Last Wednesday, the all-new Toyota Hilux ‘Vigo’ was
introduced to the local media, organized by local dealer Niyom Phanich’s
Senior Vice Managing Director Suthipong Chindasilp. In his outgoing and
vivid presentation, Suthipong not only outlined the remarkable benefits of
the new vehicle, but also explained the reasons why he foresees that his
ambitious goals of selling at least 400 Toyota Hilux Vigos to Chiang Mai
residents will be realised. “It’s simply a fantastic new car, as
comfortable as it is economic, yet sporty at the same time,” Suthipong
said. “I want locals to drive a safe, yet comfortable car but I know for
many businesses you need to have a Pick up. The new Hilux generation
combines the comfort of a limousine with the heavy duty engine and big
loading area which is needed by most business men,” he said.
Niyom
Phanich’s senior vice managing director, Suthipong Chindasilp and his new
‘baby’. (Picture: Michael Vogt)
The new pick-up is part of Toyota Motor’s IMV Project
(Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicles) in which models are
designed for sale in more than 140 countries to meet the needs of today’s
customers in their demands for high levels of durability and comfort.
To do this, Toyota has retained the tried and true
cab-on-chassis design, front engined and rear wheel drive. Simple and
durable. Suspension has been given much attention, and the buyer of a Vigo
will find that the ride is much more like a sedan than a stiffly sprung
pick-up.
Steering is also improved with rack and pinion being part
of the raft of changes between the Vigo and its fore-runners from Toyota.
Powerwise the Vigo is a market leader, with both the 2.5
and 3 litre variants sporting intercoolers and larger turbo-chargers, and
these new D4D commonrail diesels are also more powerful than their
predecessors in the Hilux Tigers (and incidentally, more powerful than the
rivals in this category).
In the interior, creature comforts are again much more like a sedan than
a pick-up, and this new vehicle from Toyota will produce its own
marketplace, giving the best of both worlds, both practical and comfortable.
This is probably the best value ‘town and country’ family vehicle in
sale locally.
Garwood
Weatherhead, GM of Sunbelt Asia