Toyota readying Ford Ranger Wildtrak rival

Toyota Australia has revealed its intention to bring a new flagship version of the top-selling HiLux utility to market – one that would rival Ford’s highly successful Ranger Wildtrak.

Speaking with motoring.com.au, Toyota Australia executive director Tony Cramb (pictured) noted the success of expensive luxury dual-cab trucks in Australia, and said that provisions were in place for a like-minded HiLux spin-off.

“Clearly there’s an opportunity as people look for greater levels of specification as people look to these lifestyle vehicles. There’s an opportunity for something that’s even over and above the SR5 HiLux,” he said.

With the HiLux being awarded Australia’s top selling vehicle of 2016, Cramb said it was important to continue leveraging the nameplate to ensure continued momentum in 2017.

Asked whether an increase in power could be part of Toyota’s plan, he said: “Anything’s possible. Lots of different options are being considered as we speak, but nothing to announce yet”.

Cramb later clarified that a more powerful version of the HiLux’s 2.8-litre diesel wasn’t in the pipeline.

Toyota’s move upmarket mirrors similar strategies from Volkswagen, with the introduction of a new V6 diesel Amarok, as well as Mercedes-Benz, which will bring the X-Class utility to market in 2018.

Cramb said the rationale behind such a move — which would echo that of the short-lived, previous-generation HiLux TRD V6 — was simple.

“SR5 now comprises over half of all 4x4 sales for HiLux and 18 per cent of all 4x4 HiLux sales actually have the leather-accented seats,” he said.

“Clearly people are comfortable going to that higher level and want that SUV-like comfort. There’s an opportunity there for the industry, some are currently taking advantage of it and we obviously need to.

“We’re looking at it now, but nothing we’d like to announce.”