model 4×4 bermula daripada 40,965 dolar Australia (RM127,768). Menawarkan pelbagai pilihan enjin, termasuk enjin turbodiesel 2.8 liter dan 2.4 liter tanpa elektrik, dan enjin petrol 2.7 liter, Hilux menawarkan transmisi manual atau automatik dan konfigurasi pacuan roda hadapan atau empat roda.
In a move to keep its best-selling pickup, the Hilux, at the forefront of the Australian market, Toyota has revealed the third facelift for its eighth-generation model. Facing competition from rivals like the Ford Ranger, the Hilux undergoes a makeover to stay relevant in the rapidly expanding midsize pickup segment.
The 2025 Hilux sports a redesigned front end, featuring a more pronounced bumper, an updated octagonal radiator grille, and refreshed intakes, resulting in a bolder and more adaptable appearance. While maintaining an overall design connection with its predecessor, the tailgate now incorporates dampers for smoother operation.
Buyers can choose from various finishes for the grille and bumpers, with the entry-level WorkMate boasting a rugged black honeycomb mesh grille. The SR model showcases a silver-coloured lower bumper finish, while the SR5 comes with a black upper grille, dark-tinted LEDs, and gloss-black accents on door handles and mirror caps. The top-tier Rogue and GR Sport models exhibit distinctive looks aligned with their unique personas.
Toyota membawa keluar Hilux yang telah diperbaharui untuk peminat trak, dan ia termasuk versi mild-hibrid untuk kuasa lebih dan kecekapan yang lebih baik.
Ciri baru ini adalah sistem mild-hibrid 48-volt yang berfungsi dengan enjin diesel turbo 2.8 liter yang kuat, memberikan tambahan kuasa sebanyak 16hp dan 65Nm tork. Penyusunan ini lebih cekap dari segi bahan api, meningkat sebanyak kira-kira lima peratus berbanding enjin diesel biasa. Sistem hibrid ini disokong oleh enjin empat silinder diesel 2.8 liter turbo Toyota, yang menjana 201hp dan 500Nm tork.
Walaupun ia tidak berjalan sepenuhnya dengan tenaga elektrik, sistem pintar berhenti-mula Toyota, bersama dengan motor elektrik, membantu menjimatkan bahan api dengan mengekalkan enjin dalam keadaan mati lebih lama dalam trafik berat. Walaupun dalam keadaan idle, enjin diesel menggunakan kurang bahan api. Walaupun kita belum tahu angka kecekapan bahan api yang tepat, Toyota menjanjikan peningkatan keseluruhan sebanyak lima peratus yang kukuh.
Selain itu, Hilux Hibrid 48V memperkenalkan sistem Multi-terrain Select Toyota dengan enam mod pemanduan, membolehkan trak mengendalikan pelbagai keadaan pemanduan dengan mudah. Mengetahui reputasi off-road Hilux, pikap hibrid ini dibina dengan kokoh, dengan bahagian elektrik yang tahan air, supaya ia boleh mengendalikan medan yang mencabar, termasuk air setinggi 27.5 inci.
Toyota is set to captivate truck enthusiasts with the upcoming release of the enhanced Toyota Hilux, boasting a mild-hybrid version designed to elevate both power and efficiency in this popular pickup.
At the heart of the innovation is a 48-volt mild-hybrid system seamlessly integrated into the powertrain, delivering an additional punch of 16hp and 65Nm of torque. This hybrid system complements Toyota’s robust turbocharged 2.8-litre diesel four-cylinder engine, which independently generates 201hp and an impressive 500Nm of torque. Notably, the 48V lithium battery powers the motor, contributing to a five per cent improvement in efficiency compared to the standard diesel powertrain.
Despite the absence of an electric-only mode, Toyota’s optimised stop-start system, coupled with the electric motor, extends fuel savings by allowing the engine to remain off for longer durations in heavy stop-and-go traffic. The diesel engine’s idle is also reduced to 600 rpm, further enhancing fuel efficiency. While specific fuel economy figures are yet to be disclosed, the automaker emphasises a noteworthy five per cent increase in overall efficiency.
