After making its global debut in May, Toyota Motors Philippines (TMP) has officially introduced the 2015 Hilux in Clark, Pampanga. Described by the company as a new era for pickup, the eighth-generation Hilux is touted to raise the level of expectations with its redesigned exterior, stylish and comfortable interior, refined ride comfort and more powerful yet efficient turbo diesels.

Immediately seen at the front of the new Hilux is the new front fascia that exudes power and style according to Toyota. It has a three-bar chrome grill that is paired up with curved headlights. High-spec models will even come with LED daytime running lights along with circular foglamps.

The side profile features muscular contours and flared wheel arches that give the Hilux a more modern appearance. Top of the line 4x4 and 4x2 G models come with side steps and 17-inch wheels. The rear taillights have been reshaped and now flank the rear quarter panels.

Compared to the outgoing generation, the range-topping 4x4 and 4x2 G models now measure 5,335mm long (5,260mm previous), 1,855 wide (1,835mm previous) and 1815mm tall (1,860mm previous). The 3,085mm wheelbase however carries over from the 7^th generation Hilux.

Aboard the 2015 Hilux, Toyota claimed that they made the cabin more comfortable and functional. It has better headroom and shoulder room despite the sleeker roofline while passengers at the back benefit from the added space as they have expanded the knee room.

G-spec models come standard with a new 6.5-inch Capacitive Touch Screen Display Audio that supports MP3, Bluetooth, USB and Navigation. The instrument binnacle on the other hand gets illuminated needles and a 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display that registers outside temperature, trip meter, eco meter and odometer as such. A 3-spoke leather steering wheel with audio and MID controls completes the interior equipment of the 2015 Hilux.

Powering the 2015 Hilux is the new GD series of turbo diesels. First up is the 2GD-FTV 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four that puts out 150 PS and 400 Nm of torque (343 Nm of torque for J and Cab & Chassis model). It will power the 4x2 models of the 2015 Hilux. Reserved only for the 4x4 model is the 1GD-FTV 2.8-liter turbocharged inline-four that cranks out 177 PS and 450 Nm of torque.

Both engines can be mated to either a 6-speed sequential automatic or to a new 6-speed manual gearbox. The 4x4 G MT model comes with an intelligent Manual Transmission system (iMT) that Toyota claimed will be able to deliver smoother gear changes by detecting the driver's operations and automatically matching the engine speed to the transmission speed.

The J variant, along with the cab and chassis model will only be available with a 5-speed manual.

Safety features present in the range topping models include anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Active Traction Control (A-TRC), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and 7 airbags.

Available colors for the 2015 Toyota Hilux are: Super White, Attitude Black, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Crimson Spark Red Metallic and Orange Metallic.

2015 Toyota Hilux 4x4 2.8L G 6AT – PhP 1,685,000

2015 Toyota Hilux 4x4 2.8L G 6MT – PhP 1,555,000

2015 Toyota Hilux 4x2 2.4L G 6AT – PhP 1,283,000

2015 Toyota Hilux 4x2 2.4L G 6MT – PhP 1,208,000

2015 Toyota Hilux 4x2 2.4L E 6MT – PhP 1,033,000

2015 Toyota Hilux 4x2 2.4L J 5MT – PhP 929,000

2015 Toyota Hilux 4x2 2.4L Cab & Chassis 5MT – PhP 776,000