Remember when Toyota was the leader in the non-national market? You won’t have to jog your mind too far back – the Japanese carmaker last topped the sales charts in 2014, and was still vying with Honda for the title until the last month of last year, ultimately losing its long-held crown to its closest rival.
So imagine our surprise when we found out just a month later that the rug had unceremoniously been pulled under Toyota’s feet. Almost every brand struggled to sell cars in the first quarter of 2016, but the world’s largest carmaker was probably hit hardest – as of March, the company sold just 10,216 vehicles, putting it not just well behind Honda, but behind Nissan as well.
The disappointing performance came about mainly as a result of a significant price hike (due to the depreciating ringgit), but an ageing lineup could be blamed as well – this despite the launch of the facelifted Camry, Avanza and Rush, as well as the tax-exempt Camry Hybrid in 2015. Toyota’s increasingly unfashionable image – particularly among our readers – probably didn’t help matters, either.
Tasked to reverse its fortunes are the new 2016 Toyota Hilux and Fortuner, both launched today. These are very important vehicles for the brand in Malaysia, particularly the Hilux – the ubiquitous pick-up forms the backbone of Toyota’s commercial vehicle range and makes up a significant chunk of its overall sales.
Both the new Hilux and Fortuner are built on a new platform and come with completely revised looks and engines, as well as a smattering of new equipment and safety kit. The competition has really stepped up the game over the past few years, so it’s great to see that Toyota has finally come to the table armed to the teeth.
But the new trucks will have a mountain to climb to tackle a vastly different market from the one their predecessors entered more than a decade ago. Will they be good enough to keep up with the times and, more importantly, revitalise Toyota’s sales? We take both on a quick spin in Malaysia – both on- and off-road – to find out if they have promise.
Before we get on, it should be noted that this is only a brief taster – we got just about an hour of seat time in the Hilux. The time we spent with the Fortuner was shorter still, limited to a round on the off-road course. Needless to say, a proper road test beckons for us to get a real feel of what these vehicles are like to drive, but that doesn’t mean that there’s little to be inferred here.
The local Hilux range is made up of six variants, starting with the sole single cab model, a 2.4 4×2 manual. The double cab models are the 2.4 4×2 manual, 2.4 Standard 4×4 manual, 2.4G 4×4 manual, 2.4G 4×4 auto and the range-topping 2.8G 4×4 auto. Meanwhile, there are just two Fortuner variants to choose from, these being the 2.4 VRZ 4×4 diesel and the 2.7 SRZ 4×4 petrol.
Let’s start with the styling. Although both vehicles share the same platform – along with the new Innova, they make up the updated Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) lineup, with plenty of shared components underneath – the greater differentiation in design bring these two further afield, despite both featuring Toyota’s Keen Look design language first seen on the 86 sports car in 2012.
The Hilux is the one with the more conservative, dependable face, with big headlights flanking a large chrome-laden grille, and three simple air intakes in the bumper. Make no mistake, however – “conservative” and “dependable” as it is, the new Hilux strikes a more assertive gaze than the outgoing model, with an air of sophistication that was simply missing before.
But it’s the striking new Fortuner that will turn more heads, with slimmer, sharper headlights and an even bigger grille with large chrome bars framing it. Underneath, there’s a more muscular three-dimensional front bumper that gives the SUV an even more macho appearance than its pick-up sibling, replete with chrome surrounds for the fog lights for a more premium look
Further sharpening the look on both trucks are LED headlights on the top-spec Hilux 2.8G and Fortuner 2.7 SRZ. The latter’s are bi-LED units, while the Hilux makes do with halogen high beams. Lower-end variants of the Hilux get reflector halogen headlights, and the Fortuner 2.4 VRZ sticks with halogen projectors.
Around the side, the Fortuner is again the more visually arresting one, with gently blown fenders compared to the Hilux’s simple box arches. The SUV also gets a distinctive beltline kink, as well as a “floating roof” design – an optical effect provided by the blacked-out C- and D-pillars that gives the new car a sleeker appearance compared to the old one.
