Those who are planning to buy the latest Toyota Hilux or any Toyota model have a choice of various schemes from UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) to help them with financing. These are the Toyota EZ Beli Plan, Jom Drive, AITAB, Toyota Drive, Toyota Flexi Plan as well as conventional Hire-Purchase and Vehicle Lease financing schemes which are available from all authorized Toyota dealerships and UMWT branches nationwide.
The latest Toyota Hilux
Two new schemes
UMWT, in collaboration with Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, now offers another two more which are Shariah Compliant Term Financing schemes to its customers – Vehicle Financing-i and Vehicle Financing-i GradHitz.
Vehicle Financing-i is available for all customers aged up to 60 years old with a minimum income of RM2,800 or more. Vehicle Financing-i GradHitz is a special package tailored for newly employed young graduates, aged less than 30 years, with a minimum qualification of a diploma degree from a recognized institution under Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). For this scheme, they can apply for up to 100% margin of financing (terms and conditions apply).
Both schemes are based on term financing under the principle of Murabahah to the Purchase Order as a cost-plus profit financing contract. The financing tenure is up to 9 years, with fixed profit rates from 2.35% to 2.55% per annum. Customers will be eligible for Ibra’ (rebate) if full settlement is made before the maturity period of the financing.
The two Bank Islam financing schemes are applicable for all new Toyota models sold by authorized Toyota dealerships throughout Malaysia (including the Labuan and Langkawi duty-free zones).
Takaful coverage for peace of mind
Auto Financing Takaful Plan (AFTP), a takaful coverage, is also offered to customers. The plan covers the outstanding financing amount in the event of death or permanent disability within the financing period. The AFTP contribution is calculated based on financing amount and age of the applicant.
Customers who require more information may contact any authorized Toyota dealership in Peninsular and East Malaysia. Locations of the dealerships can be found at www.toyota.com.my.
Motor vehicles can last a long time but at some point, they will be scrapped and depending on what processes are available, the various parts that were assembled together to form the vehicle will be removed and can be recycled, typically, plastic and metal items as well as batteries and tyres.
With Re:Style 2020, Hyundai Motor Company (in the UK) announces the launch of a creative approach to sustainable fashion by upcycling discarded materials from the automotive manufacturing and scrapping process into marketable products in collaboration with leading artists in eco-friendly design.
Other materials can also be recycled Re:Style 2020 stems from the recognition that although most of the materials, such as iron and non-ferrous metals, are currently recycled as part of the vehicle scrapping process, there are still some materials such as leather, glass and airbags that end up in landfill. For Re:Style 2020 as well as its past iteration in 2019, the company collected various leftover materials with the help of diverse partners and sent them to the collaborating designers.
Building on the success of its predecessor in 2019, the Re:Style 2020 capsule fashion collection has been created in partnership with renowned trendy fashion brands Alighieri, E.L.V. DENIM, Public School, pushBUTTON, Richard Quinn and Rosie Assoulin.
Sales on Selfridges online store
In view of the current global pandemic, the collection has been presented online this week via Hyundai’s social media channels, as well as those of Britain’s Selfridges and the participating brands. Featuring a variety of products such as jewelry, jumpsuits, working vests, bags and various other clothing made with discarded materials from the automobile production and scrapping process, the event will kick-start sales on the Selfridges online store.
L.V. Denim’s Jumpsuit from upcycled denim and leather scraps from the car manufacturing process (left), and Public School’s Fuji Technical Vest (right) created out of discarded seatbelt webbings and airbag materials.pushBUTTON’s Work Vest (left) with pockets using airbag materials that keeps the airbag’s original details, and Rosie Assoulin’s Tote Bag made of seatbelt webbings, carpet fabrics and foam repurposed from discarded automotive materials.
“At Hyundai Motor, we understand that ethical consumption and caring for the environment are increasingly important considerations of our customers in the post COVID-19 world. Through Re:Style 2020 we want to offer another way Hyundai Motor can help customers enjoy the sustainable lifestyle they aspire to,” said Wonhong Cho, Executive Vice-President and Global Chief Marketing Officer of Hyundai Motor Company.
“By demonstrating that discarded resources can be reimagined into valuable products, Hyundai Motor encourages more industries to see waste as a recreative opportunity and to work collaboratively toward an environmentally accountable and economically efficient future.”
Under its Strategy 2025, Hyundai Motor aims to spearhead a global leadership in zero-emissions and clean mobility by becoming the world’s third-largest automaker of eco-friendly vehicles by 2025.