Beyond its advanced powertrain, the Hilux Hybrid 48V introduces Toyota’s Multi-terrain Select system, featuring six driving modes—Dirt, Mud, Rock, Sand, Deep Snow, or Automatic mode, allowing the truck to intuitively adapt to diverse driving conditions. Recognising the Hilux’s off-road legacy, engineers have fortified the hybrid pickup by waterproofing critical electrical components, ensuring it can confidently navigate through challenging terrains, including wading through water up to 27.5 inches deep.
Toyota has taken another significant step towards its goal of achieving zero carbon emissions by unveiling a prototype hydrogen fuel cell-powered Hilux. This introduction showcases Toyota’s comprehensive approach to carbon-free mobility, exemplified by its diverse range of powertrain solutions, including hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, battery electric, and fuel cell electric vehicles.
The prototype was revealed at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s Burnaston car plant in Derby, where it was developed through a collaborative effort with consortium partners, with support from UK Government funding. The Hilux, known globally as an emblematic truck within the Toyota brand, is renowned for its reliability and durability. This development project has explored ways to maintain these qualities while introducing a new electrified powertrain, underscoring Toyota’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah and his French co-driver, Mathieu Baumel, successfully defended the Dakar title they won for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) in 2022 when they brought their GR DKR Hilux T1+ over the finish line of the final stage of Dakar 2023 with a winning margin of 1 hour 20 minutes 49 seconds.
Although they had lost almost 6 minutes to the final stage leaders, they had already built up a comfortable lead from stage 3 to be able to take overall victory. For Nasser, it’s a fifth win in the event, while Mathieu’s tally is now 4 victories. The pair have won 3 times for Toyota, with the latest victories coming in a back-to-back. Nasser’s two earliest wins were win Volkswagen (2011) and MINI (2015)
Toyota, which last year reclaimed its position as the No. 1 non-national brand after 6 years, started 2022 on a strong note with a total sales volume of 7,528 units (including Lexus models). This was a 96% increase compared to the 3.845 units that were reported in the same month last year.
The Vios remained as UMW Toyota Motor’s bestselling model, accounting for 28% of the total sales volume, while the Hilux accounted for 38% of sales and has been the country’s bestselling pick-up truck for 15 years.
Strong sales helped by promotions
The strong sales numbers have been helped by ongoing promotions such as the ‘Stay Ahead’ campaign which gives buyers savings up to RM4,500. The promotion offers the Vios at monthly instalments from RM540 with 100% sales tax savings of RM2,216. For the sportier Yaris hatchback, customers can own one with H-P loans that have instalments from RM493, plus additional RM2,192 in sales tax savings.
The bestselling Toyota models in Malaysia are the Vios (above) and Hilux (below), with the latter being the bestselling truck in the country for 15 years.
“We are thankful for the government’s decision to extend the Sales and Service Tax (SST) exemption incentives for passenger vehicles until June 30, 2022. This has greatly helped automotive players like us to recover from the impact of the pandemic during the last two years. We also encourage Toyota fans to take advantage of the extended tax exemption to purchase their dream car, coupled with the value-for-money deals UMW Toyota Motor is offering such as the ongoing ‘Stay Ahead’ sales campaign to enjoy the best savings during this period,” said Ravindran K, President of UMW Toyota Motor.
Locally-assembled Toyota hybrid electric vehicles
In support of Toyota’s global agenda to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, as well as similar objectives by the Malaysian government, UMW Toyota Motor will assemble models with hybrid electric vehicle technology. This has started with the Corolla Cross Hybrid which was launched last month which is seeing growing demand
According to Mr. Ravindran, since it was made available for booking in October last year, the Corolla Cross Hybrid has met with positive response, accounting for more than 40% of the total sales of the Corolla Cross crossover SUV. “This shows that Malaysians are in support of environmental sustainability and are taking their first step towards going green through hybrid electric vehicles. We urge our customers to place their bookings early in order to avoid missing out on the SST exemption for better savings,” he added.
While the Corolla Cross Hybrid (above), priced from RM136,550 (without insurance), has the typical high quality and durability that has made the Toyota brand so popular worldwide, UMW Toyota Motor also offers a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage. More importantly, for the owner’s peace of mind, the hybrid battery pack has a separate which covers replacement of the hybrid battery pack, inverter and Power Management Control Unit if defective during the first 8 years of ownership (with no limit on mileage). Customers can also extend this warranty by 2 years at the time of purchase.
