Update: New engines for 2016 Toyota Hilux
The Toyota Hilux is world renowned for its build quality and durability, but the current model is nine-years-old and, despite receiving a facelift in 2011, is starting to look its age. Apart from the image, very little is known about the new vehicle although there are some clues as to what may feature under the bonnet.
Both 2015 and 2016 are set to be big years for the pickup market, with the next generation Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan Navara set to be launched, along with facelifts and big updates on the Volkswagen Amarok and Ford Ranger, and all new entries from Fiat Professional and Renault.
Over 11 million units have been sold since the Toyota Hilux was launched in 1967, but sales are slowing down fast amid growing competition. Toyota recognise that its unique selling point in this sector is unrivalled perceived build quality, so you can be sure that the new vehicle will be built and tested to the highest standards.
Engine and driveline
Obviously, the big question everyone is asking is which engine will feature under the bonnet. The simple answer is that nobody knows, but if we examine the current range of engines currently available to Toyota, we can come up with a prediction.
The current 2.5 and 3-litre diesel engines are renowned for their strength and durability, but the Hilux is the only European vehicle that they still feature in, so it’s unlikely that Toyota will commit to the expense of putting them through the Euro-6 emission tests just for one vehicle.
Another interesting development, though, is Toyota’s plans to bring out 14 new engines in the next two years, and the ‘new’ engine could be included in these plans. It makes sense as the only other similarly sized diesel engine Toyota has is the 2.2-litre AD engine, which is built in Poland and powers the Avensis.
However, it may not be a Toyota engine. Earlier in the year, Toyota signed a deal with BMW for the German manufacturer to supply a ‘family’ of diesel engines, which may have included a 2-litre diesel, but, again, we think it’s unlikely this will happen as it goes against the car’s well-known heritage of coupling super-reliable Toyota engines and gearboxes in Toyota vehicles.
Public perception has turned against five-speed manual transmissions, so it’s likely the new powerplant will be coupled with a six-speed transmission, with the possibility of an automatic too given the quantities they sell in.
Availability
Toyota has categorically denied that we will see this vehicle in the UK next year, meaning this is a 2016 model. Considering the new vehicle has been spied testing on numerous occasions, we anticipate that it’s not too far off production ready, meaning we should be testing late next year. Keep checking back on Parkers Vans for more updates.
