Datuk Ismet Suki (left), President of UMW Toyota Motor with Mr Khong Man  Chong, Executive  Director of UMW Toyota Motor during the Hilux  Improvement Media Launch in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

UMW Toyota Motor has launched the improved-for-2013 Toyota Hilux at an event held in Kota Kinabalu. Order-taking began on September 17 and more than 800 units have been booked to date.

Additions include 17-inch alloys, leather seats, a dark interior, redesigned front fog lamps, power driver's seat, plus front seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.

Engines remain the same 2.5 and 3.0 litre turbodiesels that feature Intercooler VNT and D-4D common-rail tech. As of last month, the current-gen Toyota Hilux has found more than 145,000 Malaysian homes since its 2005 launch, and nearly 18,000 this year so far.

"The Hilux is the most popular pick-up model by far, out-selling even its closest competitor by a wide margin. Hilux continues to lead the pick-up segment with more than 50% market share in Malaysia," UMW Toyota Motor president Datuk Ismet said.

UMW Toyota Motor is targeting to sell upwards of 29,000 units of the updated Toyota Hilux next year. The pick-up truck will hit showrooms throughout Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia from October 25 onwards.