Being a good Corporate Citizen
In addition to the positive sales results, January also saw the company doing its part at a good corporate citizen to help Malaysians affected by the floods. Partnered with Yayasan Raja Muda Selangor through its ‘Back On Your Feet’ programme, the company contributed RM10,000 to Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Lui for the school’s repairs of its flood-damaged premises. The company also donated essential home appliances to the affected community in Sungai Lui such as rice cookers, kettles and gas stoves.
Employees of UMW Toyota Motor went to flooded areas to assist in clean-up work and also brought essential items donated by the company.
“UMW Toyota Motor endeavours to propel society forward by empowering people beyond the road. We are glad to have been given the opportunity to partner with Yayasan Raja Muda Selangor to give back to the community we operate in and help them get back on their feet during these trying times,” Mr. Ravindran said.
Besides initiating a Toyota Flood Assist Program as an immediate response to help flood victims in December, a flood ‘Command Centre’ was also established at the UMW Toyota Motor headquarters in Shah Alam, Selangor, as part of its broadened initiatives. This will also function as a soup kitchen and relief distribution centre for victims in the event of a similar phenomenon in the future. Additionally, up to 100 parking spaces in the compound will be allocated in such situations for flood victims to park their vehicles safely.
For more information on Toyota products and services in Malaysia, visit www.toyota.com.my.
Ever since the Dakar Rally moved to Saudi Arabia from South America in 2020, Nasser Al-Attiyah has been trying harder to win the event as it is now held in the Arab world. He came very close to doing so in 2020 and 2021 and this year, again driving for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, he finally captured the crown. The victory would also be a fitting welcome for the new President of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem from the United Arab Emirates, a former top rally driver.
This is the Qatari driver’s second victory for the team, having previously won the event in 2019. It is the fourth Dakar win for the ‘Prince of the Desert’, as the rally community has nicknamed him, the others being in 2011, 2015 and 2019. In the two earlier events, he was driving a Volkswagen and a MINI. Besides being a skilled rally driver, Al-Attiyah, 51, has also represented his country in clay pigeon shooting in the Olympics.
The result makes Al-Attiyah the second-most successful driver in the history of the event’s cars category, tied with Finland’s Ari Vatanen and only behind Stephane Peterhansel’s tally of 8 wins.
The vehicle they drove was the new GR DKR Hilux T1+ which conforms to the updated regulations for the T1 category. It features larger wheels and tyres, more wheel travel, and the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that also powers the new Land Cruiser 300 GR Sport. The truck shares components with the race-proven Hilux that was first introduced in 2018, and won the race in 2019.
For Al-Attiyah and co-driver Mathieu Baumel, the final stage presented few real problems, despite challenging navigation. The pair had taken the lead in the rally during the opening stage of the event and were never in danger of relinquishing that position. They won the prologue for the 2022 edition of the rally on January 1, and powered to two more stage wins on their way to overall victory.
Their closest rival and runner-up were the pair of Sebastien Loeb and Fabian Lurquin of the ProDrive/Bahrain Raid Xtreme team which finished 27 minutes 46 seconds behind. However, the 9-time WRC champion from France lost 50 minutes in the early part of the rally with a broken driveshaft. Loeb did manage to bring the gap down to under 30 minutes by the end of the penultimate stage – before a penalty for speeding undid part of his good work.
Saudi Arabians were delighted to see their countryman also on the podium as Yazeed Al-Rajhi (below) with Michael Orr of the Overdrive Toyota team finished third. They had pushed their Toyota Hilux hard but were realistic enough to aim for second and lost out to Loeb by about 34 minutes.
A 16-time Dakar Rally participant, Orlando Terranova finished an impressive 4th to give the ProDrive/Bahrain Raid Xtreme team a finish among the Top 5 in the category. For South Africans Giniel de Villiers and co-driver Dennis Murphy, there were many highs and lows as the fought their way to 5th place, giving TOYOTA GAZOO Racing two placings in the Top 5 finishers.
All three electrically-powered Audi RS Q e-tron rallycars completed the event.