The Hilux 2.8G and Fortuner 2.7 SRZ share identical 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels wrapped in highway terrain tyres; other models get 17-inch items with unique designs for the Hilux and Fortuner, shod with all-terrain rubber. The more basic Hilux models receive to 17-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, with the entry-level single cab model dropping down to bare 16-inch steelies.
It’s at the rear where the Hilux looks closest to its predecessor, with conventional triangular tail lights flanking the tailgate. The only real discernible difference is the larger V-shaped tailgate handle, as well as the neater rear parking sensor assembly that seamlessly incorporates the rear number plate holder.
At the other end of the spectrum is the Fortuner, which looks nothing like the preceding model from the rear, what with its slim LED tail lights (that mirror the shape of the headlights) and massive integrated rear spoiler. As before, there’s a chrome bar that links the tail lights, inscribed with the “Fortuner” script.
The difference in the design approach of the Hilux and Fortuner continue inside. The former gets the more utilitarian cabin, of course, with hard plastics everywhere you look and touch – and while everything feels solidly put together, the materials used still aren’t quite a patch to those employed by either the Ford Ranger or the new Nissan NP300 Navara.
Still, it’s definitely a step up from the older model, with a combination of swoops and curves across the dashboard that are a stark contrast to the staid ambience of the predecessor. There’s even fake stitching on the dash and door cards (à la Vios), as well as goodies such the Smart Entry and Start system and Camry-style 4.2-inch multi-info display that you wouldn’t even imagine being incorporated in the outgoing Hilux. The cooled upper glovebox is a particularly cool touch (geddit?), perfect for storing drinks on a hot afternoon.
Again, it’s the Fortuner that feels the most posh inside – soft-touch materials pad the twin spars on the centre console, the door trims and much of the dash, interlaced with real topstitching to emphasise the vehicle’s more premium positioning. Also lending a more upmarket touch is the brown upholstery and matte wood trim, although the latter feels just as cheap as any old Toyota wood trim.
Like the Hilux, the Fortuner gets a cooled upper glovebox, but unique to the SUV is the front and rear automatic climate control on the top 2.7 SRZ variant (although the Hilux does get single-zone auto climate control in other markets as an option). The 2.4 VRZ gets manual air-con, but with a separate rear blower.
Moving to the rear, the Hilux double cab gets a tip-up seat base that is now split 60:40, while the Fortuner’s (also 60:40-split) second-row seats have a new one-touch tumble function to ease access into the third row. The latter’s rearmost “One-touch Easy Space Up” seats also now fold and flip up onto the body sides with one tug of the pull straps, and the 2.7 SRZ adds a powered tailgate to the mix.
Standard safety kit on both the Hilux and the Fortuner include three airbags (including one for the driver’s knee), ABS with EBD as well as ISOFIX child seat anchors. The inclusion of seven airbags on the Hilux 2.8G and Fortuner 2.7 SRZ as well as standard-fit ABS are to be applauded, especially with rivals like the NP300 Navara and Isuzu D-Max having a maximum of two airbags, and no ABS on base models.
However, other active safety features such as Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and even brake assist are only available on the Hilux 2.4G A/T and 2.8G and the Fortuner 2.7 SRZ. This pales in comparison to the Ranger, which has all of these as standard across the range.
Under the bonnet are a range of new or improved engines. In the case of the Hilux, there are two all-new four-cylinder turbodiesels from the GD family, both with common-rail direct-injection, variable-nozzle turbos and exhaust gas recirculation.
The range starts with a 2.4 litre 1GD-FTV mill that delivers 150 PS at 3,400 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,000 rpm, 6 PS and 57 Nm higher than the outgoing 2.5 litre 2KD-FTV turbodiesel. The range-topping 2.8G gains a 2.8 litre 2GD-FTV engine that punches out 177 PS at 3,400 rpm and 450 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm – that’s 14 PS and a whopping 107 Nm up on the old 3.0 litre 1KD-FTV.
Both engines have intercoolers, but you won’t find a bonnet inlet hump on this generation, as the coolers have been moved forwards to sit behind the front bumper. Toyota claims the new positioning increases the engines’ efficiency and performance.