McLaren is in the business of making supercars and even though its cars have all along been powered by internal combustion engines, it is now adapting to the age of electrification. And it intends to also produce cars with the same high performance even if they are electrified.
It has been developing a High-Performance Hybrid (HPH) supercar which has entered the final stages of its development and test programmes, which includes running on public roads. It is not a one-off product and will be launched in the first half of 2021, open a new era of electrification for McLaren following the end of production of its Sports Series range.
The Sports Series, with models like the 620R, will no longer be produced after 2020.
The Sports Series designation – introduced in 2015 with the launch of the 570S – ceases from the end of this year with the limited-run, GT4-inspired 620R that will be the last model produced.
New carbonfibre structure
The all-new, supercar will be the first McLaren built on a new carbonfibre structure, christened McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA). Optimised for High-Performance Hybrid powertrains and latest-generation driver technologies, the architecture elevates McLaren’s pioneering lightweight chassis technologies to new heights.
Designed, developed and produced in the UK at the state-of-the-art McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC), the all-new flexible structure will underpin the next generation of McLaren hybrid supercars over the coming years.
The High-Performance Hybrid powertrain, which has an all-new V6 internal combustion engine, will sit between the GT and the 720S in the McLaren range.
New kind of McLaren for a new era
“This all-new McLaren supercar is the distillation of everything we have done to date; all that we have learned and achieved,” said Mike Flewitt, CEO of McLaren Automotive. “This is a new kind of McLaren for a new era, an extraordinary driver’s car that offers blistering performance as well as an all-electric range capable of covering most urban journeys. We see this new McLaren as a true ‘next generation’ supercar and cannot wait to show it to customers.”
“For us, light-weighting and high-performance hybrid technology go hand-in-hand to achieve better performance as well as more efficient vehicles,” he explained. “Our expertise in lightweight composites and carbonfibre manufacturing, combined with our experience in cutting-edge battery technologies and high-performance hybrid propulsion systems, makes us ideally placed to deliver uncompromised levels of electrified high-performance driving that until now have simply been unattainable.”
With a President who is a racing driver himself, it’s not surprising that Toyota is getting more involved in different forms of motorsport, including the fast-growing digital motor racing or e-motorsports. E-motorsport is one of the key pillars of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) to bring thrill to car enthusiasts and engage those looking to pursue new challenges in the virtual world. Furthermore, the key learnings and real-time experiences gained from the TGR’s motorsport activities remains eminent to the development of Toyota vehicles.
Later this month, Toyota Motor Asia Pacific (TMAP) will bring 15 top e-motorsport players in Asia together for its first virtual motorsport showdown – the GR Supra GT Cup ASIA 2020.
The regional round on October 25 will see three top challengers from each of the five participating countries – Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and India – will compete online. The winner will be the regional champion who will then go on to participate in the final of the global GR Supra GT Cup 2020 to be held this December.
The GR Supra GT Cup ASIA 2020, a one-make race championship in Gran Turismo Sport, began in June 2020 with national-level qualifying races hosted by Toyota affiliates in each of the five participating countries.
In Malaysia, hosted by UMW Toyota Motor, the event was known as the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship and the final round was held last month. The top three finalists were Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira, Mior Muhammad Hafiz and Muhammad Iqbal Ahmad Suji, who will represent Malaysia in the GR Supra GT Cup ASIA 2020.
Commenting on the GR Supra GT Cup ASIA 2020 Regional Round, David Nordstrom, Vice-President of TMAP said: “The GR Supra GT Cup ASIA challenge is all about the power of passion, cars and limitless possibilities and we are excited to engage with the aspiring players in the region. It is a great feeling to race on-line. Indeed, my racing moments on simulator captures some of the exhilaration I have experienced on real racetracks around the world.”
“It’s a feat to have these incredible players competing in the legendary sportscar, THE GR Supra, and we look forward to having fans join us to experience virtual racing with Toyota, by watching the regional finale,” he added.
Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has enhanced its Porsche Cayenne offering with a new Premium Package which provides additional options as standard. These include options that enhance performance and also comfort and motoring enjoyment.
On the technical side is air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management for dynamic handling and driving comfort as well as 21-inch RS Spyder wheels. The driver will also be able to get the car into a parking bay more easily with ParkAssist with Surround View.
