Far Eastern attack
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• Daihatsu and Toyota have both revised their Japanesebuilt UK light commercial vehicle ranges for 1988. Externally, the latest Daihatsu Fourtrak all-wheel-drive models have a face-lifted front end, with new rectangular headlamps, a different grille and wider wheelarch extensions.
Although the basic Fourtrak commercial range (comprising the 2.2m-wheelbase diesel, and petrol, hardand soft-top models and the 2.8m-wheelbase diesel pickup) keeps its existing driveline. Daihatsu has improved the 2.8-litre naturally-aspirated diesel power unit, making it quieter.
Changes include a switch to a toothed-belt driving the overhead camshaft and fuel-injection pump, as well as the addition of a pulley damper to cut down engine vibrations. While the 2,765cm3 four-cylinder diesel retains its current 54kW (72hp) and 170Nm (125lbft) power and torque ratings, a redesigned valve and lubrication system has allowed maximum engine revs to be increased from 4,100 to 4,500rpm.
Daihatsu has also beefed up the transfer-case gear bearings and differential-drive pinion gear bearings on all Fourtrak models, which feature revised clutch, designed to reduce transmission noise.
Overall ride comfort on the Fourtrak has been improved by the adoption of new four-leaf mechanical springs — in place of the old five-leaf units — on all models with the exception of the long wheelbase diesel pickup.
Internally, the Fourtrak has been given upgraded seating, improved ventilation and larger door pockets. Although a passenger version of the Fourtrak, with a more powerful 70kW (90hp) turbocharged 2.8-litre diesel engine, is sold in the UK, Daihatsu says it has no plans to fit the turbo diesel in any of its Fourtrak commercial models.
Toyota has made a number of trim improvements to its commercial vehicle range, and given the 4x4 Landcruiser a complete facelift Its Liteace compact panel van gets a larger front seat, and a lower ratio steering rack. The larger Hiace panel van gets a redesigned fascia, and six new tie-down hooks on the rear load bed.
The flilux range of pickups gets improved seating material, and a revised heater control panel. All the vehicles gain a headlamp warning buzzer to remind the driver to switch off the headlamps before leaving the vehicle.
The diesel-engined Land cruiser four-wheel-drive station wagon has had a front-end facelift, with new headlamps, a revised grille, and larger bumpers.• Inside there is a redesigned fascia with new grab handles and steering wheel. A radio/cassette replaces the previous push-button radio.
The existing Liteace, Hiace, Hilux and Landcruiser engines and gearboxes remain unchanged.