Toyota updates
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TOYOTA has updated its UK light commercial vehicle range with the introduction of revised Hi-Lux and Hi-Ace models powered by uprated engines, reports BRIAN WEATHERLEY.
The 1984 Hi-Lux 4 x 2 pick-up's have a redesigned body and chassis, as well as an improved driveline and suspension. The previous 1.6 litre petrol engine has been replaced by Toyota's 2Y 1812cc ohv petrol unit rated at 58kW (78bhp) with an increased torque of 140Nm (103 Ibft).
A five-speed gearbox is now offered as standard on the HiLux with a 0.802 to 1 ratio overdrive fifth gear, while the old column-mounted gear lever has been replaced by a floor lever. Kerb weight for the 4 x 2 pick-up is 1,135kg (2,502 lb), with a gvw of 2,385kg (5,2581b), giving a payload without driver of 1,250kg (2,755 lb).
The new pick-up body is also used on the Hi-Lux four-wheeldrive variant, which is now offered with a choice of two litre petrol or 2.4 litre diesel engines. The two litre 3Y petrol unit rated at 65kW (87bhp) has the same basic casting as the 2Y engine, but with an increased stroke raising the capacity to 1,998cc. Torque on the 3Y is 157 Nm (116 Ibft).
The 2.4 litre 2L diesel is derived from the 2.2 litre L diesel previously offered on the Hi-Ace panel van and has a compression ratio of 22.3 to 1 with an output of 55kW (73.7bhp) and a torque rating of 156Nm (115 lb ft). The indirect injection engine is also fitted with an in-line fuel heater automatically triggered by a pressure sensor near the tank that detects any pressure change in the fuel line caused by diesel waxing.
Hi-Lux 4x4 use the same fivespeed box as the 4x2, but with a transfer box with direct High and 2.277 Low ratios. A transfer lever mounted on the floor of the cab gives High two-wheel-drive, High and Low four-wheel-drive and neutral options. Free-wheeling front hubs are fitted as standard.
Kerb weight for the Hi-Lux 4x4 is 1,335kg (2,943 lb) for the petrol model and 1,435kg (3,163 lb) on the diesel version, although both have a payload capacity without driver on board of 980kg (2,160 lb).
Hi-Ace Panel Vans retain the same body shell launched last year, but are now powered by the two litre 3Y petrol and 2.4 litre 2L diesel engines. A fourspeed gearbox with direct top is fitted to the petrol Hi-Ace, while diesel vans have the same fivespeed box as the Hi-Lux 4x2. Payload on the petrol and diesel vans is 1,245kg (2,7451b) and 1,150kg (2,535 lb) respectively, without driver.
1 drove both pick-up models, half laden, recently in Scotland. The Hilux 4x2 supplied for driving impressions had only 118 miles on the clock, and showed signs of tightness in the engine and transmission with a distinct lack of power particularly in third and fourth gears. Over uneven roads, the soft suspension on the Hi-Lux set up an unpleasant wallowing motion, which would be improved by a stiffer damping rate on the shock absorbers.
Price for the Hi-Lux 4x2 powered by the 1.8 petrol engine is £4,999 incuding vat, with diesel and petrol 4x4 Hi-Lux's priced at £7,370 and £6,699 including vat respectively.
Hi-Ace panel vans cost £5,962 including vat for the petrol version and £6,663 for the diesel.