The Hilux is Toyota’s mid-size pickup truck which is quite popular in regions such as Africa, Australia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. With its highly-capable powertrain and flexibility in areas of business and leisure, the Toyota Hilux has endured the test of time, and is vouched by many markets, including here in the Philippines.
Now, the Toyota Hilux is again at the center of the headlines. The reason being is the leaked info reported by Japanese car media outlet, Creative Trend, which it recently obtained from an Arabic Instagram user named “cars_secrets.”
According to the report, a number of “patented” sketches of what appears to be early renditions of a new Toyota Hilux is making rounds. Moreover, the post suggests that these leaked design concepts are already being made into a reality, with the new Hilux reportedly being prepped to launch in Thailand by November this year.
Based on the drawings, the supposed new Hilux features a redesigned front end that’s more angular and carries an aggressive vibe, giving off a stronger presence on the road. It also features a squared off grille design, flanked by updated headlights and what seems like a triangular foglight housing or air intake just below it. The image also shows sharp character lines, emphasising the Hilux’s bold aura. In back, the leaked image points to a redesigned vertical tail light set up.
Creative Trend’s report also mentioned a sketch of what appears to be the new Toyota Hilux’s interior. The media outlet said that it could come with an entirely redesigned cabin, featuring a dual 12.3-inch screen setup for both the driver info display and infotainment. Just below the infotainment display is what looks to be a series of physical buttons. Going by Toyota’s current interior design trend, we can guess that those are likely the controls for the air conditioning system.
Aside from these leaked photos, the reports also mentioned the possibility of the new Toyota Hilux running a mild hybrid system to complement its 2.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine that makes around 204 hp. With the hybrid, this power rate could go up to 220 hp.
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is tight-lipped about this fresh hot news. But with the country’s strong reception for the Hilux, it’s highly possible that, as of this posting, TMP may already be studying this new model and its potential to boost branding, and provide fleet buyers, business owners, and private individuals an inviting choice.
Also, remember that part of the EVIDA Law that grants a 50% long-term excise tax exemption to hybrid vehicles that run on both fuel and battery? This could be the pitch that TMP may bank on, if it ever decides to bring it in because being a hybrid, the new Toyota Hilux may present a cheaper selling price.