The powertrain available for the Malaysian market is the 3-litre turbocharged V6 engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger. The 340 ps/450 Nm output is delivered to the wheels through an 8-speed Tiptronic S transmission.
Inside, the enhancements now include 4-zone climate control and a BOSE Surround Sound System. The high-powered 710W audio system comes with 14 speakers, including a separate subwoofer, and uses BOSE SoundTrue Enhancement Technology to enhance the quality of sound reproduction.
“There’s nothing quite like a ride in a sportscar, be it for the driver or the passenger, and it’s our goal to share ‘that sportscar feeling’ with more Porsche enthusiasts in Malaysia. The introduction of the new Cayenne Premium Package has enabled us to do that, and we stay committed to finding new ways of bringing fans closer to realising their dreams of owning a Porsche,” said Christopher Hunter, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance.
The Cayenne comes with a 4-year unlimited mileage warranty as well as 4 years of free scheduled service and maintenance. SDAP is now accepting orders for the model which has a base price of RM680,000. Deliveries will begin in 2021.
There was a time when coupes came only with two doors but these days, the same sleek profile can be maintained even with four doors, and the new 218i Gran Coupe M Sport is a fine example of this. The compact model in the 2-Series family was launched today with a pricetag of RM211,367.00 (excluding insurance) and because it is assembled locally, there is full exemption of the 10% sales tax till the end of the year.
The 218i Gran Coupe M Sport has a newly-designed 3-dimensional mesh single-unit kidney grille that is complemented by slim, slanted LED headlights and LED foglights. Its sits low to the road with flared wheelarches and 18-inch M light alloy wheels in double-spoke style 819 M Bicolour within them.
At the rear end are slim wraparound LED taillights connected by a high-gloss black band. The new Gran Coupe also comes equipped with the M Aerodynamics package as a standard, along with the BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line.
In conjunction with the new model’s launch, BMW Group Malaysia also displayed the 218i Gran Coupe M Sport alongside a fleet of cars camouflaged in unique designs by local businesses, volunteer groups and Non-Governmental Organisations Komuniti Tukang Jahit, Changgih Designs, INKAA and Kanoe.
1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine
Under the bonnet is a transversely-mounted 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine produces 140 bhp/220 Nm. Its small displacement offers the best of both worlds – a claimed 8.7-second acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h and a top speed of 213 km/h, with fuel consumption said to be up to almost 17 kms per litre. A 7-speed Steptronic double-clutch transmission is standard, delivering power to the front wheels.
Drawing on its decades of expertise in driving dynamics, the BMW engineers have ensured that the Gran Coupe offers the sort of performance expected of BMWs. A key contributor is the ARB technology (near-actuator wheel slip limitation) which allows significantly faster and more sensitive control interventions, while minimising understeer usually experienced with FWD vehicles.
The ARB technology features a slip control system positioned directly in the engine control unit which results in shorter signal paths, with reduced engine output as soon as there is a threat of wheel slip on the front wheels.
Modern sporty cockpit
In keeping with the exterior appearance, the cockpit is sportily themed and appointed. There’s a multifunction M leather-wrapped steering wheel, sport seats with Leather Dakota upholstery, and two-zone automatic air conditioning system. Illuminated trim finishers in Illuminated Boston and LED light sources via the Lights Package enhance cabin ambience.
BMW Live Cockpit Plus is composed of an analogue speedometer and tachometer which provides the driver with clear and immediate awareness of road speed and engine speed. The other operating information is displayed on a 5.1-inch, 4:3 portrait-format screen which displays information such as the status of the driver assistance systems and navigation instructions. This is complemented by an 8.8-inch touchscreen control display which can also be managed by the iDrive controller.
The compact dimensions of the Gran Coupe limit boot volume and a maximum of 430 litres is available (but 40 litres more than the 2-Series Coupe). Long items can be stowed if the rear backrests are folded down.
BMW Driving Assistants
The Gran Coupe has three assistance systems – Driving Assistant, Parking Assistant and Reversing Assistant. The Driving Assistant includes Lane Change Warning, Crossing Traffic Warning at the rear, Rear Collision Warning, and Speed Limit Assist. It also includes Lane Departure Warning with active steering intervention, as well as the Forward Collision Warning with brake intervention function. The Parking Assistant and Reversing Assistant are standard, along with the Active Park Distance Control and a lateral parking aid.