For the Audi Sport team, no stranger to off-road events, the Dakar Rally saw the most complex racing car in the brand’s history taking part. All three electrically-powered RS Q e-tron rallycars completed the event to usher in a new era in off-road rallying. The best-placed crew was Mattias Ekstrom/Emil Bergkvist who finished ninth, with team mates Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz and Stephane Peterhansel/Edouard Boulanger finishing 12th and 57th, respectively.In the big trucks category, the Russian truckers have always been favourites. They have collected 18 victories with 6 different drivers since the 21st century began. Each of the 4 men at the wheels of the blue trucks has claimed at least one stage, leaving nothing for the competition. Reigning champion Dmitry Sotnikov defended his title and led the Kamaz team to a 1-2-3-4 finish.
For the Audi Sport team, no stranger to off-road events, the Dakar Rally saw the most complex racing car in the brand’s history taking part. All three electrically-powered RS Q e-tron rallycars completed the event to usher in a new era in off-road rallying. The best-placed crew was Mattias Ekstrom/Emil Bergkvist who finished ninth, with team mates Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz and Stephane Peterhansel/Edouard Boulanger finishing 12th and 57th, respectively.
Unlike the World Rally Championship events, the Dakar Rally requires navigation and a number of competitors had difficulties in some stages, losing a lot of time. Mechanical problems were, of course, to be expected in the world’s toughest cross-country race that had around 4,261 kms of competitive stages this year.
Dakar 2022 was the 44th edition of the iconic event, which first took place in January 1978. Until 2007, the event ran from Paris to Dakar on the western side of Africa. But with terrorists causing security issues, the 2008 event had to be cancelled and from 2009, it was run on the western side of South America, while retaining the original name.
The participants, mostly based across the Atlantic, were unhappy with the long distance from Europe and resulting high costs of logistics. This led to the event being moved to Saudi Arabia in 2020.
The 2022 event also had a suspected terrorist attack when, 2 days before the start, a support vehicle belonging to one of the teams had a blast through its floor near a hotel in Jeddah. One of the participants in the event, Frenchman Philippe Boutron, was seriously injured as he was in the vehicle. French security services said they would investigate the incident and at one point, it appeared that the event might be cancelled but the organisers did not stop it.
Toyota and Lexus sales in Malaysia mirrored the Total Industry Volume (TIV) of November, which is expected to be less than the October TIV. However, demand for the two brands distributed by UMW Toyota Motor remains strong and the difference was only 14 units compared to the total volume for October when the total number sold nationwide was 8,500 units.
The total sales volume for November is 8486 units consisted of 6,620 passenger cars and 1,866 commercial vehicles (including pick-ups). For the period from January to November 2021, total sales for the Toyota and Lexus brands have reached 63,105 units, 26% higher than the same period in 2020 when a total of 50,074 units had been sold.
Toyota Vios and Hilux bestsellers
Among the passenger car models, the Vios continued to be the bestselling Toyota model, accounting for 33% of sales, while the Hilux continued to be the bestselling pick-up truck in Malaysia, a position it has held since 2005.
Toyota’s bestselling models in Malaysia – the Vios and Hilux.
“The continued growth of the market is a sign that we are steadily progressing towards recovery. The New Normal means that some things have to be done differently and we have to be conscious of SOPs, and at Toyota, we have adapted our processes accordingly. Customers can visit our showrooms or send their vehicles to authorized service centres with peace of mind that they are protected health-wise,” said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.
“During the final month of the year, we will have great deals and with our ‘Now Is The Time’ promotion, there are savings of up to RM5,500 on selected models. Additionally, the government’s exemption of sales tax is ongoing which means additional savings,” he said.
Countdown to hybrid launch
Preparations are being finalized for the launch of the first locally-assembled Toyota hybrid electric vehicle in the near future. This will be the new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid which is now undergoing pre-production activities at ASSB, UMW Toyota Motor’s assembly plant in Bukit Raja, Selangor.
“Since we opened for bookings for the new Corolla Cross Hybrid, response has been good and we are happy to see that many Malaysians are keen to switch to Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technology. Toyota has been producing hybrid electric vehicles since the late 1990s and has constantly improved and advanced the technology so Malaysians will benefit from this long experience,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.
The ASSB plant in Bukit Raja, Selangor is now assembling the first Toyota hybrid model in Malaysia, alongside the Vios and Yaris.
