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NEWS
Hino launches 300 Series 4x4
Single and crew-cab versions available with optional car-licence GVMIn what was tantamount to a world launch, Hino has pulled the rug off its 300 Series 4x4 at media and dealer events in Melbourne this week.
Developed specifically for the Australian market, the new Hino 4x4 shares most of its components with existing Hino models and according to excited Hino execs at the launch, it will fit neatly into many existing Hino customers’ fleets.
“This truck is made for Australia and made for work,” said Bill Gillespie, Hino’s General Manager, Brand and Franchise Development. “We are the only market in the world to get it and our Australian team worked tirelessly with [engineers in] Japan to develop this model. This is essentially the world launch.”
Daniel Petrovski, Manager of Product Strategy, added: “Previously, we haven’t had a truck for our customers who work in this area [off-road], so we decided to have a look at it back in 2009. In 2012 we had our first prototype and after extensive testing, in 2016 we pushed the green button and these are the first production trucks.”
Petrovski said that the testing was done in real-world conditions around Kalgoorlie and also in the harsh environment of Cape York with the Cook Shire Council. “We did over 40,000 kilometres on runs from Cooktown to the Jardine River,” he said.
Strength and safety
The new trucks are powered by Hino’s proven 4.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and two-speed transfer case. “The transfer case comes from our 13-tonne [500 Series] trucks, so you won’t break that,” said Petrovski.
The new 300 Series 4x4s come with a GVM of 7500kg or optional 4495kg for use with a car licence.
Leaf springs are used front and rear and the suspension has been designed in Australia and tuned to our conditions over countless hours of testing, we’re told.
Safety has obviously been high on the agenda with four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, stability control, dual front airbags, and a reversing camera all standard equipment. The cab is ECE R-29 compliant and drivers also get a suspension seat.
“We have put considerable effort into the cab design to ensure maximum safety while ensuring it accommodates a diverse range of occupants in both Single and Crew Cab configurations,” said Petrovski.
The slim 65mm A-pillars enhance front and side vision without compromising structural integrity, a design feature considered with today’s increasing cyclist and pedestrian traffic in mind.
“In designing the 300 Series doors, our engineers created the largest opening space possible without compromising strength and took into account a large footwell area and head height considerations,” Petrovski added.
A tilt and telescopic steering wheel is standard, as well as cruise control and easy-to-use controls for the 4x4 system.
Four-wheel drive and high or low range is selected via a dash-mounted button and lights let you know what mode you’re in. In a kickback to the old days, manual freewheeling hubs are found on the front wheels.
On the road
At the launch we got to try the new 300 Series 4x4s in a variety of conditions and they proved not only capable but comfortable as well.
The ride from the new suspension is great. Our trucks were loaded to near-GVM except for one that I didn’t get to drive, but the loaded ones that I did drive were a real surprise. Not only did I forget that I was in a 4x4, but sometimes I forgot that I was in a loaded truck with a GVM of 7.5 tonnes.
The ride was supple and comfortable – no doubt aided by the suspension seat – and the handling was damn good too, whether on dirt roads or highway.
Off-road, the Hino was in its element with a good spread of gears in low range and final reduction in first-low of around 65.5:1. This gives the truck good crawling and climbing ability and excellent engine braking.
The air intake is high as are the critical electrics so fording shouldn’t be an issue. You will have to fit your own diff breathers though if you plan to do a lot of water crossings.
Although the Hino execs were hesitant to talk about pricing, they did say it would be ‘competitive’ with the competition.
We will be bringing you a full road test in the coming weeks.
Hino 300 Series 4x4 specifications:
Engine: Four-cylinder, intercooled, OHV turbo-diesel
Displacement: 4.0 litres
Power: 165hp/121kW
Torque: 464Nm
Fuel: 170 litres (1 x 100 litres, 1 x 70 litres)
GVM: 7500kg, optional 4495kg
GCM: 11,000kg, optional 7995kg
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Transfer case: Two-speed (low 2.224:1)
Diff ratio: 4.625
Wheelbase: 3500mm
Overall height: 2550mm (single cab) 2565 (crew cab)
Body Length: 4865mm (single cab) 3840mm (crew cab)
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Written byGeoff Middleton
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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