Toyota Australia today expanded its top-selling HiLux range with a new variant specifically developed for the mining sector and for small to medium-size businesses such as plumbers, electricians and building industry contractors.
The latest HiLux 4×4 SR Double Cab provides customers with a more flexible and more affordable workhorse suited to their needs, combining the cab-chassis body style for the first time in this grade with a turbo-diesel engine and automatic transmission.
Toyota in Japan developed the vehicle specifically for Australia following feedback from the local company about customer demand for this specification.
The cab-chassis body style is particularly suited for industries needing customised fit-outs that typically include storage lockers and toolboxes, the ability to carry additional spare tyres and water or fuel tanks, right through to full mine specification.
The latest HiLux package retains the Double-Cab’s ability to transport five people while meeting the growing driver preference for the five-speed self-shifter in combination with the powerful and efficient 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine.
Lifting the number of HiLux variants to 23 in Australia, the new SR Double Cab scores highly on business checklists with its renowned 4×4 ability, rugged construction, comfort and convenience features, and five-star safety credentials.
Recommended retail price is from $43,740* – a saving of $1,500 compared with the identically equipped pick-up version.
Toyota Australia executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the development of the new HiLux variant demonstrated the importance of Australia and its customers to the global company.
“This new 4×4 HiLux package has been uniquely developed to meet the demands of workers in the harsh and remote conditions experienced in Australia’s mining and exploration industries,” Mr Cramb said.
“Equally, those attributes make it a rugged, dependable and affordable choice for businesses and individuals around the country, many of whom spend large amounts equipping their HiLux as a workhorse,” he said.
“Our dealers are targeting an overall increase in volume as a direct result of the new variant, ensuring HiLux will continue its extensive record of sales leadership.”
HiLux has been Australia’s best-selling four-wheel-drive vehicle since 2005 and number one in commercial-vehicle sales since 1998. Overall HiLux sales have topped 820,000 since the first model arrived in 1971.
Safety features in the new variant include six airbags, stability and traction control, brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution.
The common-rail turbo-diesel with electronic direct injection and a variable-vane turbocharger is the most popular engine choice in the HiLux range.
Mated to the auto gearbox, it develops peak torque of 360Nm from just 1400rpm all the way to 3200rpm. Maximum power is 126kW at 3600rpm. It uses just 8.7 litres of diesel fuel to travel 100km**.
Standard convenience features in HiLux SR Double Cab include 6.1-inch display screens with Bluetooth®^ connectivity, and steering-wheel controls for operating the audio, multi-information display (MID), telephone and voice recognition.
The MID shows current and average fuel economy, average vehicle speed, cruising range, outside temperature, a compass and the time.
The debut of the new variant coincides with the release of three new exterior hues across the HiLux range – Graphite, Silver Sky and Eclipse Black. There are five other colours available.
Every new HiLux is covered by the capped-price Toyota Service Advantage at a maximum of $170 per service^^.
