TOYOTA ADDS DIESEL AUTOMATIICS TO HILUX RAIDER RANGE
Announced by Toyota at the Johannesburg International Motor Show are three new additions to the top end of the Hilux range, two of them diesel automatics. The two new diesel models are the Hilux 3.0D-4D Raised Body Raider A/T, with a 4X2 drivetrain, and the Hilux 3.0D-4D 4X4 Raider A/T. This marks the first time that Toyota has offered a choice of a 4-speed automatic transmission on diesel-powered models in its Double Cab line-up.
The third new model in the Hilux range is a 4.0 litre V6 petrol Raised Body Double Cab Raider 4X2 with 5-speed automatic transmission.
The addition of these new models comes together with a minor model change that refreshes the interior and exterior styling of South Africa’s most popular 1-ton pick-up. And it’s not just in the pick-up market that the Hilux tops the sales charts. Total market figures for the year to date to end September show the Hilux as the overall top selling vehicle in South Africa with cumulative sales of 22 598 units, 194 sales ahead of the top selling passenger vehicle. In the 1-ton segment the Hilux accounts for 37% of sales.
Customers now have a choice of 18 Hilux derivatives, from basic workhorse models through to the luxury raider specification models that provide a versatile combination of utility space and a luxury specification passenger cab. Ten of these derivatives have a single cab configuration and the remaining eight are double cab models.
Speaking at the Johannesburg International Motor Show, Andrew Kirby, Toyota S.A.’s Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, said, “The Hilux has entrenched itself in the light commercial market as a superb value proposition with its reputation for value for money, reliability, features, and unparalleled performance in terms of whole life cost of operation.
“At Toyota we continually monitor the market for evolving customer requirements. With the rapid advancement of diesel engine technology and the increasing popularity of diesel vehicles in South Africa we identified a high level of customer interest in a top-of-the-range diesel powered double-cab Hilux with an automatic transmission. These new models have been introduced into the Hilux range to fill that requirement and are powered by Toyota’s latest generation 1KD-FTV diesel engine or the 4.0 litre petrol V6 and have a comprehensive specification.”
Toyota’s latest generation 1KD-FTV engine is a 3,0 litre four cylinder turbocharged and inter-cooled engine with a 16-valve DOHC configuration. Maximum power is 120kW @ 3400 r/min and peak torque of 343Nm is delivered between 1400 r/min and 3200 r/min.
The electronically controlled common rail type fuel injection system used on the 1KD-FTV engine provides exceptional fuel management with a microcomputer used to control the injection pressure, injection timing and the volume of the fuel charge. The system consists of a high-pressure supply pump, injectors, the common rail feeding the injectors and the high pressure piping connecting the components.
Fuel delivery is controlled by an EDU (Electronic Driving Unit) that activates each injector at precisely the right time to inject a measured high-pressure fuel charge drawn from the common fuel rail directly into each cylinder. An array of sensors continually feeds information to a microcomputer that exercises comprehensive control over the fuel pressure in the common rail, and over the injection timing and volume. The high degree of control flexibility that is typical of these engines enhances engine output and fuel efficiency while reducing NOx and particulate emissions. Combustion noise is also reduced.
The turbocharger employs ‘variable-nozzle-vane’ technology. This system continually adjusts the flow speed and pressure of the exhaust gas that flows into the turbine. This allows the balance between exhaust back pressure and boost pressure to be optimised based on engine demand. A DC servo-motor is used to operate the variable nozzle vane for effective control.
Hilux Raised Body Raider (4X2) and 4X4 Raider main specification items:
- Rear differential lock
- 205R16C tyres on 16 inch steel wheels
- Transponder key immobiliser and alarm
- Chrome side mirrors
- Front fog lights
- Side steps
- Power windows front and rear
- Power remote side mirrors
- Cruise control
- Height adjustable steering wheel
- Air conditioning
- RDS radio with front loading CD player and MP3 functionality
- Sports type front seats
- Fitted carpet floor covering
- Tinted windows all round
- Sliding rear window
- Centre console bin with lid
- Front and rear door pockets
- Tip up rear seat cushions with under seat storage compartments
- Remote fuel flap release
- Load sensing, proportioning valve for rear brakes
- Tailgate mounted high level stop light
- Child locks on rear doors
- Safety cell cab design
- Door impact beams
- Head impact protection trim
- Brake pedal intrusion limiter
- Energy absorbing steering boss and column
- ABS anti-lock brakes
- Driver and passenger front airbags
- Side and curtain shield airbags
- Pretensioners and force limiters for front seat belts
- Remote central locking with selective unlock
- Satellite audio controls on the steering wheel
Features unique to the 4X4 Double Cab Raider:
- Part time 4X4 with automatic front differential engagement on 4X4 model
- Steering pump check valve to reduce shock transfer through the steering wheel on rough terrain
Exterior features that are new across the range in the new styling package as shown on the new Hilux 3.0 D-4D 4X4 Raider AT on show include revised front bumper styling, a new design for the radiator grille, revised headlamp styling, lockable tailgate, and a short ‘bee-sting’ type radio antenna. On Double Cab Raider models the wheel size is increased to 16 inches.
On all manual transmission models the gear-shift lever is shortened for improved ergonomics. Improvements on all Single Cab and Double Cab Raider models include leather covers for the steering wheel and gear lever, and Cruise Control for the 3.0 D-4D Raider models in addition to the 4.0 V6 petrol powered models. Double Cab Raiders also gain a multi-information display; Optitron instrumentation, and an ‘Auto’ mode for the airconditioner.