Transmission choices for the Hilux include new a six-speed “intelligent” manual gearbox and a six-speed Super ECT automatic. The former incorporates a rev-matching feature that blips the throttle on downshifts for smoother gear changes, while the latter adds a sequential shift mode to row your own gears.
In-house testing for the Hilux showed that the 2.4 litre engine achieves fuel consumption figures of 13.7 km per litre with the manual transmission (12% better than the old 2.5 M/T) and 12.2 km per litre with the automatic (10% better than the 2.5 A/T). Meanwhile, the 2.8 litre mill delivers 11.8 km per litre, a stunning 25% improvement over the outgoing 3.0 litre engine.
The Fortuner gets the 2.4 litre oil burner, but ditches the 2.8 litre one for a revised 2.7 litre 2TR-FE four-cylinder petrol engine, now with Dual VVT-i. Power is now up 6 PS to 166 PS at 5,200 rpm, while torque has been increased by 4 Nm to 245 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
It does seem strange that UMW Toyota Motor has decided to retain a gas-guzzling petrol model as its range topper, particularly when the upcoming Ford Everest will feature a 3.2 litre five-cylinder turbodiesel as its most powerful engine, but clearly the company sees nothing wrong with it.
Both Fortuner models get the six-speed automatic as standard, with paddle shifters on the 2.7 SRZ. No exact fuel consumption figures have been released, but Toyota claims that the 2.4 litre diesel is 10% more fuel efficient than the old 2.5 litre model, while the updated 2.7 litre petrol uses 12% less fuel than before.
Beneath the bodies of both vehicles, there’s a stronger ladder frame chassis that’s now 20% more torsionally rigid, thanks to 30 mm thicker side rails and crossmembers – which also feature optimised cross sections – and a strengthened bracket structure. The bodies themselves have also been made stronger through an increased use of high-tensile steel.
On the Hilux, the suspension has been revised – the rear leaf springs are 100 mm longer for reduced road vibrations, and have been mounted 50 mm further apart for increased cornering stability. A repositioned rear suspension attachment point also improves steering stability, while the rear shock absorbers have been moved forward to further improve straight-line stability.
Elsewhere, the shock absorber cylinders are larger and their characteristics have been retuned for an improved ride. The modifications to the rear suspension has also increased rear axle articulation by up to 20%, contributing to increased off-road capability over rocky terrain.
At the front of the vehicle, the steering column has been revised to reduce road surface vibrations, and while hydraulic power steering has been retained (unlike the electric system on the Ranger), it has been retuned with revised rack ratio and power steering assistance for improved steering wheel, requiring less effort to twirl the wheel at lower speeds.
The coil-sprung rear suspension of the Fortuner has also been redesigned, with a new five-link setup taking the place of the previous-generation’s four-link axle. Like the Hilux, it benefits from the larger dampers and revised steering system, for a smoother ride and improved manoeuvrability. Both the Hilux and Fortuner also get the new Pitch and Bounce Control, which adjusts engine torque to compensate for the body’s pitching and bouncing motions, creating a flatter ride and better on-centre steering feel.
Like most of the competition these days, four-wheel drive Hilux and Fortuner models ditch the old low-range selector stick for an electronic knob to switch between two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and low-range 4WD – on-the-fly at speeds of up to 100 km/h. As before, a locking rear differential is also included, now with a built-in solenoid actuator for improved effectiveness and reliability.
Another new feature is the Active Traction Control (A-TRC) system on the 2.4G A/T and 2.8G, which essentially functions as a torque vectoring device. Working as an extension of the stability control system, it automatically brakes one or more of the driven wheels when it senses a loss of traction, redistributing torque to the ones with the most grip.
Right, time for a go in the Hilux. Getting into the right driving position isn’t exactly easy – the eight-way power-adjustable seats on the higher-end models provide a decent range of movement, but despite the new telescopic steering adjustment, its reach isn’t nearly enough to comfortably get a grip on the wheel, so you do have to sit further forwards than you might have liked.
