Toyota Hilux CONQUEST - The awaited pickup officially launched in the Philippines

MANILA: It was in January that the government decided not to include pickups under its latest excise tax module.  Thus, putting the cargo vehicles under a win-win situation over other automobile counterparts. And to celebrate the occasion, it seems Toyota Philippines has just the right planning.

Toyota Motor Philippines has officially launched Hilux Conquest; it is the same car that was seen visiting some dealerships across the country early this year. However, it’s on 13th Feb 2018 that Hilux Conquest officially became a part of the Toyota family.

Like its name, the Hilux Conquest sure is an upgraded, aggressive, and dominant version over the previous model. From its exterior styling to cabin update to under hood configuration changes, all contribute to making the beast Hilux Conquest claims.

Starting with exterior styling, its the front profile that is responsible for significant head turns. The grille now features two bar panel forming a 2D hexagonal design. The headlights look sleeker and sharp with LED daytime running lights, and the fog lamp case comes with an exciting T design. Complementing its bright colour options are present glossy black door handles, ORVM, and sports bar. The rear too is revised with vertical tail lamps, sizeable rear handle, and an impressive Conquest impression on the tailgate.

The interior gets a few updates compared to the exterior, but even with minimum changes, 2018 Hilux improves the driving experience. Toyota has fitted new Hilux with a keyless start function, accompanied by a standard touch-infotainment system. Along with minor tweaks here and there, Hilux Conquest now offers an improved information binnacle.

What remains same is its powerful under hood configuration that was revised recently by the company. Available in two mill sets - a 2.4- litre 2GD-FTV turbo diesel engine churning power for two-wheel trims and a 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV available in four-wheel drive models. The former one is paired with a six-speed manual/automatic transmission and produces a maximum power of 150 PS and peak torque of 400 Nm. The latter mill churns out a maximum power of  177 PS and 450 Nm of torque when paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Under the manual transmission option, the torque figure rolls down to 420 Nm.

Toyota Motor Philippines has released new Hilux price list, and the revised pickup holds a starting tag of PhP 1,311,000.

Here is the detailed price chart for 2018 Hilux Conquest -

Hilux Conquest 2.4L 4x2 M/T – PhP 1,311,000

Hilux Conquest 2.4L 4x2 A/T – PhP 1,386,000

Hilux Conquest 2.8L 4x4 M/T – PhP 1,615,000

Hilux Conquest 2.8L 4x4 A/T – PhP 1,745,000