There are five colour choices – Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Snapper Rock Blue, Storm Bay, and Melbourne Red – but the interior is only available in black Leather Dakota upholstery with blue and black highlights.
As with other new BMWs sold through authorised dealers, the 218i Gran Coupe M Sport comes with BMW Group Malaysia’s Premium Ownership benefits such as a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme, Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card and BMW Service Online.
Jaguar’s XE, one of the older models in the range, soldiers on in 2020 with updates to the powertrain that include a diesel powertrain with Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology. This is the first time that the Ingenium diesel range has MHEV technology, providing increased performance and better fuel efficiency while reducing toxic exhaust emission levels.
The 2-litre 4-cylinder engine has a selection of advanced features for added refinement and performance, including variable vane geometry turbocharger technology. At low engine speeds, the turbocharger vanes rotate to narrow the opening between them, increasing exhaust gas velocity and boosting pressure, which provides rapid torque response and enhanced acceleration. At high engine speeds, the vanes open, ensuring maximum exhaust gas flow to deliver peak power while maintaining optimum efficiency.
The engine now features steel pistons, with the higher strength material allowing for a more compact, lower friction design as well as increased capability to withstand higher peak pressures. Their stronger construction enables more intricate and thorough integration of cooling channels for improved thermal management.
At the same time, the thermal expansion rate is closer to that of the iron cylinder liners for improved clearance control, both enhancing cooling and reducing friction for better efficiency. The new 2,500 bar piezo common-rail injection system delivers even finer control of fuel delivered into the cylinders.
Belt-integrated Starter Generator
The MHEV system uses a Belt-integrated Starter Generator situated in the engine bay to harvest energy usually lost when slowing and braking, which is then stored in a 48V lithium-ion battery pack located beneath the rear end. It is able to redeploy the stored energy to assist the engine when accelerating away while also delivering a more refined and responsive stop/start system.
With 204 ps/430 Nm generated by the new turbodiesel MHEV engine, the rear-wheel drive XE is claimed to have a 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds, while fuel consumption is extended to 23.2 kms/litre.
For those who prefer a petrol engine, Jaguar still offers the 250 ps and 300 ps Ingenium engines with the latest engine technologies. These include a twin scroll turbocharger and Continuous Variable Valve Lift. The 300 ps variant comes with all-wheel drive and has a claimed 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds.
Change in infotainment system
The Touch Pro Duo infotainment system has been replaced by the Pivi Pro system. This comes with a 12.3-inch HD Interactive Driver Display with enhanced graphics and a configurable layout. Working in conjunction with the latest Head-up Display technology, XE gives drivers all the information they need without distraction.
The intuitive new infotainment system has Apple CarPlay as standard and allows customers to connect two phones simultaneously via Bluetooth. Android Auto and Baidu CarLife are also available, depending on market applicability.
Pivi Pro connectivity is provided by embedded dual-sim capability, with two LTE modems enabling the system to carry out multiple functions at the same time, such as streaming media and downloading updates over the air, without compromising performance. This level of connectivity also ensures minimal interruptions caused by coverage blackspots as it roams across network providers for the strongest signal.
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After an absence of over a decade, BMW’s legendary ‘ti’ model designation returns with the new 128ti. The 128ti is based on the M Sport model specification for the 1-Series. First deliveries in Europe will start towards the end of this year.
With M Sport specification as standard, the new 128ti is described as an authentic ‘Turismo Internazionale’, delivering on its sporting promise with features like the Torsen limited-slip differential, M Sport suspension, and a 2-litre petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.
Exterior design elements include distinctive front and rear aprons with additional trim such as outer air intakes from the M135i xDrive and the trim for the Air Curtains (in red).
The extended Shadowline trim with a black BMW kidney grille and dual 90 mm diameter black chrome tailpipe finishers come as standard. An even darker front-end appearance can be achieved with the optional BMW Individual lights Shadowline, which are largely devoid of chrome.
Suspension items from M135i
The exclusively front-wheel-drive model also has the firmer anti-roll bars and anti-roll bar mounts from the M135i xDrive, plus stiffer modified springs and shock absorbers and a 10 mm drop in height. A model-specific steering setup minimises torque steer while there are weight savings of around 80 kgs (compared to theM135i xDrive).
18-inch Y‑spoke 553 M bi-colour light-alloy wheels are exclusive to the BMW 128ti. Michelin Pilot Sport 4) in 225/40 R18 size are available on request.
