Toyota HiLux range rejigged

Toyota Australia has today announced a reshuffle of its HiLux range with 10 new variants of the big-selling commercial vehicle replacing 10 existing variants that weren't selling fast enough.

Of the 10 new variants eight are automatics. The rationalisation of the range has resulted in the petrol V6 variants being dropped, as we've reported previously. According to Toyota's press release the V6 accounted for 'fewer than half of one per cent of total HiLux sales'.

Other changes to the range allow buyers of the HiLux in 4x4 SR dual-cab form to specify satellite navigation and alloy wheels for $2000 – as one example – rather than pay the extra for the SR5 model. The full scope of the changes was outlined in the press release by Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb.

"It is clear that HiLux buyers increasingly want the convenience of an automatic transmission so we now offer 17 self-shifters compared with 12 previously," Cramb was quoted saying.

"Last year – for the first time – automatics accounted for more than half of all HiLux sales and this year the proportion has risen to almost 60 per cent and we expect it to increase further.

"We are also experiencing greater-than-expected demand for the two-wheel-drive Hi-Rider so we have expanded our competitively priced offerings from three to five.

"The Hi-Rider appeals to buyers who do not require serious off-road capability but appreciate the same rugged looks and imposing ground clearance as a 4x4 HiLux.

"All the new variants have been introduced for specific reasons; for example SR buyers have told us they would prefer the durability and convenience of a PVC floor covering rather than carpet.

"We have reintroduced a 4x4 WorkMate double cab-chassis for those who want a value-for-money vehicle that gives them the flexibility to add a purpose-built tray that suits their needs.

"For similar reasons we have brought back the SR extra cab-chassis in manual guise which was available with the previous generation and – for the first time – added an automatic version."

The range remains pegged at 31 variants. Toyota dealers will begin retailing the revised range from October 6.

The changes have been accompanied by minor price adjustments in some cases as follows: $50 for LED fog lights $70 for the addition of downhill assist control PVC flooring and black door handles and a discount of $80 for the deletion of PVC flooring.

Figures in brackets below show where the price adjustments apply and premium paint remains an extra-cost option for – $550.

Sadly, there's no news on Australia's top-selling vehicle -- bar none -- scoring any of the advanced driver-assist features available in its chief competitor, the Ford Ranger, including autonomous emergency braking.

2018 Toyota HiLux pricing (plus ORCs):

4x2 Single Cab (cab chassis)
WorkMate 2.7 manual – $20,990
WorkMate 2.7 automatic – $22,990
WorkMate 2.4 diesel manual – $24,990

4x2 Extra Cab (pick-up)
Hi-Rider SR 2.8 diesel automatic – $40,910 (new)

4x2 Double Cab (pick-up)
WorkMate 2.7 manual – $30,690
WorkMate 2.7 automatic – $32,690
WorkMate 2.4 diesel manual – $33,990
Hi-Rider WorkMate 2.4 diesel automatic – $39,490 (new)
Hi-Rider SR 2.8 diesel manual – $39,910 (-$80)
Hi-Rider SR 2.8 diesel automatic – $41,910 (-$80)
Hi-Rider SR5 2.8 diesel automatic – $49,940 (new)

4x4 Single Cab (cab chassis)
WorkMate 2.4 diesel manual – $36,990
SR 2.8 diesel manual – $39,410 (-$80)
SR 2.8 diesel automatic – $41,410 (-$80)

4x4 Extra Cab (cab chassis)
WorkMate 2.4 diesel automatic – $42,490 (new)
SR 2.8 diesel manual – $42,910 (new)
SR 2.8 diesel automatic – $44,910 (new)

4x4 Extra Cab (pick-up)
SR5 2.8 diesel automatic – $54,440 (new)

4x4 Double Cab (cab chassis)
WorkMate 2.4 diesel automatic – $44,490 (new)
SR 2.8 diesel manual – $45,060 (+$70)
SR 2.8 diesel automatic – $47,060 (+$70)

4x4 Double Cab (pick-up)
WorkMate 2.4 diesel manual – $43,990
WorkMate 2.4 diesel automatic – $45,990
SR 2.8 diesel manual – $46,560 (+$70)
SR 2.8 diesel automatic – $48,560 (+$70)
SR+ 2.8 diesel manual – $48,560 (new)
SR+ 2.8 diesel automatic – $50,560 (new)
SR5 2.8 diesel manual – $54,440 (+$50)
SR5 2.8 diesel automatic – $56,440 (+$50)
SR5+ 2.8 diesel manual – $56,440 (+$50)
SR5+ 2.8 diesel automatic – $58,440 (+$50)