Setting off on the long straight of UMWT’s evaluation test track, the 2.4 litre model feels a tad lethargic when you floor the accelerator, even in the truck’s throttle-sharpening Power Mode. Even in 2.8 litre guise, the Hilux doesn’t deliver quite the pace that you’d expect from a larger-engined model, and feels a step behind the most powerful Navara VL and in particular the Ranger 3.2 WildTrack. These rivals produce significantly more power, and you can certainly feel the deficit in the Toyota.
Out on the open road, however, that deficit doesn’t matter quite so much. Both engines benefit from a linear, predictable power delivery and an instant surge of torque under moderate acceleration. Helping the Hilux along is the smooth and quick-shifting six-speed automatic gearbox, which make light work of disguising the engines’ lack of pace in the real world.
Refinement is another plus point – while the engines certainly make themselves heard under acceleration, their smoothness is exemplary, and there’s very little road roar from the tyres, even at speed. The hard work that Toyota has put into reducing noise, vibration and harshness pays dividends here; only the excessive (but expected, given the bluff design) wind noise at the national limit disappoints somewhat.
We’re not quite sure about the ride and handling, however. Crawling through the cobbled road section of the test track, the Hilux displays an impressive secondary ride, effortlessly smoothening out the crinkled surface. But get up to speed and the Toyota becomes jittery over larger bumps and undulations, with noticeable bounciness as the suspension rebounds. It’s here where the Hilux shows it’s still very much a workhorse first, as it simply cannot match the supple coil-sprung Navara over broken roads.
Pitch into a bend and the Hilux exhibits a significant amount of body roll, compounding a lack of grip from the tyres – the result is that there is quite a bit of understeer even when you’re not pushing the truck too hard. It doesn’t help that the steering is rather slow, even though it is predictable in its weighting and response.
But a pick-up truck was never meant to be a go-kart, and it will never be; what it should be good at is off the beaten track, and it is precisely here where the Hilux shines. The A-TRC system is a particular standout here – tackling the huge moguls on the challenging off-road track with two wheels off the ground, one only has to keep a constant feed of the throttle for the system to sense the spinning wheels in the air.
Keep the accelerator pushed and power is almost immediately directed to the ones on the ground, and the Hilux just keeps moving. For a particularly dramatic demonstration of the effectiveness of A-TRC, one of the off-road instructors drove the previous-generation Hilux without the system over the same moguls, and it promptly got stuck on the first hill.
The rest of the way through, the new pick-up powers through all that stands in its way – the generous 279 mm ground clearance and massive wheel articulation means that the Hilux easily conquers muddy ruts, rocky surfaces and a particularly frightening side slope arrangement that causes the truck to slide from one slope to another in an unnerving fashion. It’s a shame, however, that Downhill Assist Control (DAC) is missing on our Hilux, as similar hill-descent control systems are found on almost every other competitor.
We also have a go in the Fortuner 2.7 SRZ – the SUV shows much of the same aplomb as its sibling when going through the course, although it has to be said that the petrol mill is a wee bit lacking in torque low down, which makes things just a little bit harder. The engine’s softer response, however, does make it a little easier to modulate the throttle over the moguls – the Hilux’s 2.8 litre diesel’s low-end jumpiness can cause it to shoot forward even when simply feathering the accelerator, especially in Power Mode.
The million-dollar question is whether the new 2016 Toyota Hilux and Fortuner has been revamped thoroughly enough to take on the ever stiffer competition from the likes of Nissan and Ford. On first blush, the less-than-inspiring dynamics and lack of outright pace hint that the Hilux (and likely the Fortuner as well) may still have its work cut out to impress the increasingly discerning truck buyer.
However, the newfound refinement, excellent tractability and impressive off-road capability, not to mention a class-leading five-year warranty, are nothing to be sniffed at – and might just swing the vote from hardcore enthusiasts in its favour. Again, it’s early days, but the arrival of the new Hilux and Fortuner means that the truck market is only going to get even tougher.
