Hands-on Experience with the All New Toyota Revo

13 1,144

Toyota Indus has launched Hilux Revo in eight different variants, with the following choices

  • 4×4
  • 4×2
  • Single Cabin
  • Double Cabin
  • Automatic/Manual Transmission

All these trims feature the all-new 3.0L 1KD diesel engine. This review, however is performed on the Toyota Hilux ‘V’ variant, this particular variant is top-of-the line trim. However, since this is a test unit, it could be slightly different from the unit available in the market. So without further ado, let’s have a look at what it has to offer.

Exterior:

 

 

From the surface, the new Hilux Revo looks completely different from its predecessor. This new model is based on the ‘Keen Design’, which is common in almost all of the Toyota variants in Pakistan. Toyota has successfully managed to imprint a more muscular look with its new design aesthetics of ‘keen look’. This model also features a bigger and wider tail end as compared to the previous Hilux Vigo.

Also Checkout: Used Revo Cars in Pakistan

This new version of Hilux features projection lamps with day running LED lights for better road visibility. The company has also fitted Hilux insignia in these lights and coupled with auto on & off function for headlights and fog lights, Toyota Indus is finally equipping these much needed features in this latest iteration of Hilux Revo.

The vehicle’s intercooler ducts designed and placed in its bonnet help to present a very pronounced look to Revo’s front. Apart from these features, Revo comes with newly designed 18′ alloy wheels instead of 17′ wheels, which were previously fitted in the Hilux Vigo line-up.

Interior:

The new Hilux Revo is a major upgrade from Vigo in terms of performance, aesthetics and most importantly interior quality, design and build. Sitting inside the cabin doesn’t feel outlandish or cheap, neither does it feel of bespoke finishing. But still, the latest interior is a major upgrade as compared to previous generations’ of Hilux. The center console is made up of plastic, faux and some elements of original leather. The steering wheel is covered with leather.

Revo’s information cluster features a 4.2′ TFT info display, which apart from displaying on-board travel info, also controls different functions of the vehicle. Toyota Indus has also fitted Revo with a multimedia steering, which means controlling the audio/video and on-board computer is much more elegant and simpler. Apart from this, Bluetooth and telephone connectivity can also be controlled via voice command button, which is placed on the steering wheel. Since this is top-of-the line variant of Hilux Revo, it is also fitted with cruise control, its controller is specifically placed on the steering wheel.

Furthermore, unlike conventional 4×4’s, this vehicle features an electronically controlled high and low range switch, which is included in Toyota’s higher end 4×4’s like Land cruiser etc. Moreover, Revo features a digital climate control, which performs optimally in Pakistan’s warm climate. Although there are no AC vents for the rear passengers, but AC’s performance is quite noticeable in the cabin space. A digital clock has also been featured in between the AC vents on center console.

The vehicle features a 7″ TFT display with reverse camera, USB, Bluetooth and AUX connectivity factory installed six speakers, to provide ample amount of sound. Apart from theses, this vehicle also features front mounted camera for parking assistance. Likewise, the vehicle is fitted with reading lights, with a compartment for sunglasses. A 12V output socket and differential lock switch are placed on the center console. Revo features an electronically controlled driver seat, while all the other seats have been covered with bronze toned leather. It’s front centered armrest features a 220W electric socket, which can be used to charge any handheld device.

Toyota Revo features a 5-Speed automatic transmission with sequential gear knob. The vehicle has been fitted with cup holders in front center console, front passenger side and rear arm rest. In addition to the above mentioned features, the vehicle also includes a glove box in the dashboard. There is also a cool box in the new Hilux Revo, which was previously included in company’s flagship SUV’s. In terms of leg room, the vehicle is not very comfortable in the rear passenger seat, partly because of the vehicle’s design constrains and partly because of the seating position. But nonetheless, Revo offers an ample amount of headroom and good quality leather seats.

