Toyota Hilux revamped
* More power; emissions unchanged
* To compete with VW's Amarok
Details of the revised Toyota Hilux pick-up truck have been revealed, as it prepares to compete with Volkswagen's brand-new Amarok.
More power, but no more polluting
The Hilux's 2.5-litre D-4D diesel engine has been retuned to deliver more power and torque. A bigger turbocharger and more advanced fuel injectors mean that it now offers 142bhp (up from 118bhp) accompanied by 253lb/ft of torque.
The Toyota's extra power cuts the Hilux's 0-62mph time to 12.5 seconds (down from 14.0 seconds), while CO2 emissions are unchanged at 219g/km.
A more powerful 166bhp 3.0-litre D-4D version is also available, but in range-topping 'Invincible' trim only. As before, the Hilux can be bought in 'single cab', 'extra cab' or 'double cab' configuration, with top-spec versions getting plenty of kit to appeal to drivers looking to cross over from owning a car or a 4x4.
Prices for the Hilux start at 15,145 (exclusive of VAT) for the entry-level 2.5 HL2 single cab and increase to 20,545 for the 3.0 Invincible double cab automatic.
Volkswagen Amarok enters the truck market
Next year's Volkswagen Amarok's launch will be the pick-up segment's first new entrant for several years.
The Argentina-built Amarok will offer buyers the choice of two 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines, producing 118bhp or 158bhp; both promise to offer class-leading CO2 emissions of less than 200g/km.
Prices and final specifications will be confirmed closer to its UK launch in September.