The new 2016 Toyota Hilux is priced at RM89,900 for the single cab 2.4 4×4 manual, RM91,900 for the double cab 2.4 4×2 manual, RM99,900 for the 2.4 Standard 4×4 manual, RM109,900 for the 2.4G 4×4 manual, RM121,900 for the 2.4G 4×4 auto and RM133,900 for the range-topping 2.8G 4×4 auto.
Meanwhile, the new 2016 Toyota Fortuner retails at RM186,900 for the 2.4 VRZ and RM199,900 for the top-of-the-line 2.7 SRZ. All prices listed are on-the-road inclusive of insurance and a five-year warranty (150,000 km for the Hilux, unlimited mileage for the Fortuner). Browse full specifications and equipment of both the new Toyota Hilux and Toyota Fortuner on CarBase.my.
GALLERY: 2016 Toyota Hilux
GALLERY: 2016 Toyota Fortuner
Go buy pre-facelift ask more discount !
Yahooo! Paul Tan recognizes it’s readers n forum contributor has large effects on Toyota’s fortune. Viva PT n gang, Viva contributors, Viva muniandy, sam loo, john, ….etc,etc,etc
Anything but Toyota.
Toyota should offer only diesel models for Fortuner. Low and high specs diesels.
Selling petrol model high specs at ridiculous rm199k price simply an insult to buyers and promote fuel wastage when govt fleets included.
As for Hilux price it is as ridiculous as well. Let us boycott to teach UMW more lesson for its arrogance and misplaced pricings.
Good business for Batam Hailat thieves. At 200k, the stolen Hailat will be sold in Batam as idols. When worshipped regularly, the idols will intercede on your behalf on the day of judgment for a speedy delivery to the gates of hell fire, wherein you will live forever.
Where is Najib’s promise to reduce car prices? Double whammy. Sell Hilux so expensive to Malaysians but strip all the safety equipment in this car. VSC pun tak ada.
Najib promised us 3 years ago that car prices will come down by 30%. Next election is 2018.
The problem in Malaysia is that, most car companies are indirectly owned by the Government of Malaysia. Go and see each car company, it is the Government or a GLC which is the majority shareholder. This UMW is classic example. Majority owned by Government.
So, the Government got no incentive to reduce car prices at all to ease the burden of the rakyat. The Ministers have a wonderful life. Each Minister swims in tens of millions of ringgit, if not billions. Although their official gaji is RM10k to RM25k, somehow, the Ministers have tens and even hundreds of million of ringgit.
They don’t know how the average Malaysian suffer. Lately every household is complaining that their TNB bills are RM500 to RM1000. Food is so pricey. Petrol is so high for an oil producing country. Even our Internet is one of the most expensive in the world.
Our Ministers don’t know how we suffer. They tell us to tanam jagung and tanam kangkung. Then even our PM has told us, don’t worry, can buy whole chicken for RM1. Infact, he said RM1 for whole chicken is sold everywhere in Malaysia and Najib himself buys this RM1 whole chicken to eat.
I have travelled all over Malaysia looking for this RM1 whole chicken. Can anyone here help me find this RM1 whole chicken please?
Forrester from Rm211k to Rm145k. 31% price down. Janji ditepati
Excuse me, rm145k is for the forrester non turbo version. 2.0XT still remains at rm210k. Still no janji ditepati. Cronies pocket surely ditepati.n
have you read the specs before comment?
Toyota was fooling the customers with overpriced and cheap specs. We have to teach them more lessons
tokok john,
This time i agree with you.
Your PNb..the parent company wants record profits to pay you handsome dividends,why are you complaining?
You want UMW to reduce prices?
Next year,your dividends kaput.
Maybe,like sam lor u are driving a lexus quietly,while wayang at this forum to boost your inflated ego.
OMG OMG. RM130k also still got no VSC. Does UMW think Malaysians are stupid?
So what.. Proton Preve and Suprima at RM70+k comes with stability control, ABS + EBD, 6 airbags, 1500MPa UTS HPF passenger cage that can’t even be cut directly by Fire & Rescue rotary saws, but people still prefer tin-can Honda City and Toyota Vios that have poor safety kit and are built primarily with <200MPa mild steel and 500MPa high-tensile steel throughout, and can crumple like a soda can in a medium-speed collision.
