Following the confirmation of a new hybridized Toyota Hilux for the Australian market, the Japanese automaker has showcased the new pickup truck’s capabilities on tough dirt roads in Africa.
The Toyota Hilux MHEV was put to the test
The Toyota Hilux with the MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) powertrain had a successful demo run at Kasarani during the seventh round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) in Kenya. Onboard were four-time WRC champion and former Toyota world title winner Juha Kankkunen from Finland and Kenyan co-driver Jimmi Gathu.
“I’m 100 percent sure that this type of car will fit in Africa very well because there are still long-distance drives and it’s very difficult to charge electric cars. You can save fuel, which means less CO2. Africa is a good market for this kind of car, and you can make CO2 less with hybrid cars. That is the future,” said Kankkunen.
Toyota Hilux MHEV
The 64-year-old Finnish racing driver was the ideal man for the job as he isn’t just a four-time rally champion but has also driven various types of powertrains from the Toyota brand.
“I have had the pleasure of driving different models for the Toyota brand, from full-electric car, hybrid, and hydrogen, and can attest that these models are much faster than standard models,” added Kankkunen.
The MHEV setup should provide improved performance and efficiency
According to Toyota, the Hilux MHEV will come with a 48-volt battery, a small electric motor generator, and other components. The MHEV package will be matched to the existing 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine, sending power to all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
The Toyota Hilux’s midsize SUV sibling, the Fortuner, will also reportedly be available with the MHEV system. Both are underpinned by the same Toyota IMV platform, making the integration of the MHEV components to the Fortuner seamless.
It is still unclear whether the Hilux with the mild-hybrid will make its way to the Philippine market. Meanwhile, Australia will reportedly get the hybridized pickup truck starting in the first half of 2024.
Stay updated with the latest car news at Philkotse.com.
Know more about Toyota Hilux 2024
The Toyota Hilux 2024 is a midsize pickup offered in the local market as both fleet and regular units. Toyota Hilux Prices Philippines range from PHP 879,000 to PHP 2,166,000 with 13 variants, spanning from the basic cab & chassis 4x2 model to the range-topping GR Sport 4x4. It is also available in two turbodiesel engine options and four gearbox choices, accompanied by eight exterior colors. Dimensions start at 5,285mm in height, 1,800mm in width, and 1,700mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,085mm. Among the rivals to the Toyota Hilux in the market are the Mitsubishi Strada, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, and the Isuzu D-Max.
This popular pickup continues to evolve and slowly move upmarket after gaining luxuries. The most significant revolutionary jump of the Hilux happened in 2004 when the seventh generation of the model was introduced. It was the first 21st-century iteration of Toyota's pickup. It is also the first generation to ride on Toyota’s new Innovative Multi-purpose Vehicle architecture. It provided improved safety, better ride comfort, modern D-4D diesel engines, more interior space, and a more modern aerodynamic body.
The current 8th generation offers a more refined and stylish design than its predecessor, but the tradition of being a tough pickup continues. It received a much-awaited refresh in 2020.
₱ 879,000 - ₱ 2,166,000
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