The Hilux Rogue from Toyota is basically a pickup truck suitable for urban Malaysian customers who want the ‘tough’ image but need the cabin and driving features that a Crossover offers.
This vehicle is designed for a comfortable drive in the city, with features that allow for outdoor hobbies and leisure activities with a dose of adventure thrown in.
It’s a vehicle for drivers who want to own a ‘crossover’ that offers high driving performance, exceptional comfort, and advanced safety technologies but still look rugged.
What’s new
The Hilux Rogue from Toyota comes with several new design improvements in the interior and on the exterior.
In addition, the driving performance has been significantly enhanced with the 2nd Generation of “GD Super Power”, giving a maximum output of 204 PS, with a flat torque of 500 Nm.
The performance of the 4WD is also further enhanced with better grip and a smoother ride.
This is also the first time that the world-class Toyota Safety Sense is integrated in Toyota pickup trucks in order to bring utmost confidence to both drivers and passengers on all journeys.
Priced from RM92,880 to RM146,880, you will need to visit a Toyota showroom to get a closer look and feel of this 2.8L Rogue.
Drive impression
To test the Rogue, DSF embarked on a two-hour drive up to Janda Baik, cruising along the smooth highway tarmac right up to Batang Kali.
The electric powered driver’s seat comfort was good as the vehicle progressed past the legal speed limit. The reworked diesel engine note was well suppressed by the cabin sound insulation.
Once the smooth highway was left behind and the drive progressed to the old JKR-maintained roads, the ‘grunt’ of the 204PS working could be felt, with the slick shifting six-speed auto gearbox for easy overtaking and quick steep hill climbs.
The well weighted steering allows the driver to ‘feel’ their way around the tight bends and when you brake hard, there is immediate action from the Rogue’s braking system with the tail staying neatly tucked in your lane.
From memory, this revised Hilux is now more refined and powerful with added safety features over its outgoing best-selling sibling.
Five variants are available, with the new Hilux Rogue 2.8 Double Cab AT positioned as the flagship of the range.
The other variants are the new Hilux 2.4 V AT Double Cab, Hilux 2.4 E AT Double Cab, Hilux 2.4 G MT Double Cab, and Hilux 2.4 MT Single Cab.
Customers are able to order their new Hilux in one of seven exterior colour choices: Bronze Mica Metallic (new), Crimson Spark Red Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Phantom Brown Metallic, Medium Silver Metallic, Silver Metallic and Super White II.
The Hilux Single Cab is available only in Solid White.
The new Hilux takes on a bolder appearance with a redesigned front grille and stronger styling elements. Inside, a more premium image is evident with the new trim. For the flagship Hilux Rogue, the premium interior ambience is elevated with the use of clear blue door trim illumination.
The 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine of the Hilux Rogue has received technical improvements which raise both power output and torque.
Maximum power output is now 204 ps at 3,400 rpm while maximum torque is 500 Nm between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm. In spite of the higher output, fuel consumption has actually been lowered by 4% to an average of 10.9 kms per litre.
The 2.4-litre engine, which also has a Variable Nozzle Turbocharger (VNT) and an intercooler as well as a common-rail system, has received refinements that improve cooling and fuel economy.
Thanks to increased pressure in the common-rail system, fuel efficiency has been improved by 5%.
In addition, this refined and improved engine for the new Hilux allows longer service interval from 5,000 kms/3 months to 10,000kms/6 months which will help to reduce maintenance costs.
All variants are fitted with six-speed transmissions; for the Double Cab variants, only Electronically Controlled automatic transmission with Sequential Shift is available, while the Hilux Single Cab is available only with a manual transmission.
Two driving modes can be selected if the driver wants to prioritize fuel economy or have strong acceleration. Both modes can be selected while on the move using a rotary switch.
The power-assisted rack and pinion steering system for the new Hilux (except for the Single Cab variant) now has a Variable Flow Control (VFC) system with reduced demand on the power steering pump, benefitting fuel economy.
For better grip and stability in difficult off-road conditions, there is Auto Limited Slip Differential (Auto LSD) which uses the Traction Control System (TRC) to control braking and engine output when one of the rear wheels starts to spin. The Auto LSD is faster compared to the mechanical 4×4 system.
Although it has tough workhorse capabilities, the Hilux is comfortable for daily motoring.
The ride comfort has been noticeably improved through various measures, including optimisation of cabin mounts to reduce shaking, roughness and noise transmission into the cabin.
This is in line with Toyota’s aim of making motoring safer and reducing accidents, Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) is provided for the Hilux Rogue.
The TSS consists of three systems that assist drivers: Pre- Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), with Steering & Brake Assist.
Other driver-assist systems (depending on variant) include Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Downhill Assist Control, Hill Start Assist Control, Trailer Sway Control, Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control, Brake Assist and, of course, ABS with Brakeforce Distribution.
Inside the vehicle, there are up to seven SRS airbags to help reduce injuries during an accident.
The Seat Belt Reminder now has sensors on front and rear seatbelts and ISOFIX points are provided at the rear for easy and secure installation of compatible child seats.
Every Hilux variant comes with a customised security system consisting of an engine immobilizer, alarm and cabin intrusion sensor.
Additionally, a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) is installed as standard in the Hilux Rogue and 2.4 V (option for the other variants) and this enables real-time tracking of the vehicle using GPS signals.
A warranty of five years/150,000 kms (whichever occurs first after original registration) is provided with every new Hilux for peace of mind ownership.
The new Hilux range is available for viewing and test-drives at all authorised Toyota showrooms nationwide.
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