Buyers don't buy based on safety features, they buy based on myths, urban legends and perceived value.
Rm130k still no VSC?Which one are u referring bro,if i’m not mistaken,Hilux 2.8G (Rm133k) VSC is included!
The 120k 2.4 and 133k 2.8 GOT VSC la…
But so does all Ranger models after 2014, BT-50 auto since 2012, Colorado auto since 2012, and D-max auto since 2012.
Toyota… can up the interior design abit?
Yes, Toyota will move the dashboard up on the roof for the facelift especially for you.
TOYOTA – Reliable brand around the globe only to get tarnished by UMW in Malaysia.
VSC is so important, it is like selling a car without safety belts. Read PT’s take on VSC. Once you read this article, you will never touch a car without VSC.
http://paultan.org/2012/06/27/esp-stability-control-is-a-must-malaysian-motorists-deserve-better-active-safety-in-their-cars/
Underpowered if compared to Hyundai Santa Fe’s 2.2L CRDI diesel – 200 hp and 445 Nm on dyno, 6 speed AT. More worthed after the all new Pajero Sport – 180 hp and 430 Nm on dyno, 8 speed AT.
UMW, why you are so greedy? You cut down the specs for diesel powered Fortuner and sold it for nearly RM190k? Remember when Indo sold 2.4 VRZ 4X4 with 7 airbags, VSC, HSA, HDC, and anything else for RM175k?
Rm200k for a Hilux with a carryboy body attached and no VSC???? Does UMW think RM200k is small money? Rm200k is a lot of money to most Malaysians. But don’t worry, UMW can even price this car at RM300k also, it will sell very well.
Why? Like the last Fortuner, it was 99% ordered by Government departments such as JPJ, Kastam, UTK and so on. This is how crony system work. UMW can price it even at RM500k but they will still get thousands of orders per annum from the Government.
Who loses? It is you and me. The money used to buy this overpriced junk cannot be used for good purposes like building more hospitals, kliniks and schools.
No point saying so much, CBU Subaru Forester 2.0XT @ 200k-ish looks so much more worth it.
Forrester CKD even more value. 31% price down. Janji ditepati
You’re wrong there bro..when the gov buy fleet cars, they buy them tax free..
First impression: its still a hailat and misfortuner. Moving coffin avoid it at all cost.
“Smooth & quick shifting”, things you nvr get in a proton
No need shifting in a cvt.
These should not be treated as features. Automatic transmissions has been in used for decades, if it were not “smooth & quick shifting” throw it away.
It is like saying “the seat belt is holding me tight when I brake”.
Oh I remember those first 6-speed Kia Forte’s 6-speed tranny.. ok, there’s not much shift shock but the shift mapping is way off, it’s like it’s hunting for the right ratio now and then.. and tends to not operate within the powerband most of the time. The transmission map also contributes to the perceived smoothness..
Have you driven a Suprima or Preve CFE lately? There’s no shift shock to speak of, and there’s hardly any harsh “kickdown” when accelerating. It’s still not as good as Nissan Sylphy’s excellent CVT but it’s certainly better than the 4-speed autos in the Myvi, Vios, etc. where a downshift sends revs up by over 1200rpm and you can feel the engine suddenly getting whipped into motion but still breathless
My famili have a 1st gen myvi. U cant hear the engine or road noise or passing car noise, not becoz of its superior insulation, but becoz the auto box whine is louder than even the radio.
Other myvis oso the same. Funny nobody complained about it, maybe cuz of its perceived jepunis “quality”, owners malu to persoal unlike P1.
Such a ridiculous price from UMW! They are screwing Lexus sales in Malaysia. No wonder hardly see any in Malaysia. So many better options at this price. BMM M5 Rm 900k (560bhp), Panamera GTS RM 1.1mil (440bhp), or you can get 2 Maserati Ghiblis! Bye bye Lexus Malaysia.
WildTrack. smart. paul tan journo standard drop?
