New Toyota Tundra from $120K

Australia’s largest independent importer and converter of American vehicles, Performax International, has completed local compliance engineering on the Toyota Tundra, allowing the Japanese giant’s largest ute to be registered in every Australian state and territory.

Two 5.7-litre V8 versions of the 2014 Tundra pick-up will be available – the Platinum and the 1794 Edition – priced from a cool $118,990 plus on-road costs “at current exchange rates”.

That makes the locally converted Tundra more than twice the price of the most expensive HiLux (the near-$55,000 SR5 Double Cab), which will be replaced by an all-new model next year.

However, as with Performax’s 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge RAM and Ford F-250, which becomes available later this year, the latest Tundra will be produced in strictly limited numbers and available with full Australian Design Rule compliance.

Based north of Brisbane in Gympie and represented by dealers in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, Performax has almost 25 years' experience in importing and re-engineering American vehicles to ISO 9001 Quality Assurance standards.

It says technologies like computer-aided design, 3D-printed parts prototyping and injection moulding ensure its right-hand drive vehicles are manufactured with factory-original engineering, fit and finish quality.

Both new Tundra models are claimed to bring significant advances in safety, comfort and convenience features over the model it replaces, which was one of Performax’s most popular models.

The Tundra continues to be powered by one of the most sophisticated engines in its class – a 284kW/543Nm all-alloy i-FORCE 5.7-litre DOHC 32-valve petrol V8 matched to a six-speed automatic transmission and on-demand four-wheel drive – endowing it with a towing capacity of no less than four tonnes.

Changes for MY14 include engine control updates to improve throttle response, reduced noise and vibration, new 20-inch wheels, fresh grille and tray styling, and an upgraded interior.

The latter brings a new dashboard, instruments, steering wheel and centre console, plus luxury leather upholstery and infotainment system upgrades including the ability to convert smartphone text messages and emails to voice.

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) and a reversing camera have been added to the suite of available electronic safety features. Other options include tow mirrors and running boards.

Standard equipment includes LED daytime running lamps, chromed and heated auto-dimming and power-folding door mirrors, colour-coded bumpers, a powered tilt/slide sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, power tilt/telescope steering wheel adjustment, an electric rear cabin window and memory system for the powered driver’s seat, wing mirrors and steering wheel.

The Platinum Tundra is distinguished from the 1794 Edition via an urban-themed interior with brushed metal-style trim (rather than rural-themed with woodgrain), perforated black (not tan) leather trim, a colour-coded (not chromed) grille surround and different wheel and floor mat designs.

"Individually, most of the changes except the dash and console are only incremental, but together they amount to a pick-up that is better to drive, more comfortable and convenient and safer," said Performax International General Manager, Glenn Soper.

"The 2014 trucks have proved immediately popular. Even before we officially announced their availability we sold several to customers who know the Toyota Tundra is one of the finest pick-ups for sale in Australia.

"The Platinum version will suit any buyer looking for a smart pick-up, but the 1794 Edition has a little extra touch of country added to its styling for someone who wants something a bit special."