The Toyoya Hilux, it is the star of third world roads and dealers say it is the number one selling vehicle in Belize. In fact since local dealers Belize Diesel and Equipment Company started officially selling the utility pickups in 1998 an average of 225 Hilux pickups sell annually. The popularity has nothing to do with cost because among other like models of utility pickups like the Dmax and L200, the Hilux is more expensive. But apart from the price, the Hilux has become the choice mode of transport for thousands of Belizeans because where it lacks in looks, it makes up for in durability and its utility. But that will only take you so far and that will only sell so many pickups. With competition from Rangers, Dmaxs, and L200s, Toyota has re-designed and completely revamped the Hilux. It is bigger, faster, stronger, and it is now available in automatic transmission. It is a radical transformation for the iconic Hilux. It was launched this evening and Marketing Manager at Belize Diesel Lela Riverol gave us a preview.
Lela Riverol,
"People are excited about the look of the new Hilux because it first had this work finish to it but now it has this luxurious look, now carries a luxurious look to it. What's new is the size of the engine, the size of the truck, and it now comes with turbo, air bags; it's a completely different truck. It comes with a 3.0 turbo diesel engine, its bigger, its longer, its wider, its stronger, the chasse is 50% stronger than it used to be, it gives you more space in the Cabin area, and it's a completely new truck with all the features you would want in leisure and work. It has more torque because it has a bigger engine, it comes with turbo now and it comes with a bigger engine. The last Hilux didn't have airbags but this one comes with airbags. The automatic transmission might run you about $66,000; the standard transmission is $63,000 and this is with the 3.0 turbo diesel engine. The 4x4 model with the 2.5 turbo diesel engine, which is the basic pickup truck, would run you about $50,000."
The 2005 Hilux is available at Belize Diesel and Equipment but if you want to drive one off the lot immediately you will have to wait. They have already sold out of the new Hiluxs and more of the new pickups are on order.