Safety & Performance:

The first thing anyone would notice while sitting inside the new Hilux Revo, it would be the lack of wind and engine noise. Compared with the old Vigo, this new vehicle does not have any rattling or knocking noises in its engine or cabin. Revo performs optimally in different terrains and conditions. In terms of safety, this vehicle features three airbags, one in the steering wheel, one for the knee protection for driver and one for the front passenger. Likewise, Revo features ABS and EBD (Electronic Break Distribution), which means that each tyre is equipped with a sensor that applies required amount of brake to minimize the stopping distance.

Conclusion

prices

In the local market, if a Pakistani ever wanted to buy a decent 4×4 in the budget of 4 million, then they had the choice of opting for a 10-year old Toyota Prado or any of its old equivalent. On top of that, Toyota Revo (imported) is available at PKR 6 to 6.5 million price range in the local market. But the credit is due to Toyota Indus for doing market research and launching this vehicle in appropriate price brackets. With the optimal 4×4 capabilities and the newly improved engine, this vehicle is a good option for rally drivers. Since many years, Toyota Hilux is the undisputed king in the local 4×4 market. This reign is all credited towards a lack of sufficient competition, nonetheless this new variant comes with much needed improvements in design, interior, suspension and off-road performance as compared to the old Hilux Vigo and it can be called the ‘King’ of Pakistani market.

 

Google App Store App Store
13 Comments
  1. zohaib says

    There is no such thing as “Experience” nor “Hands on” in this article. This is just an explanation of Specs of the vehicle.

  2. Guest says

    they are happy as long as they are making money

  3. wasim ikram says

    “But the credit is due to Toyota Indus for doing market research and launching this vehicle in appropriate price brackets.” Lmao !
    The top of line Thai model of Revo costs around 3.4M PKR and the PKDM Revo with much stripped down features and with 10 years old engine comes with a hefty price price tag of 4.2M.
    Way to go ! Thugs sitting at IMC.

    IMC did their market research or not but one thing is for sure that whoever writes such blogs, surely does so without any market research.

  4. Ahson Tariq says

    The quality of Pakwheels Blogs needs to be improved considerably. This article is nothing more than a mere commentary on the vehicle’s Spec Sheet and in that also, the author has gone wrong. What hands-on experience are we talking about? 10 km drive?

    There is NO front camera installed in “V” variant. It is merely Front Camera-Ready which means that the owner will have to buy and install it himself, however, the existing multimedia is capable/ready to accommodate the front camera.

    The author claims “Newly improved engine” and “appropriate price bracket” !!! What newly improved engine? Beta, this engine (1KD-FTV) is 16 years old and was first introduced by Toyota in the year 2000. IMCL is just a decade and a half behind in terms of introducing new technology !!! Appropriate price bracket? Define appropriate? For me, appropriate would have been 20% to 25% cheaper.

    Articles like these, coming from the “WebDesk” (Pakwheels Management) puts the neutrality of PW management in question. This is turning PW into a marketing arm of IMCL and hence putting it’s credibility at stake. Things for PW management to ponder.

    While I have shared my own “experience” with the Revo V in “Revo Launch thread” in the Forums section, I’d like to add here that the mileage (with full-time AC on) is 8’ish km / litre if driven mostly with a soft foot on the peddle (with a bit of idling involved) and 6’ish km/litre with heavy foot. On longer routes (motorway/highway) and with Cruise Control enabled, it gives 10’ish km / litre. This is with four passengers including driver with nothing in the deck. Also, that the cabin noise is around 20% to 25% reduced than the previous model mainly due to better sound insulation in/behind the dashboard, but one cannot say that the driver and front passenger will hear absolutely no engine noise. Even in idle, one does hear the engine sound. I personally love the 3.0 D4D Turbo Deisel engine’s roaring sound so it’s no issue for me.

    About rattling sounds, we’ll only know after a few thousand kilometres after driving over different terrains, so all comments or claims about “zero rattling sounds” hold no weight at the moment.

