Toyota has expanded the appeal of HiLux for families, tradespeople and fleet buyers by adding eight new automatic variants in a comprehensive revamp of Australia’s best-selling vehicle range.
In the first significant revitalisation of the HiLux range since the launch of the current generation, the wide-ranging update also includes:
- Three new SR extra cab-chassis variants (six-speed manual and auto) with the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine.
- Three automatic Hi-Rider pick-ups – a WorkMate double-cab, SR extra cab and SR5 double cab.
- Introduction of a WorkMate grade (auto) for the 4×4 double cab-chassis.
Toyota’s sweeping changes offer the ability for 4×4 SR double-cab pick-up buyers to specify the in-demand features of satellite navigation and alloy wheels for $2,000 – without the need to step up to the top-of-the-line SR5.
Overall, Toyota has unveiled 10 new variants which effectively replace 10 slower-selling variants, including V6-powered vehicles that account for fewer than half of one per cent of total HiLux sales.The moves are significant as HiLux continues to set new sales records. It is well placed to become Australia’s best-selling vehicle for the second year in a row and is the only vehicle of its type to have taken the title.
Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the realignment will further strengthen the sales potential of HiLux, which has topped the market in each of the past six months and has broken monthly sales records on four occasions this year.‘‘It is clear that HiLux buyers increasingly want the convenience of an automatic transmission, so we now offer 17 self-shifters compared with 12 previously,’’ Mr Cramb said. ‘‘Last year – for the first time – automatics accounted for more than half of all HiLux sales and this year the proportion has risen to almost 60 per cent and we expect it to increase further.’’
‘‘We are also experiencing greater-than-expected demand for the two-wheel-drive Hi-Rider, so we have expanded our competitively priced offerings from three to five. The Hi-Rider appeals to buyers who do not require serious off-road capability, but appreciate the same rugged looks and imposing ground clearance as a 4×4 HiLux.’’
‘‘All the new variants have been introduced for specific reasons; for example, SR buyers have told us they would prefer the durability and convenience of a PVC floor covering rather than carpet.’’
‘‘We have reintroduced a 4×4 WorkMate double cab-chassis for those who want a value-for-money vehicle that gives them the flexibility to add a purpose-built tray that suits their needs.’’
‘‘For similar reasons, we have brought back the SR extra cab-chassis in manual guise, which was available with the previous generation, and – for the first time – added an automatic version.’’
HiLux is in its 20th year in a row as Australia’s best-selling commercial vehicle and has been Australia’s top-selling four-wheel drive for the past 12 years. In 2018, the HiLux nameplate will mark its 50th anniversary in this country.
