Toyota Kirloskar Motor has delivered the primary batch of the Hilux pick-up truck to the Indian Army. The Hilux was put by two months of rigorous analysis by the Northern Command of the Indian Army’s Technical Evaluation Committee to be inducted into the fleet. It was examined in tough terrain and excessive climate – starting from an altitude of 13,000ft to sub-zero temperatures.

1. This is Toyota’s first-ever order from the Indian Army
2. Hilux is powered by a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine
3. Joins different SUVs within the Army’s fleet such because the Scorpio, Safari Storme

Toyota Hilux: new addition to Indian Army fleet

The Indian Army has had quite a few 4x4s in its fleet starting from the Maruti Gypsy, Mahindra Scorpio, Tata Safari Storme (GS800) and Tata Xenon pick-up, simply to call a number of. The Hilux turns into the most recent 4×4 the be a part of the fleet, fairly understandably for its off-road functionality and Toyota’s famend reliability. However, it’s not identified if the Army-spec Hilux has been modified in any method over the civilian-spec mannequin.

In a press release, the Army mentioned: “We are happy to receive the first fleet of Toyota Hilux, which measures up to the requirements of the Indian Army. We acknowledge TKM’s support to customise the Hilux, passing through our stringent road tests with its strong off-roading strengths and extreme performance under stringent weather, difficult terrain conditions, which is key to our requirements. We look forward to utilising this fleet of Hilux for the purposes meant.”

Recently, the Indian Army additionally acquired a fleet of the Mahindra Scorpio Classic, which is touted to interchange the older models of the Maruti Gypsy which have served the Army for nearly twenty years. The armed forces are additionally trying to combine EVs into its fleet, with the Indian Air Force just lately buying 12 Tata Nexon EVs for its providers.

Toyota Hilux: engine and specs

Under the hood, the Hilux will get a 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel that produces 204hp and 420Nm of torque (500Nm within the case of the automated). Transmission choices on the Hilux embody a 6-speed handbook or a 6-speed torque converter computerized gearbox.

The Hilux will get a four-wheel drive system as normal, and for improved off-road potential, it additionally will get a low-range gearbox, and entrance and rear digital differential locks. It has an method angle of 29 levels and a departure angle of 26 levels. Additionally, the Hilux has a water-wading capability of 700mm.

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