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Akin to the middle line-up in a cricket team, the new 2.4 litre GD6 powered Toyota Hilux derivatives deliver a strong punch and complete the task at hand effortlessly, reaching the end goal with seeming ease and transporting the team to the winner’s circle .
Market Performance
Making its market debut at the end of February, the new Hilux has quickly racked up sales, with 854 double-cab units reported in a mere 8 days. All indications are there that this sales momentum is set to continue with over 2360 units retailed to date, signifying great market acceptance. With the Single-cab and Xtra –cab derivatives reaching dealerships this month in March, the numbers are sure to increase.
Upgraded Outputs
The focal point of the new “mid-range” 2.4 litre Global Diesel (GD) engines are undoubtedly their impressive power and torque outputs. The new engine bows in to replace the previously employed 2.5 litre D-4D, and brings with it a vast range of improvements in performance, refinement and fuel efficiency. Retaining the proven DOHC 16 valve, inline 4-cylinder architecture, the new engines bring with a number of advancements under the skin.
Two iterations of the 2.4 litre mill are offered, with the standard version delivering 110 kW and 343 Nm between 1400 and 2800 rpm. This represents a 35 kW increase versus the old model (46% improvement), and a colossal 143 Nm increase in torque (72% improvement).
The high-output version receives a boost in torque to 400 Nm, available from 1600 – 2000 rpm, constituting a 53% increase in tractive force.
These significant improvements in output allow the new Hilux to punch above its weight.
An interesting note on the new 2.4 GD diesel engine is the reduction of compression ratio compared to the outgoing 2.5 D-4D powerplant (16%). Even though diesels are designed to have high compression ratios, and high compression ratios provide efficiency, it’s not all good news.
A more forceful and violent explosion within the combustion chamber produces more noise in the form of diesel ‘knock’ and ‘rattle’, and potentially more engine vibration. High compression ratios also produce more environmentally damaging oxides of nitrogen, commonly referred to as NOx.
This reduction in compression ratio therefore contributes to a smoother and quieter running engine, which culminates in a more refined powertrain, as well as a reduction in emissions. Toyota’s engineers have managed to improve output and thermal efficiency, despite the reduction in compression ratio – creating a win-win situation.
Grade Alignment
As part of the overall grade strategy of the new Hilux line-up, “mid-grade” engines are paired with “mid-grade” specification packages, in order to provide maximum value to the customer and align the overall package with the requirements of the target market.
As such the 2.4 family of engines perform duty across all three bodyshapes, in the workhorse and SRX grade models. The utility focussed “workhorse” derivatives are equipped with the standard output 2.4 litre engine, making light work of any load and offering class leading torque output of 343Nm.
The mid-grade SRX models are specified with the high output 2.4 litre GD engine, which afford them exceptional performance credentials, whilst also being able to boast with a class leading torque output – weighing in at 400 Nm.
The SRX package offers customers a host of core convenience features and strikes a perfect balance between function and form. In addition to standard creature comforts such as power windows, a 12-volt power outlet, adjustable exterior mirrors, ABS brakes, remote central locking and an all-new anti-theft system – the SRX models further incorporate steering switches, Tilt & Telescopic steering adjustment (X/C and D/C only), an economy meter, Multi Information Display, Audio system with Bluetooth and USB playback, as well as 17” steel wheels.
On the passive safety front, occupants are protected by driver, passenger and driver knee airbags, with ISOFIX attachment points and a 3-point rear centre seatbelt being added to double-cab models.
Slick Transmissions
Forming the link between the advanced new engines and the driven wheels, are all-new slick 5 – and 6-speed transmissions. Workhorse models are equipped with a rugged 5-speed manual transmission with the SRX versions receiving a slick-shifting 6-speed manual.
The new transmissions help make the make the most of the 2.4 litre engine’s power delivery and provide an effortless drive with carefully spaced gear ratios.
SRX models equipped with the 6-speed transmission proudly sport the ‘2.4 GD-6’ moniker on the fender, whilst workhorse models omit the 6 in their nomenclature, to denote the fitment of a 5-speed cog swapper.
Outstanding Fuel Economy
The 2.4 GD engines also deliver superb fuel efficiency, with the 2WD ‘Raised Body’ double-cab variant using a meagre 7.1 litres per 100 km.
A raft of improvements in engine design, culminate to produce a powerplant that offers exceptional performance, efficiency and refinement.
Power to Pull
Utilising the impressive torque delivery, the new Hilux 2.4 models also hold their own in the ‘tractor pulling’ contest. Single-cab workhorse models receive an increase of 500 kg to 2500 kg, while the 2.4 GD-6 ‘Raised Body’ derivatives have received a boost by 250kg to offer an impressive 2750 kg towing capability.
The 2.4 GD-6 4×4 derivatives lay claim to a stout 3200 kg capacity across all three bodyshapes.
Model Line-Up
Single-Cab
2.4 GD 5MT
2.4 GD 5MT A/C
2.4 GD-6 RB SRX 6MT
2.4 GD-6 4X4 SRX 6MT
Xtra Cab
2.4 GD-6 RB SRX 6MT
Double Cab
2.4 GD-6 4X4 SRX 6MT
2.4 GD-6 RB SRX 6MT
Mining Models
2.4 GD-6 4X4 SR 6MT – Single Cab
2.4 GD-6 4X4 SR 6MT – Xtra Cab
Service Intervals & Plans
All models are accompanied by a 5 year or 90 000 kilometre service plan (whichever occurs first) with service intervals set at 10 000 kilometres.
