UMW Toyota Motor Launches 3.0 litre Hilux
Kota Kinabalu, Thursday October 7, 2010 – UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd introduced a new variant of the popular Toyota Hilux today in a simple ceremony at One Borneo complex in Kota Kinabalu today. The main difference is a 3.0 litre diesel turbo engine that boasts of 163PS at 3,400 rpm, and 343Nm of torque available between 1,400 rpm and 3,200 rpm.
The 3.0 litre variant is called the Hilux 3.0G and has already been introduced in Thailand some time back. According to Mr. Kuah Kock Heng, President of UMW Toyota motor, who was present at the unveiling, the reason for the late introduction relative to Thailand is purely due to production constraints – he said that Thailand supplies about 50 percent of the world production for the Hilux, and there was just not enough stock to go around. “The 2.5 litre variant is locally assembled in Malaysia, we do not have that problem,” said Mr Kuah. “Our aim is to sell around 600 units a month. UMW Toyota Motor has received more than 1,000 orders from its customers, “he added.
The Hilux 3.0G is equipped with a VNT (Variable Nozzle turbo) which in effect varies the intake to provide minimal lag and better response to throttle. On a very short test drive of sorts, we did note that there is an improved response to throttle over the current 2.5 litre model. A top-mounted intercooler is also standard equipment, and it comes complete with an air scoop mounted on the bonnet.
Power is transmitted to the road through a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic gearbox – operation is smooth, including a shift-on-the-fly capability for shifting from 2H to 4H up to 80 km/h.
The test drive itself covered all of 12 kilometres or so, and it was conducted on highway conditions, which means we had no opportunity to try the unit in actual off-road conditions – that being said, they did put on a short demonstration using metal frames to show the climbing ability, side slope capabilities, and an ‘elephant walk’ which showed the axle twist capabilities. I am sure the Hilux 3.0G is capable of off-road excursions, just like its smaller-engined sibling can – we just did not have the opportunity to do so.
Other equipment includes an LSD differential for the rear diff, ABS, and a load-sensing proportioning valve for the rear brakes.
Price-on-the-road including insurance for Sabah is RM106,734.60, RM106962 for Sarawak, and RM106,000 for Peninsular Malaysia. Warranty is 3-years or 100,000km, whichever comes first.
