Toyota Hilux - The 50 glorious years

The Toyota Hilux completed its 50 years in 2018 after being unveiled for the first time in 1968. It was a new bonnet-type truck conceived by Toyota and manufactured by Hino Motors. Over the years, the Hilux received several updates and was sold in over 180 countries. Produced by six factories across the world, Toyota claims to have sold over 17.7 million units.

The Hilux is sold across continents and remains a formidable player in the pickup segment. Asia remains the largest market for the vehicle with 167,000 units sold in 2017. In the same year, the company sold a total of 521,000 units. South America and the Middle East are the other significant markets for the Hilux.
In the course of 50 years, the pick-up truck received several major updates.

The second generation model which was launched in 1972 got 2.0-litre engine variant with 105 Hp. The next generation focussed on offering sedan-like specifications and ride comfort. The fourth generation models received rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and renewed interior as well as exteriors. The blister fender in the front and the rear characterised this generation of Hilux.

The fifth generation of the Hilux was focussed more on the concept of power, comfort, and sturdiness. Toyota further improved its functionality to project the Hilux as a multi-purpose vehicle. The width of four-wheel-drive was 40 mm wider than the rear-wheel-drive. The design and features were leaning more towards the Sedan.

The sixth-generation was divided into business use truck-line and personal use sports line of Hilux.

The seventh generation Hilux model was developed on a platform shared by the likes of Innova and Fortuner. It was a new pickup truck with rugged styling, better durability, and comfort which was launched in over 140 countries. These Hilux models were the first to be also manufactured outside Japan in countries such as Thailand and Argentina. The production was shifted to ensure that the vehicles are available at more affordable prices.

The present Hilux is the eighth-generation model which was designed to be tougher in the true sense of the word. The ride was made more comfortable, and the cabin quieter. The present generation of Hilux also boasts of better fuel efficiency and higher safety standards. This model of Hilux is renowned for ruggedness, responsiveness, performance, and safety.

The Toyota Hilux has created several stories and impacted lives over the last fifty years. The vehicle was seen in the 1985 hit movie “Back to the Future.” It was used by the noted television presenter and photographer, Cristian Dimitrius in an expedition to reach remote places. A man in Australia who services windmills covered 650,000 kms with his 1983-model Hilux. The Hilux Xtreme was launched to suit the extreme terrain of the UAE.

In the Philippines, the Toyota Hilux 2018 comes with a 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder, VN Turbo Intercooler diesel engine with 6-speed manual or sequential automatic transmission. The vehicle is capable of comfortably accommodating up to 5 passengers with ample headroom and shoulder space. A 6.5-inch capacitive touchscreen display is also present in the G-variant. Standard safety features such as airbag, knee airbag, EBS & ABS, Immobilizer, and security alarm are offered with the Hilux 2018. The latest version of the Hilux 2018 is priced at Php 814,000 for the basic variant and Php 1,621,000 for the top-most variant.

Toyota has announced the launch of several special 50th-anniversary models of Hilux across the world. This pick-up truck has evolved with time and remains one of the best in the segment. The sales figures indicate that the vehicle could be around for many more years. Maybe, if Toyota continues upgrading it, Hilux might even complete 100 years.