Still loves my Ranger…
Eastern Malaysians will buy, double the price also they’ll buy.
Safety bukan budaya kita, UMW knows this, so screw their customers. Tak suka, jangan beli. RV and waterface is more important.
Kinda true, those looking for this,they are not going to be put off by negative road tests and reviews, as long as its called hilux n a badge on the bonnet, its good enough….Hilux buyers are a special breed…. Its a sarcastic ‘special’ i mean!
True, not because of brand fanaticism, but have you seen/driven the road condition in sabah/sarawak, potholes, hills, uneven roads, gravel roads etc.
We’re not privileged to have proper 3 lane speedways to commute. 4×4 is a must. can’t rely on p1/p2 too much since they broke down easily.
It is brand fanaticism. Other pickups have much better safety and lower price, yet cannot sell. Kek.
That’s why I mockly said safety bukan budaya kita, bcuz u people prove it.
Are they locally assembled?
I believe the HiLux is CKD. For a popular car like the HiLux, you simply won’t have enough APs to import such large volumes monthly. But I’m not sure about the Fortuner. The last-gen Fortuner was a CKD model. According to CarBase, the new Fortuner is a CBU from Thailand. If so, I won’t be surprised, that is the trend these days, lesser and lesser Japanese-badged cars are being assembled here… as to why, that’s another long story.
Personally, I’m very disappointed and dare I say quite irritated at how most Malaysian media consistently fail to distinguish and highlight whether a car is imported (CBU) or locally assembled (CKD). For Proton and Perodua cars, that is not necessary, but for all others, it should and must be done.
Most Malaysians don’t realize that the vast majority of the popular ‘Japanese cars’ here have upwards of 50% local/ ASEAN CEPT content. Some, like the CKD Honda City have as much as 70% or more. The truth is, only a handful of cars like the Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota Alphard, Honda Odyssey etc. are true Japanese cars (because they’re CBU Japan). They are made with components from proven Japanese vendors, not ASEAN ones (which can be hit or miss).
If a Japanese-badged car is built in ASEAN or elsewhere, there is no guarantee of so-called ‘Japanese quality’. If anyone here thinks I’m talking cock, just Google ‘Honda HR-V Indonesia quality’ and see what comes up. Many ASEAN-made, Japanese-badged cars have downgraded build quality (and safety) and are thus cheaper to produce and purchase. It is what it is. The above is just one example, there are tons more. I recommend that more people read the owner reviews at CarBase, you will be very surprised.
Of course, some ASEAN plants have excellent quality standards and are highly automated, like Toyota Motor Thailand’s. These plants are usually global (not regional) hubs, in which case, you have some assurance of ‘Japanese quality’. But few people care to research the origin of their ‘Japanese car’, to most Malaysians, Japanese badge = High quality… but the facts say otherwise. If you read the comments in international forums, like in Australia for example, the media and readers actively distinguish CBU Japan from CBU Thailand. Sadly, that is not the case here. Some people don’t even know what CBU and CKD means.
Customers must be smart, just because it has a Japanese badge, it doesn’t mean it will be reliable. Our automotive media should tell us whether a new car is CKD or CBU, and if it’s CBU, where it’s built. This is a very simple request, Malaysians must learn how to distinguish these things, it’s not rocket science.
Agreed. However not so easy to do here cuz most brands initially bring in as CBU (tomyam/jepunis), get rave reviews, then quietly switch to CKD in MY or tomyam-built MY-spec cars.
Selling for 187k and only 3 airbags and ABS+EBD for safety kits. Oh really?? Come on!! Clearly UMW is still high on drug.
Some manufacturer give you everything for 65k (Iriz) and 90k plus (City). It’s ok, keep on boycotting UMW since they never learn.
187k with only 3 airbags and ABS+EBD, I have to repeat this because it’s too funny
Boring ah umw.. 2016 and ur freaking fortuner still use that steel handbrake. Mediocre spec for such a price. Puihh. Even hrv have electronic parking brake. Dont dream to win over honda ever again laa. Luckily honda got no pick up trucks. Kalau ada lgi jatuh sales kau kaw2 punya.
again…starting with the sole single cab model, a 2.4 4×2 manual. …sure boh scab 4×2?