    My Grievances about the Revo “V” model (till now) is that this is the top-of-the-line model and IMCL, despite increasing the price by around half a million over the outgoing top-of-the-line (VIGO) model, didn’t provide any Utility Box, Roll-bars, Push-Start and Smart Entry feature in the vehicle. The previous VIGO GX Plus had the U-Box and Roll-bars as standard. Even in Australia and South Africa, the top two variants have these two items standard. Despite increasing the price by half a million and including a 16 year old engine, IMCL couldn’t provide it’s customers with Push-Start and Smart Entry options. It’s a shame. As per previous practice, they’d probably further increase the price by 2 to 3 lacs in a few months time and introduce a TRD variant at this increased price (around PKR 4.5m) with these four things included. About IMCL not providing the latest GD engine in the Hilux, I personally believe this is sort of a blessing in disguise for us Hilux Revo customers. I’ll explain my reasons in detail in the detailed review I’ll post soon on Pakwheels and elsewhere.

    Overall, I’m loving the experience of driving Revo. It is inherently a much better truck as compared to the Vigo, thanks to Toyota Australia for going back to the drawing board and spending 6 years to come up with this new model (called Hilux SR5 in Australia).

    Regarding market dynamics, consumer exploitation and monopoly aspects which we all continuously complain about, and rightly so, I believe that the changing market conditions including new entrants like BMW, Audi, and maybe a few other European manufacturers, will certainly drive sense into the current trio. We have already started seeing them adding several features which were previously missing in locally assembled vehicles like immobiliser, push start (civic), auto climate control, cruise control, automatic seats (Civic, Altis and Hilux), EBD, digital H4/L4 and Traction Control (Hilux) etc. More competition will force them to “DO MORE”. 🙂

  5. Ahson Tariq says

    Can you please share the “landed cost” of a self-imported Thai Revo (brand new or less than 1,000km driven), in Karachi?

  6. wasim ikram says

    Bro stock revo should be around 6.2 to 6.5m, I am not a dealer though. Plz do visit Khi market for latest price trend.

  7. Ahson Tariq says

    I just inquired because you mentioned that “The top of line Thai model of Revo costs around 3.4M PKR”. I think you mean’t to state that it costs equivalent to PKR 3.4m in Thailand. If that is the case, then the day we (Pakistanis) have as many alternate brand and variant options in our local market as the end-consumers in Thailand have in their local market, we will surely see the prices at or around the level you have mentioned. Till then, we are at the mercy of this trio and continue to be exploited.

  8. wasim ikram says

    Bravo ! You nailed it Bro.

  9. wasim ikram says

    Yes you are right, my point here is that we are being charged approx 25% more than the toyota thai version to whom basically IMC follows but in return we don’t even get all the goodies and the latest engines.
    So IMC killing us both ways…

  10. hashaam ud din says

    Ahson Tariq put it right.There r more points can be highlighted but here I only want Pak Wheel Management to be above board & look in consumer interest also not “IMCL” favors

  11. hashaam ud din says

    WasimIkram, r u from toyota indus? if yes then go nd survey consumer confidence in toyota indus stuff. every body go for used imported. market trend!

  12. Ahson Tariq says

    Blanket statements like “everybody goes for used & imported vehicles, instead of Toyota Indus” are not correct. The price difference between Indus Hilux Revo and Thai Hilux Revo is approx PKR 2m. To put things in perspective, one can get a brand new Corolla Gli 1.3L automatic in that difference. And for this additional PKR 2m (48% above PKDM model price), the meaningful things that the Pakistani customer is not getting are:

    1) Hill Decent Assist;

    2) Rear AC Vents:

    3) Getting 3.0L D4D VNT engine instead of the new GD engine;

    4) Push Start Button and additional USB port on the dashboard.

    The question is, are the above things worth PKR 2m? For some, these might be. For me, they certainly are not.

    More importantly, upon buying the imported (used) Revo, you will not have the safety of a 2 year warranty.

    Price positioning wise, IN COMPARISON TO THE THAI REVO (price at which Thai is available in PK), the Indus Revo is very appropriate placed (48% lower) and it is my personal opinion that we will not see the same interest of Pakistani consumers in imported Hilux Revo / SR5 models as we saw in case of older VIGO. The price difference in case of VIGO between local and imported model was around 15% – 18%.

  13. wasim ikram says

    Hashaam ud din bro ! I think I need to translate my words into Urdu for you as you completely misunderstood what I said, otherwise you would have not passed such judgment.

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.