Customised control systems
The mechanical limited-slip differential is assisted by several electronic control systems. One system that has been specially modified for the 128ti is BMW Performance Control, whose ‘sharper’ yaw moment distribution boosts rear axle agility.
ARB (near-actuator wheel slip limitation) technology is also utilised, as it is on all models in the 1-Series. This newly developed traction control system features a slip controller positioned directly in the engine control unit rather than in the control unit for the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system, enabling ARB to work 10 times faster.
As a result, not only is operation smoother and more sensitive, the system can also make maximum use of the potential traction offered by different road surfaces. The ARB technology works with DSC to significantly reduce the power understeer that can affect front-wheel-drive cars.
The engine is a direct offshoot of the BMW Group’s most powerful 4-cylinder unit. With BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, the 2-litre engine produces 265 bhp/400 Nm and is claimed to go from 0 to 100 km/h within 6.1 seconds.
Red to emphasise sporty character
Moving inside, the sporty character is emphasised by red accents which are a bold contrast to the black headlining. A large ‘Race Red’ surface adorns the front centre sections of the standard Sensatec/cloth sport seats (M Sport seats are optionally available). A red ‘ti’ is stitched into the centre armrest which – like the door armrests, the door panels, the instrument panel and floor mat edging – also features red contrast stitching.
The steering wheel rim and airbag cover of the standard M Sport steering wheel also feature red stitching. Standard equipment includes the M door sill strips on the front door openings, and M seat belts. The load compartment has a volume of 380 litres, which can be expanded to 1,200 litres if the backrests are folded down.
The infotainment system runs on BMW’s Operating System 7.0 with a display screen of up to 10.25 inches. Besides BMW Live Cockpit Professional, gesture control is also available and the customer can specify a 9.2‑inch Head-Up Display.
There used to be a time when the Toyota Hilux used to be the first and last word in the world of pick up trucks. Nothing else came close.
Conceived from a time when the world needed hardcore work horses to help with everything from construction sites to moving timber and such, the Hilux made a reputation for itself as a reliable truck that never seemed to give up.
But it was too utilitarian. It served a singular purpose – to work, to complement a worksite and to never give up.
It was far from comfortable, had very little creature comforts save for air-conditioning and radio, and safety equipment was almost non-existent.
Then the market shifted. Suddenly people wanted a pick up truck that looked cool, impressed the office mates and looked in place at the valet parking lot of the hottest club in town.
The mighty Hilux was caught off guard in a territory it once dominated. People no longer wanted a hardcore workhorse alone, but they wanted that workhorse to also come with comfortable suspension, interior comforts for the family, entertainment and yet at the same time unrelenting reliability and the ability to tow a bungalow.
There is no doubt in the world that the Hilux offered Toyota’s renowned reliability and durability in all conditions, but it was caught out in every other category that involved the passengers.
Come the second decade of the 2000s and the Hilux was pinned. Faced with an onslaught of modern pick ups like the Ranger, Navara and the Triton, the Hilux seemed like it only had a couple of things going for it – Toyota’s unrelenting reliability and a reputation for toughness forged over decades of hard work.
But that did not seem like a bad thing, because though the market was shifting towards more urbanised pick up trucks so to speak, the Hilux still sold in the tens of thousands and has always been among the top three best selling pick up trucks. Talk about a grand old reputation.
So here we were then, at the introduction and test drive of the latest Toyota Hilux – the Hilux Rogue. A supposedly more urbanised version of the Hilux with creature comforts meant to cuddle and entertain its passengers.
But has the Hilux really softened down to become one of those urban pick ups that do well on tarmac as their owners indulge in car like comforts but are totally hopeless when it comes time to get down and dirty with tough work?
Well, did Arnold Scharzenegger soften up and lose his muscles in his role as a kindergarten teacher in the 80s flick – Kindergarten Cop? No, he did not. Likewise with the Hilux Rogue, it is still as tough as ever and you feel it from the moment you get inside.
The steering wheel feels like it would survive a nuclear fall out and we simply love the near vertical dash that gives you ample of knee space and adds to the overall macho feel of the interior.
Interior quality is great and the buttons are soft to the touch. On the topic of pampering its passengers, the Hilux Rogue offers automatic air-conditioning, an entertainment system that offers Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard (a must have in cars these days if you ask us), and even rear air-conditioning vents. Now surely anyone can appreciate that.
