New HiLux range revealed in full

Toyota Australia unveiled the flagship SR5 Double Cab version of its all-new HiLux in Sydney last week and now the full range –including Single Cab and Extra Cab, plus the new Hi-Rider variant – have now been revealed in Thailand.

First official interior images and the first promo video of the eighth-generation HiLux, which goes on sale here in October, have now also been released in Thailand, where it will be known as the HiLux Revo and where Australia's version will again be built.

At the same time, leaked brochure images published by fan site HiLuxRevoThailand.com uncover further technical details about the replacement for Australia's top-selling ute.

However, it remains unclear how much of this information is relevant to Australians given that full details and the interior of the Australian-spec HiLux are still under official wraps.

What's clear from the images though is that the entry-level WorkMate single-cab will share the more rounded front-end design of the Mk8 HiLux SR5, a handful of images of which were released By Toyota Oz on Thursday (May 21), but will continue to wear a matt-black front bumper, while the extended-cab (known as Smart Cab in Thailand) will again feature short, rear coach doors.

As we reported last week, the new HiLux brings a bigger body, larger cabin, improved dynamics, Australian-tuned chassis, more features, increased load and towing capacity, two new diesel engines and improved fuel efficiency.

The 2016 HiLux range will expanded to 31 variants – up from 23 – following the addition of more dual-cab, 4x4 and diesel versions, including a reintroduced entry-level WorkMate 4x4 variant and new Hi-Rider variants with 2WD, heavy-duty suspension and extra ride height.

Toyota Australia has confirmed it will be offered with two diesel and two petrol engines, led by a downsized new 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that offers 130kW/450Nm when matched to a new six-speed automatic (reducing to 420Nm with a six-speed manual).

That means it will have less power or torque than key rivals including the Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50, Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton, all of which will be either renewed or upgraded before the new HiLux arrives here.

HiLux 4x2s will be powered by a smaller-again 2.4-litre diesel offering 110kW/400Nm as an auto and 110kW/343Nm with a five-speed auto, and the top-selling Japanese workhorse will continue with two petrol engines: a carryover 207kW 4.0-litre V6 and upgraded 122kW 2.7-litre petrol four.

Perhaps most importantly, braked braked towing capacity on top-spec versions has been increased to 3500kg (up 1000kg), matching the class-leading Ranger and new Navara and bettering the new Triton (3100kg). Maximum payload increases to as much as 1240kg for some variants, and 4x4 models will finally offer push-button shift-on-the-fly 4x4 and low-range selection, plus a diff lock.

Based on a beefier ladder frame, the new HiLux dual-cab is 70mm longer, 20mm wider and slightly lower than the Mk5, which should make it about 75mm longer than comparable versions of the Navara and 50mm longer than the Triton, but 21mm shorter than the Ranger.

Between the base WorkMate and top-shelf SR6 there will again be the mid-range SR, although a born-again TRD range-topper could again join the range.

Toyota Oz has confirmed that top-spec HiLux models like the SR5 will come with a colour touch-screen infotainment screen, keyless starting and entry, factory air-conditioning, cruise control and door locks, 18-inch alloy wheels and the availability of LED headlights and daytime running lights. Base models will ride on 16s.

Thai-market interior shots show that premium dual-cab versions should also gain rear ventilation outlets, a 60/40-split rear seatback with fold-down centre armrest with cup-holders, ISOFIX child seat anchors, automatic climate-control and a cool box.

Toyota Australia expects all models to come with a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating this time round -- joining the Ranger, Triton and Mazda BT-50 – thanks in part because it's the first ute to come with a reversing camera as standard across the range, as well as seven airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, hill start assist and emergency stop signal.

Trailer sway control, hill-start assist control, downhill assist control and engine idle-stop are also listed in the Thai HiLux brochure, and Toyota is known to have tested an automatic emergency braking system in the new pick-up, but it's unclear if these technologies will be offered in Australia.

It's also unknown whether the HiLux will match first-in-class 2016 Ranger safety features like radar cruise control, drowsy driver warning system and lane departure warning with active lane-keeping assistance.