“We are aware that many customers are eager to receive their Corolla Cross Hybrid and we ask for your patience. There are many quality processes which ASSB must complete to ensure that the cars delivered are of the highest standard in every respect. And I would also add that once the car is delivered, the new owners will also be assured of an ownership experience of the highest standard,” Mr. Takeyama added.
The new Corolla Cross Hybrid has an estimated price starting from RM137,000 (without insurance) and comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage factory warranty. Additionally, for peace of mind, there is a separate 8-year/unlimited mileage warranty covering the hybrid battery pack, inverter and Power Management Control Unit. Customers can also extend their warranty for a further 2 years to make it a total of 10 years, the first such warranty in the local industry.
The Toyota Hilux has been picked for the 2022/2023 International Pick-Up Award, joining the previous winners which were the Volkswagen Amarok and Ford Ranger (both winning on two occasions), and the Nissan Navara. The award was given by the same organisation that picks the International Van of the Year (since 1992). Every other year since 2009, it has also been picking the International Pick-Up as these vehicles are also used for business purposes like vans.
“As a multi-functional vehicle produced and sold globally, both the product and marketplace continue to evolve with many brands setting high standards in performance, safety, driver and passenger comfort,” explained Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman of the International Van of the Year Award jury which has representatives from 25 European countries.
The three contenders for the 2022/2023 International Pick-Up award.
As with the nominated vans, eligible trucks were nominated and then assessed by the expert panel at a specially organised group test. For the latest award, the event was held in Croatia in early October. The performances of the vehicles were closely matched, and it was the Toyota Hilux that finally emerged victorious just ahead of the Isuzu D-Max, with the Jeep Gladiator third.
Commenting on the Hilux winning the 2022/2023 award, Didier Gambart, Vice-President of Toyota Motor Europe Sales, Marketing & Customer Experience, said: “With more than 50 years heritage, the Hilux has always stood for outstanding Quality, Durability and Reliability as well as very capable off-road performance. Now with the new Hilux, we have expanded the engine line-up with a new 2.8 D that offers even more refinement and power capability, allowing us to meet the needs of customers willing not only a workhorse, but also a leisure vehicle. So this award is for us a recognition of all the inherent qualities of Hilux, with even more capabilities.”
First generation of the Hilux introduced in 1968.
Sold all over the world
The Hilux is sold in almost every country on the planet and being the bestselling model in its segment in many countries. It has been assembled and sold in Malaysia since the first generation which was introduced in 1968. With its proven durability and reliability, the model has been very popular in East Malaysia, especially with those in the logging industry who venture deep into the jungles. In fact, it is so popular that its name is used to refer to any pick-up truck!
In East Malaysia, the Hilux is so well known that it is even used to refer to any pick-up truck! This sign was seen at a Shell station near Bintulu but we understand that the suggestion of ‘preferential service’ for Hilux trucks was removed later. Picture courtesy of Paul Si.
Before the late 1990s, pick-up trucks like the Hilux could be registered only for commercial purposes in Malaysia.
When the regulations changed in Malaysia in the late 1990s to allow private use of pick-up trucks (they could only be registered for commercial use before), the Hilux also underwent a change in image to become more ‘lifestyle-oriented’. The interior was more comfortable and equipped like a passenger car with many convenience features – and even air-conditioning. Safety levels were also improved as the vehicle was being driven more on roads than off-road by many owners, and cruising speeds were higher.
The IMV project
In 2004, the Hilux had its most significant change as the new 7th generation was the outcome of the Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) project. It was developed as one of the 3 different model lines – with the Fortuner SUV and Innova MPV being new – on a single platform and for the first time, production and almost all development was done outside Japan.
The massive IMV project produced two new model lines as well as the 7th generation of the Hilux.
Toyota developed optimal production and supply systems on a global scale, with production at three production hubs – in Thailand, South Africa and Argentina. The vehicles from these hubs were exported to other markets in completed form (CBU) or as completely knocked-down (CKD) units for local assembly in countries like Malaysia.
Bestselling pick-up in Malaysia
The 7th generation was introduced in Malaysia in 2005 and has been the bestselling pick-up truck in the market for over 15 years. The current range is available in 5 variants with a choice of turbodiesel 4-cylinder engines with 2.4-litre and 2.8- litre displacements, and 6-speed automatic or manual transmissions.
To know more about the Hilux and other Toyota models in Malaysia, visit www.toyota.com.my.
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