But that’s not all for the interior actually, it also comes standard with a Digital Video Recorder so you don’t have to get a third party unit with the cables dangling in your line of sight. And though we didn’t actually see it, Toyota says that the interior of the Hilux now features an illuminated door trim that “elevates the atmosphere within the cabin”.
But it doesn’t end there – the Hilux Rogue also comes loaded with technology designed to make life behind the wheel all the better. This comes in the form of passive safety systems such as Pre-Collision System that alerts you of an obstacle and automatically applies the brakes in case you do not respond.
And then there is the Lane Departure Alert with Yaw Assist that lets you know when you drift out of your lane, gently tugs at the steering wheel to pull you back into your lane, and if all else fails and you still keep straying out of your intended lane, it will apply brake pressure to the two inner wheels as a final effort to keep you from crashing.
And our favourite feature that truly makes life behind the wheel comfortable is the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Simply set your desired cruising speed and let the car do the braking and accelerating, all you have to do is steer. It is even smart enough to accelerate slightly to help you overtake the car in front. The radar mounted into the Toyota emblem in the grille (seen above) will detect obstacles and other cars and will brake the car automatically, and once that gets out of the way the Hilux Rogue will then automatically accelerate again.
Combined, all these systems are called the Toyota Safety Sense. And so far it is only available in the top of the line 2.8 Rogue edition. But expect this to trickle down the model line or to be offered as an option in other variants as well.
Outside the Hilux Rogue takes on a love it or hate it design. The overall design is still typical Hilux, there is no mistaking it for anything but, and the new LED headlights look fantastic with the Daytime Running Lights. But from a personal point of view, the blacked out body kit that starts from the grille and loops over the wheel arches looks a little cheapish – as if the paint shop had forgotten to paint it. But if ruggedness and machoism is the name of your game, then the Rogue body kit should appeal to you.
Driving the Hilux Rogue is still a mundane affair – a character typical of pick up trucks, save for perhaps a Tundra TRD, F-150 Raptor or a Dodge Ram SRT-10. Power is of course available in abundance thanks to an improved 2.8-litre turbocharged engine that puts out 204hp and 500Nm of torque. Despite that fuel economy has also improved by 4%, something we will testify to after driving from Shah Alam to Rawang and up to Janda Baik via Ulu Yam and then to Goh Tong Jaya and back to Shah Alam. The damage? Just a quarter tank of fuel, which is quite impressive considering stop start traffic, uphill climbs and lots of acceleration.
As for handling, Toyota has updated the Hilux with something called a Variable Flow Control Power Steering, this makes the steering speed sensitive – light at low speeds, and heavier at high speeds. But interestingly it is not an electronic steering rack, it is still hydraulic. Which is not a bad thing because a hydraulic rack requires fewer sensors, which means there is a lesser chance of failure.
In the product brochure of the new Hilux Rogue, Toyota says that the suspension has been improved and now offers a more comfortable ride. But as a first impression, we found that the suspension still picks up on the slightest unevenness, bumps and even hops and skips over rumble strips rather than absorbing them.
Now this is also typical of a pick up as it comes with all pick-up trucks (except for the Nissan Navara) come with independent suspension up front with leaf springs at the back. This is normal because pick-ups are designed to carry loads rather than offer a plush ride, absorbing bumps and such. The direct consequence of which is a somewhat stiff ride, which is a character of the new Hilux Rogue.
But what the Hilux Rogue does have though is an impressively quiet interior, it is not as quiet as the interior of a Ranger Wildtrak (which uses Anti-Noise Cancellation technology to cancel out ambient sounds), but it is still quite good, almost like the interior of early 2000 continental cars. Well done to Toyota for that.
All in all, the new Toyota Hilux Rogue is a mighty impressive machine. It is still not as urban centric as some of its competitors but it is fast catching up. And you can always rely on a Hilux to never fail you in any situation. It still comes with the usual array of off-roading gizmos like Downhill-Assist Control and an Automatic Limited-slip Differential, so you can trust that it will always deliver in any situation.
If there ever was an award for the most hard working and most reliable pick-up truck to ever grace the earth – the Hilux would win it hands down. And if ever the call came for this writer to suddenly drive to the end of the world, the Toyota Hilux would be the vehicle of choice, each and every time.
The new Toyota Hilux Rogue is now available for RM146,880, but if you go to a Toyota showroom as soon as you’re done reading this, Toyota will give you a RM2,000 early-bird discount. It also comes with a 5-year warranty.
