Toyota has announced pricing and specification details on its new HiLux SR and SR5 variants which will go on sale from 27 August.
Hot on the heels of Isuzu Ute Australia’s unveiling of its new D-MAX, Toyota Australia has announced pricing and specification details on its revised HiLux SR and SR5 models, headlined by a more powerful version of the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine that now makes a claimed 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque. In addition, Toyota says fuel economy is improved by up to 11.1 per cent.
The 2.8-litre four-cylinder 1GD engine can be mated to a recalibrated six-speed electronic automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox. Torque is limited to 420Nm when mated to the manual gearbox. According to Toyota, maximum torque is now available across a wider range, from 1600-2800rpm for the auto and 1400-3400rpm for the manual.
The performance and economy improvements are said to have been achieved thanks to a new common-rail injection system with a higher maximum fuel pressure (250MPa) and the adoption of a larger, heavy-duty turbocharger with a ball-bearing cartridge, which is said to provide crisper and stronger throttle response. There’s also a new combustion chamber and more efficient exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in the intake manifold, a new coated cylinder-head gasket, higher-rigidity cylinder block, a new exhaust manifold and a revised cooling system.
Both SR and SR5 offer ‘ECO’ and ‘Power’ modes, the former favouring fuel economy and the latter favouring sharper acceleration response.
The HiLux 4×4’s maximum braked towing capacity now matches class competitors at 3500kg across the range.
Here’s pricing for the new Toyota HiLux line-up:
As previously reported in Unsealed 4X4, the new HiLux also has revised styling and retuned suspension with new spring rates, shock absorbers and suspension bushes, as well as revised cabin mounts. The updates are aimed at providing a more comfortable ride and greater stability when towing, especially on rough roads or with light loads on board, and Toyota says Australian engineers were involved in tuning of the suspension.
Toyota also says Australian designers were involved with the new look of the updated HiLux, which has a “stronger, more powerful on-road presence” thanks to a large trapezoidal grille with more pronounced horizontal elements for a wider appearance. Styling has also been tweaked at the back-end with “strong fender shoulders that extend rearwards”.
Changes inside the cabin include an upgraded multimedia system with enhanced voice recognition and (finally) Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, while the 8-inch display now comes with proper control knobs for easier use of functions including volume. The myToyota function enables compatibility with third-party apps such as Waze, AccuWeather and Stitcher. The SR5 variant adds standard satnav and digital radio.
The instrument binnacle has also been updated across the range with new gauges either side of the 4.2-inch multi-information display.
Safety updates to the SR5 models include the fitment of two front and four rear parking sonars.
“HiLux fans will appreciate the bold new look as well as the performance boost from our biggest-selling engine that makes towing and overtaking even easier in all conditions, including heading up a hill on a 40-degree summer’s day,” Toyota Australia Vice President Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said.
“They will also find HiLux more fun to drive with sharper handling and an unladen ride quality that is now vastly improved, without compromising its body control when carrying a load over undulating roads.”
Toyota says HiLux Rogue and HiLux Rugged X details and pricing will be announced at a later date.