This new hilux hasn’t been reviewed to be better than the ranger or np300 by many journalists. But the fact remains that a review is usually a 1 day experience, whereas new cars are bought with a 7-9 year loan.
So new car buyers consider a lot more on the long term ownership prospect. This is so many people buy Hiluxes the world over (and D-maxes too in Thailand).
Pickups to have is still the Ford F-150 Dodge Ram and Chevy Silverado…..they are by far the best selling pickups on earth. and they don’t compromise anything…….unless your government ask u to
To blame ringgit depreciation or taxes is stupid when you look at what Mitsubishi and Hyundai is offering with the outlander and santa fe. Much more refined and sophisticated vehicles at lower prices. My goodness, greed is greed.
hard to sell these 2 models.
price is sky high, safety features need to pay extra. it’s like if you want to have higher survival rate in a crash, pay up.
Pail tan, your article is quite confusing and difficult to follow. Sometimes I have to read back to find out which model you are referring to.
Aye. Too walls of text.
Easier if they present in table form, and proper segmentation is needed, eg use heading “Engine & transmission”, “Exterior”, “Interior”, “Price, after sales” etc.
Now is tl:dr era, be creative and minimalistic so people can read faster and easier.
Some of the bashing seems to be waaayy over the top. I believe this is a major improvement from Toyota compared to what they have been offering before. Maybe a good sign of things to come. Competition can only get more intense in the future, they know very well that if they dont buck up they will fail the way nokia did.
There are still many who trust in the bulletproof reliability especially for the Hilux. Cant blame them for that especially if they intend to do use it for rough usage.
i load palm oil 3tonne ffb on my scab vigo vnt..all standard except running unichip
No rear cabin aircond. What a failure? Too bad Malaysian already brainwashed by Toyota.
RM121,900 for the cheapest auto. Can’t be done. You can get the top spec Navara for around that or the equivalent Ranger for RM20K less. Expect BIG discounts coming soon.
This article is confusing . One minute Hilux, one minute Fortuner. Sometimes i read thru, i dont even know which one u referring to. Seperate it nxt time
Dun matter. Both still just as reliable to bring occupants to early afterlife
No need to confuse brader, Hailat or Misfortune both are same. No matter which one the author refer, it is still same both of them. The only different is their look. No need to separate the story. hahaha..
I wanna buy Fortuner diesel model but with full specs like petrol model. Would UMW customised it?
How and which one better option?
1. Buy petrol model full specs and replace engine with the diesel engine + gearbox. Or,
2. Buy diesel model and install all the full specs kits later.
3. Avoid these rip-offs and look for a better deal elsewhere
get the santa fe instead
How to get the 2.4 diesel with full spec for Fortuner?? …hmm
No matter what RM130k is too much for a pickup truck.
Babai toyoda-kun. We’ll stick to the handsome and well rounded Ranger till you realise that you are a blood sucker ^_^
where toyota all new innova 2nd generation welcome to malaysia ?
Love the new look of the hilux and the addition of VSC which helps but why on earth must the width increases so much from less than 1.8m to 1.85m! For farmers like me, this is a deal breaker as it becomes very difficult to maneuver in farm road especially when you have anothe truck coming the other direction
I tried the new Hilux 2.8 and the 2.4 last week at UMW Toyota, Subang SS15. This is one of the most bumpiest pickup truck currently. It is only smooth on very new smooth roads. Otherwise it picks up every bumps and imperfection making this truck uncomfortable for a family ride. The new Navara, Ranger and Triton can corner better and are more comfortable than Hilux on the highways. Now I am beginning to understand why so many Australian auto magazines rated the new Hilux 3rd or 4th in most comparison tests. What a disappointment the long awaited Hilux turned out to be.
I test drive 2.8 and 2.4 versions. Both are terrible and very jittery on bumps and even normal roads. Engine is ok though but still not in the same league as Ford Ranger or Mitsubishi Triton. No way the new Hilux is suitable for family ride at all.