The introduction of new models and an increased towing capacity sees the new 2020 Hino 300 Series range meet the needs of customers across a broad array of applications and open up new market opportunities for Hino in Australia.
“Over the last 20 years, we have offered our customers a large range of light-duty models, building an enviable reputation for performance, reliability and safety,” said Daniel Petrovski, Manager of Product Strategy for Hino Australia.
“With the introduction of the new 300 Series, we have expanded the range to more than 60 models including Standard Cab, Wide Cab and Wide Crew Cab configurations with both the four litre and high horsepower five litre engines available.
“Customers also have a choice between a manual or a true automatic transmission, with our range featuring Australia’s only light-duty Hybrid electric-diesel variants.”
Australia’s most powerful Japanese-built light-duty truck range has been expanded with the introduction of the new 721 models.
The 721 features the five litre J05E-UJ engine with an impressive 205hp and 600Nm of torque, matched to the six-speed double overdrive true automatic transmission, with a towing capacity of 3.5 tonne.
“The new 721 opens up many opportunities in the 6.5 tonne Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) class for tradespeople and local councils, with the true automatic transmission matched to the most powerful and highest torque engine in its class,” said Mr Petrovski.
“The 721 is available in multiple wheelbases, as well as Single and Crew Cab models and fills an important gap in the market for Hino.
“We have listened to our customers, especially councils, who have conveyed to us that the availability of a 6.5 tonne GVM true automatic transmission model is a particularly important factor in their purchasing decision, so it is an area we have focused on.
“For the car-licenced 616 Standard, 616 Wide and 616 Crew Cab variants, the automatic transmission’s towing capacity has improved from 2.8 tonne to 3.5 tonne.
“With the various safety, technology, performance and comfort changes that the new 300 Series models feature, we are providing our customers options that elevate our product in the marketplace.”
Starting out the product line-up is the 616 Standard Single Cab, which features independent front suspension, a unique feature among the 300 Series range. With 4.5 tonne GVM and 8.0 tonne Gross Combined Mass (GCM) ratings, 616 trucks are fitted with the four litre N04C common-rail turbo-diesel engine, rated at 150hp and providing 420Nm of torque. Available with both manual and true automatic transmission models, the 616 features towing of up to 3.5 tonne, all on a car licence.
All 616 Standard Cab models can be upgraded to an increased payload of 5.5 tonne GVM on a light rigid truck licence.
Wide Cab models start with the 616 and 617, both of which have a standard GVM of 4.5 tonne for car-licenced operation and can be uprated to 5.5 tonne GVM on a light rigid truck licence.
The 616 Wide Cab model produces 150hp and 420Nm with the four litre N04C common-rail turbo-diesel engine combined with the six-speed automatic transmission.
“The 617 manual model is also powered by the N04C engine, this time with the Hino six-speed double overdrive manual transmission – this combination produces 165hp (121kW) and 464Nm of torque,” said Mr Petrovski.
The 716 and 717 Wide Cab models cover the 6.5 tonne GVM range, fitted with the four litre engine, with either a true automatic or manual transmission available.
The 816 Wide Cab model also comes with an automatic transmission, and is fitted with 17.5-inch wheels, higher rated tyres, and higher rated axles, which increase its GVM to 8.0 tonne and boost its payload offering.
The 917 model retains the four litre engine mated to the six-speed manual transmission and has an 8.5 tonne GVM on a medium rigid truck licence, and can be rated to 7,995kg for light-duty truck customers.
Another model utilising the manual transmission is the 920, and with the five litre engine option, it can be registered for a light or medium rigid truck licence, resulting in GVMs of 8.0 or 8.5 tonne respectively. When combined with the true automatic transmission and the high horsepower five litre engine, the 921 offers superior performance and 3.5 tonne towing capacity.
Once again, it can be configured with an 8.0 tonne GVM for light rigid truck licences, or 8.5 tonne GVM for medium rigid licences.
The new Hino Hybrid electric-diesel model is available in four variants: the 616 Standard and Wide Cab car-licenced models through to the 716 Wide Cab and the 916 Wide Cab, which has a maximum Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 8.5 tonne.
The 2020 Hino 300 Series is available at Hino dealerships nationwide, with further information available at www.hino.com.au
