Equipment tweaks for HiLux

Is Toyota feeling stalked by the Nissan Navara ST-X? Changes to the company's HiLux SR5 dual cab turbodiesel 4x4 variant bring the HiLux close to matching the Nissan for equipment -- and particularly standard safety features.

Traction and stability control systems have been added to the specification of the HiLux variant, and the two active safety systems are joined too by standard Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution for the anti-lock brakes.

Toyota has held the prices for this model to $53,690 for the manual variant and $55,690 for the automatic -- despite the migration from 15-inch wheels to 17-inch alloys (including the spare).

With the announcement of the upgrade came word from Toyota that the ABS option pack for lesser models will also be enhanced. When specified for the HiLux SR level of trim, the option pack now includes side-curtain airbags and "sports-style" bucket seats for the front-seat occupants. The price for this option (which also includes thorax-protecting side-impact airbags in the front seats) remains $800.

For other HiLux variants (including 4x2s), the cost of the ABS option has been reduced to $400 and in the case of 4x2 variants offered with the option pack of ABS and limited slip differential, that pack has been reduced in price from $1000 to $700.

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