- The price of Toyota Hilux ranges from Rs 33.99 to Rs 36.80 lakh
- Only available with a 4X4 drivetrain and packed with features
- Marketed as a lifestyle or pickup truck for private buyers
- In Kerela, Hilux cannot be registered as a private car.
Hilux, a renowned lifestyle vehicle from Toyota, was introduced in India earlier this year. The Hilux has gotten a lot of positive feedback from enthusiasts in India. The internet is flooded with customized Hilux photos since many enthusiasts have customized their Hilux to suit their individual tastes. Toyota Hilux is enjoying a decent number of sales in a number of states in India, but Kerela doesn't seem to be one of them.
One of the few states with a reputation for its automotive culture and tastefully modified cars in India is Kerela. But in specific circumstances, the Kerela Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) develops some uncommon restrictions. Potential Hilux consumers are not allowed to purchase the car in Kerela with a private number because it comes under the pickup vehicle category.
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A Toyota Hilux review video was recently released on YouTube by the Talking Cars channel, and at the end of the video, they stated that Kerala is not a place where one could purchase a Toyota Hilux as a private vehicle. Sounds strange, but pickup vehicles are mostly used as commercial vehicles in India. They boast a load carrying capacity of 1 ton and above so they are considered as commercial vehicles and comes with yellow registration plate.
After the release of the V-Cross, the same problem also affected this lifestyle vehicle made by the Japanese automaker Isuzu. But over time, the manufacturer altered the V-Cross' specifications and made it avaialble for commercial as well as private buyers. The Kerela MVD has made it impossible for individual buyers in the state to acquire a Hilux with a private number due to the heavy load-carrying capability of the vehicle. Other states don't experience this problem, thus it appears to be unique to Kerela.
Toyota Hilux Specifications
The Toyota Hilux is propelled by the same 2.8-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine as the Fortuner. The engine is able to produce a maximum power output of 201 bhp and 500 Nm of torque when mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The peak torque figure comes to 420 Nm when mated with a 6-speed manual transmission. It has 4X4 limited slip differential as standard equipment. The Hilux is a famous pickup truck around the world.
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Price for the Hilux range from Rs 33.99 lakh to Rs 36.80 lakh (ex-showroom). The cost of putting this lifestyle vehicle on the road can reach up to Rs 50 lakh. In addition, Toyota charges extra for a sizable number of accessories for the Hilux.
Toyota Hilux competes with the Isuzu V-Cross, though the price difference between both is significant. Watch our video comparison of these two lifestyle vehicles.
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