Three new HiLux variants will arrive in April, with Toyota claiming they’re aimed squarely at off-road enthusiasts.
THE THREE NEW HILUX variants are Rugged, Rugged X and Rogue and while pricing and final details haven’t been released, we do know they’ll be here in April and that they’ll sit at the top of the HiLux tree. None of the vehicles have been modified in any way beyond having their bits and pieces bolted on, so, no engine or suspension tweaks. These aren’t Ranger Raptor competitors.
Toyota said the development program for the bolt-ons involved “computer simulations, prototype manufacture, bench testing and real-world evaluation to confirm strength and durability of the vehicle and individual components”.
The HiLux Rugged X gets a high-tensile alloy bash plate, winch-compatible steel front bar, LED driving lights, recovery points, rock rails, and load-carrying sports bar. HiLux Rugged, which is focused on toughness and off-road performance. It provides enthusiasts with an ideal vehicle for getting off the beaten track that its aggressive front-end design, including a steel bull bar. The third variant, HiLux Rogue “was styled by the Australian design team and developed in close collaboration with Toyota engineers in Thailand,” Toyota said.
Toyota Australia’s product planning and development general manager Rod Ferguson said: “Our team understands local customer usage and tastes, the extremes of our local environment as well as requirements for off-road use, unsealed roads and the challenges of dust and water crossings,” Mr Ferguson said.
“They have developed these high-strength components and integrated them fully to build on the strength and durability of HiLux while maintaining the performance of key safety systems,” he said.
Mr Ferguson said the new models also benefited from the Australian team’s extensive involvement in developing the current-generation HiLux.
“It was natural for our team to focus on HiLux: it’s Australia’s best-selling vehicle and owners customise their HiLux more than any other model in our range.
“Australian buyers will also appreciate the peace-of-mind knowing that these new vehicles have been developed to Toyota’s rigorous standards, will be certified to Australian Design Rules and attract full warranty coverage,” Mr Ferguson said.
In the end, Toyota has tried to short-cut the aftermarket with these mods. So, it’ll be interesting to see what the value equation works out as when pricing is finally announced.
Question: Would you buy a vehicle with these bits already on it from the maker, or would you rather go to the aftermarket and choose the bits and pieces you want yourself?
The cynic in me suggests that for the price hike over an SR5 you could achieve all of these ‘bolt ons’ with quality aftermarket gear, and still have enough left over to upgrade the suspension.
However, no amount of aftermarket gear can change the fact that it is (like nearly all of the dual cabs) an under-engined, part-time 4×4 & really expensive ute.