Toyota’s ‘indestructible’ Hilux has a new look and more hi-tech features for 2012. The legendary pick-up is no stranger to being ‘restyled’, having previously been converted into an all-conquering volcanic and Polar explorer and taken everything Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson could throw at it (click here for a reminder of those episodes!). Now the Hilux has a fresh face for 2012 and is cleaner than ever.
The 2.5-litre D-4D and 3.0 D-4D engines now comply with Euro 5 emissions standards and offer reduced CO2 output and increased fuel economy. In fact, the 2.5-litre Double Cab Hilux has the lowest CO2 emissions of any vehicle in its class.
Style-wise, the Hilux has a new bonnet, radiator grille, headlamps and bumper, plus new wheel designs, side bars and steps for the top-of-the-range Hilux Invincible. The interior has been given a new look, too, with new upper dashboard design and instrument cluster that emphasise the roominess of the cabin.
The revised lay-out incorporates the new Toyota Touch multimedia unit with a full colour 6.1-inch touchscreen (picture above). The Touch package, fitted as standard to the HL3 and Invincible models also includes Bluetooth and a USB port for connecting digital music players.
As a result of the adjustments to the engines, CO2 emissions for the 2.5 D-4D (Double Cab) have been cut to 194g/km, and combined fuel consumption has also improved to 38.7mpg for all bodystyles. The emissions figure for the 3.0 D-4D Double Cab automatic has fallen to 227g/km and the manual to 203g/km. Combined fuel consumption figures are improved from 31.7 to 32.8mpg and 34.0 to 36.7mpg respectively.
The standard five-speed manual transmission and the optional five-speed automatic for the 3.0 D-4D engine, exclusive to the Invincible, are also retained. Similarly, the grade line-up of HL2, HL3 and Invincible, and the choice of single, extra and double cab bodystyles will continue to be offered for the 2012 model year.
From launch, Hilux will be available with a comprehensive choice of accessory packs to tailor the vehicle to suit the needs of both business users and those owners who need to use Hilux for more everyday driving duties, or want to give their vehicle an extra dash of style. The 2012 Hilux goes on sale in the UK in October, priced from £16,090 CV on-the-road.
I have one of the new mk8 Toyota hilux and I use it for work I’m carrying 600 kg constant and it’s hitting the bump stops over bumps spoke to Toyota and they asked me to weigh it so I could prove the mass of the vehicle and also weighed the axle weights and as predicated well under but still Toyota still say nothing they can do. I can get heavy duty springs but they won’t cover it under warranty as classed as modification as I know I can acquire heavy duty springs as a range of utility companies upgrade them. Also for the fuel economy don’t expect to get better than 28mpg and to do that you must not go above 50mph or your down to 26mpg.
i have a toyota hilux 2012 invincible and have a problem with petrol gauge,what happens is that when tank is empty the gauge reads 1/4 tank
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch. We’d have to recommend speaking with your local Toyota Centre about this issue. They will be able to take a look at your vehicle and assess the situation.
Hi I have the same problem. What was it please ? Thanks