The Hilux is the one of the oldest 1-tonne truck model on sale at the moment. All of its competitors have replaced their models with newer generation iterations - Navara, Triton, Ranger. Only Isuzu's D-Max originated from about the same year as the Hilux (Hilux was introduced in 2005). Despite its age, the Hilux continues to dominate the 1-tonne pick-up truck segment. In Thailand, the Hilux's largest market, the closest competitor to it is Isuzu's D-Max.
One of the main criticisms against the Hilux is its lack of power - only 102bhp in 2.5-litre common rail diesel turbo (non-intercooled) guise. In fact, I believe the Hilux has the lowest power output in its segment.
Toyota Motor Thailand has recently introduced a new variant of Hilux - the Hilux Vigo Pre-Runner VN Turbo. Pre-Runner variants are basically 4x2 models with a raised "4x4 looking" body (base model 4x2 models ride lower). Pre-Runner models are targeted mainly at urban Thais, who don't need 4x4 drivetrain and prefer a lower running cost of a 4x2 model but yet none of the cheap workhorse image of a standard low rider 4x2 model. VN Turbo is short for Variable Nozzle Turbo. Available in both 2.5 litre (2KD-FTV with intercooler) and 3.0-litre guise (1KD-FTV with intercooler).
The VN Turbo engine is a Euro 3 diesel emission standard engine, thus it is tuned to run on EU3 compliant diesel. Until our supply of diesel fuel is upgraded to EU3, we will not be seeing this engine in Malaysia anytime soon.
Also included are new features including cruise control, electric driver seats, electric folding wing mirrors and the most important of all - vehicle stability control. The specs level is so high that one might even consider it as a pseudo luxury "urban truck."
About 2 years back a Swedish magazine Teknikens Värld put the Hilux to a "moose test" (also known as elk test), in which the Hilux failed miserably as the Hilux nearly flipped over. The most stable truck tested was the Mitsubishi Triton. Toyota Motor Europe was quick to respond, dismissing the results and blamed it on the tires used. I understand that in some markets, sales of the Hilux was suspended temporarily.
The test brought back memories of infamous 1997 Mercedes-Benz A-class fiasco. Like the Hilux, the A-class responded very dangerously. Mercedes was very quick to respond and issued a safety recall for all A-class sold worldwide to have them fitted with electronic stability control (ESC) for free. Toyota however, did nothing similar but laid low and let the issue quiet down gradually. Of course, A LOT MORE Hilux were sold around the world compared to the A-class. The cost of a recall would be far too costly to bear. Plus, fitting ESC / ESP on a truck is still unheard of.
The elk / moose test is a popular test conducted in temperate climate countries, especially Canada and Scandinavia, where collisions with large animals wandering across rural roads is a real danger. Crashing into a small cat / dog or even a deer is one thing. Crashing into a huge elk / moose is another thing altogether. Being Scandinavians, you would expect a brand like Volvo to pay particular attention in this area.
However, within the short period of time there have been a lot of discussion amongst governments of developed countries on ESC fitment. Australia, another market with a significant number of trucks (as well as the Aussie favourite car-based trucks; utes) is already mulling on compulsory fitment of ESC on trucks, utes as well as commercial vans. Many Aussies have criticised their government's current exemption of commercial vehicles from the new 2011 compulsory ESC fitment ruling, saying that the move likens treating lives commercial vehicle drivers and their families as second-class. ESC fitment on passenger cars is already compulsory from 2011 onwards in Europe and Australia. In Thailand, Hilux will be the first truck to come fitted with ESC (or VSC in Toyota lingo). Hopefully more truck makers will follow suit.
Related link
Hilux heads to South Pole
Hilux Minor Change launched
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