Power hike hits Hilux

THERE'S more power for the Toyota Hilux, Europe’s most popular pick-up.

Significant revisions for 2010 include a whopping 20% increase in power and extra torque from the 2.5 D-4D engine. On-the-road prices (ex-VAT) start at £15,145.

At the heart of the power upgrade are two revised power units in the Hilux range. Maximum output has been increased from 118bhp to 142bhp, while peak torque is up by 18Nm to a maximum of 343Nm at 2,000rpm.

These improvements have been achieved by the introduction of a new high-output turbocharger and new, more precise fuel injectors, improving throttle response and performance.

As well as giving more flexible driving performance, the changes have cut Hilux’s 0-62mph acceleration time by 2.5sec to 12.5sec. Emissions performance is unchanged, however, at 219g/km, still one of the lowest figures in the segment.

The 2.5 D-4D engine is matched to a five-speed manual transmission and is available in all three Hilux body styles: Single Cab, Extra Cab and Double Cab.

Increases in Hilux’s gross vehicle weights have yielded improvements in payload performance, notably for Double Cab models, where capacity has increased by 35kg on the HL2 Double Cab and 25kg on the HL3 Double Cab.

The high-power 3.0 D-4D engine is now available exclusively in the top-of-the-range Invincible Double Cab. This trim level also has leather upholstery and satellite navigation with Bluetooth as options.

Satellite navigation with Bluetooth is offered as an option on the HL3 Double Cab. A Sport Deck and an Urban Pack (front guard, scuff plates and front and rear parking sensors) are available for both the HL3 and Invincible Double Cabs.

Toyota Hilux prices

• HL2 Single Cab 2.5 D-4D £15,145
• HL2 Extra Cab 2.5 D-4D £15,945
• HL2 Double Cab 2.5 D-4D £16,845
• HL3 Double Cab 2.5 D-4D £17,945
• Invincible Double Cab 3.0 D-4D £19,645
• Invincible Double Cab 3.0 D-4D automatic £20,545