Toyota is today launching three new Hilux models in Australia.
The new 4×4 double cab Rugged X, Rogue and Rugged models are not accessorised special editions, but fully fledged new HiLux models designed and developed in Australia, Toyota Australia’s vice president sales and marketing Sean Hanley said.
The Toyota Hilux is Australia’s best selling vehicle, with sales totalling 47,093 in 2017, ahead of the next most popular vehicle, the Ford Ranger, which totaled 42,728 in sales.
The Hilux is a common work horse on Australian farms.
Mr Hanley said the average HiLux customer already spent over $2000 on accessories for their vehicles so Toyota incorporated a range of these features into the new HiLux models.
“Designed and developed over a three-year vehicle program, all the new components on these stunning HiLux models are fully integrated and engineered into the core vehicle and covered by the standard factory warranty,” he said.
As the new top-of-the-range HiLux fully equipped for off-road adventures straight out the showroom, the Rugged X is priced from $61,690* in manual guise and $63,690 as an automatic.
The automatic-only HiLux Rogue is priced from $61,690. The HiLux SR-based Rugged is priced from $54,990 as a manual with the six-speed automatic option adding $2000.
Mr Hanley said the Rugged X builds on the SR5 on which it is based with a host of protective, functional and recovery features.
At the front, it has a winch-compatible heavy-duty steel front bar with integrated bash plate, LED lightbar and driving lights provides effective off-road protection and, together with the new design grille.
Further protective and recovery features include a snorkel, purposeful side rock rails that are able to support a fully laden vehicle, front and rear recovery points and a new heavy-duty steel rear bar and integrated tow bar.
The rear tub of the Rugged X had been designed for functionality with a new steel sports bar that can support a vertical load of 75kg and, with multiple tie down points, secure up to 200kg on the floor of the tub.
Inside, the new Rugged X includes leather-accented seats, a new design instrument cluster, metallic black ornamentation and black headlining.
Mr Hanley said the new HiLux Rogue had been designed with a more urban adventurer customer in mind and features redesigned front and rear ends that reflect Toyota’s global truck design DNA.
Designed in Australia and developed in conjunction with the Toyota engineering team in Thailand, the HiLux Rogue is a stylish premium HiLux model that will be sold in markets around the world.
As a premium model, the Rogue also gains the same interior features and trim as the Rugged X.
The new Rugged model is based on the HiLux SR and is aimed at customers who want the extra functionality and features of the Rugged X but with the protection offered by a traditional steel bullbar.
Like the Rugged X, the Rugged also features a snorkel, redesigned grille, side rock rails, sports bar and heavy-duty steel rear bar together recovery points.
All three new HiLux models share the same mechanical specifications as the SR5 or SR models on which they are based and are powered by a proven, strong and efficient 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine.
Driving through a part-time, shift-on-the-fly 4×4 system with a full set of low-range ratios, the engine generates maximum power of 130kW and 450Nm of torque with the optional six-speed automatic transmission or 420Nm when mated to the six-speed manual gearbox.
- Source: Toyota. Manufacturer’s list prices do not include statutory charges or other on-road costs.
If you think these vehicles are under powered you could always use a tuning file from The File Service to increase gains and fuel economy.
Engines still woefully under powered