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It’s been more than 40 years since the debut of the Toyota Hilux. 2013 marks the 45th year the model has been in the market and it just keeps on getting better and stronger. The Hilux is a series of compact pickup trucks that through the years has been rebadged as the Trekker, 4Runner (North America and Australia), and Hilux Surf (Japan). Eventually the Tacoma took over North America, discontinuing Hilux in that region. Hilux Lineage Before we dig deeper into the vehicle lineage, let’s take a look at the Hilux name. Hilux is a combination of the words “high” and “luxury”—the message conveyed is that the vehicle is a classy and superb one. It was in 1968 when a bonnet-type truck from Toyota (manufactured by Hino Motors) made its way to the truck-loving market. The pickup had a 1.5-liter engine and four-speed manual transmission, and could seat three people. Up to a thousand kilos could be loaded. Soon, an aluminum and a refrigerated van joined the ranks of the industrial model. The engine was later replaced with a more powerful 1.6-liter engine that can come up with 83 hp. Generation Two hit the market in 1972, featuring improvements in wheelbase dimensions and a better engine (2.0-liter 105 hp). In addition to the four-speed manual, the Hilux now came with a three-speed automatic option. If you opted for a floor shifter, you would have to settle for two passengers only. The third generation release of the Toyota Hilux 2013 was launched in 1978 and the model became iconic for its bright orange finish and ornamental white strips on the side. The pickup truck was no longer simply a workhorse; it was now being marketed as a passenger and leisure car, and driving in it felt like being in a sedan, from the equipment to the riding comfort. A first for the Hilux line was the four-wheel drive option with a 2.0-liter engine, introduced in 1979. In the same year, a diesel engine was also marketed bundled with rear-wheel drive models—another first. The third generation saw plenty of model variations to suit different customer preferences. As the years passed, the Hilux continued to improve its line, introducing new and more powerful engines, more controllable drive trains, and better interior comfort. Generation Seven The Toyota Hilux 2013 is already the line’s seventh-generation release, and it definitely looks different from its 1968 version. For one thing everything’s new, from the bonnet, grille, front bumper, rear combination lamps, and front headlamps. Toyota has also mixed and matched the features of the Hilux to cater to a large number of enthusiasts. There are now 21 Hilux 4-wheel-drive variants in the market for the exacting customer. The new Hilux also comes fully equipped with the most advanced safety features and the latest in navigation technology, so you can explore the world as much as you want. A Hilux truck is very solidly built, and in the rare occasion that it may need repair, there are many service centers and spare parts around that you won’t have to worry about anything at all. Why should you let challenging terrain and inclement weather stop you from doing what you need to do? With a Toyota Hilux 2013, you can be that nothing can stand in your way.
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