The global unveiling of the new Toyota HiLux, staged simultaneously in Australia and Thailand, has taken the wraps off the eighth generation of a nameplate with a famed 47-year pedigree.

While the new HiLux, due in local Toyota showrooms in Australia from early October 2015, is even tougher than its predecessor, the latest workhorse also features advanced comfort, safety and convenience - and is easier to drive than ever.

New HiLux expands the model's legendary prowess with an even stronger frame, four powerplants (including two new high-torque turbo-diesel engines), increased towing capacity up to 3.5 tonnes and payloads of up to 1240kg.

Toyota's Australian engineers took global responsibility for developing the rugged suspension package for the local HiLux with testing at the Anglesea proving ground and over sealed roads and off-road trails in Victoria, NSW and South Australia.

The set-up - with improved off-road performance, better suppression of vibrations and improved roll stiffness - will also be used to provide superior ride and handling in the harsh conditions of South Africa, Russia and South America.

Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the first all-new HiLux since 2005 redefines the 'unbreakable' tag.

"The next-generation Toyota HiLux inherits the core values of quality, durability and reliability - and takes those attributes to an even higher level," Mr Cramb said.

"The introduction of an even stronger frame, new engines, greater off-road ability and car-like features ensures the next-generation HiLux combines the best features of a workhorse ute and an SUV," he said.

Toyota HiLux (2016)
2016 Toyota HiLux
"A highlight is the Australian-developed suspension that delivers increased wheel articulation, improved handling and greater comfort so owners can enjoy stress-free driving, even with a full load."

HiLux's two newly developed GD-series four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel engines are notable for their low-end punch and develop substantially more torque than the current model's 3.0-litre unit.

A 2.8-litre version offers up to 450Nm of torque, a gain of 25 per cent, while its 2.4-litre sibling generates up to 400Nm. In each case fuel use has been reduced by around 10 per cent.

New variants, improved efficiency and SUV-like comfort from eight-generation model.

CarAdvice.com.au takes a look at the new 2016 Toyota Hilux, unveiled simultaneously in Sydney, Australia and Bangkok, Thailand.

The 2016 Toyota HiLux has been revealed at last, ahead of its arrival in Australian showrooms in early October.

The new generation of Australia’s top-selling commercial vehicle was unveiled simultaneously at a special event in Sydney as well as in Bangkok, Thailand — where the reveal was also broadcast across several public television networks.

The eighth-generation Toyota HiLux will launch with four engine options including a punchier new flagship diesel, two gearbox options (including rev matching between gears for manual gearboxes), and three model grades. There will be a total of 31 variants available, up from 23 with the old model.

Locally, the HiLux will be available in Workmate, SR and SR5 trim levels. These variants will be detailed further closer to the vehicle’s launch.