Toyota India is gearing up to introduce the new generation Hilux pickup in the Indian market soon. Ahead of its official launch, the company released another teaser, offering a subtle look at the pickup’s front and rear design while keeping most of the styling details under wraps. At the front, the pickup gets a black grille, along with slimmer LED headlights, revised bumper and skid plate. The side profile is expected to remain largely unchanged, apart from the new alloy wheel design. At the rear, there is a revised tailgate with bold Toyota lettering and redesigned LED taillights.
The ninth-generation Hilux will continue to use Toyota’s IMV ladder architecture, retaining the body-on-frame platform of the outgoing model. Moving inside, the cabin will get a new dashboard look with two 12.3-inch displays, a redesigned steering wheel and an updated center console with physical controls. Expected features include a 360-degree camera, six airbags, dual-zone climate control, ADAS, power and ventilated front seats and more. As for the powertrain, it is expected to be powered by the same 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine that churns out 204 PS and 500 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. It will also get a 4×4 system with a low-range transfer case. The engine is also likely to be paired with a 48V mild hybrid system, the same setup currently offered on the Fortuner Neo Drive variant. This setup includes a belt-integrated starter generator and lithium-ion battery for smoother low-speed performance, better fuel economy and quieter engine running. What’s more, the hybrid assist system also enables functions such as regenerative braking and automatic start-stop – the latter of which shuts down the engine during idling to save fuel and reduce emissions.
