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More Hilux get attitude injection for 50th anniversary
Toyota has restyled the 14 wide-bodied variants of its 21-ute range as the iconic workhorse of choice celebrates its 50th anniversary globally.
These SR and SR5 extra and double cab variants come with a similar tough looking stance first introduced with the range topping SR5 Cruiser earlier this year.
“Most of our Hilux range now looks even tougher to back up its long-established reputation for being resilient with the ability to perform in demanding conditions,” said Neeraj Lala, Toyota New Zealand’s General Manager of Product Planning and New Vehicle Sales.
“Like the SR5 Cruiser, these utes make a bold statement that will appeal to even more customers.”
The front-end design includes a bold new honeycomb grille with a chrome surround, redesigned front bumper, black bonnet garnish, chrome fog light garnish with SR variants gaining halogen fog lights.
SR5 Cruiser variants will change to Dunlop Grandtrek AT25 tyres with white lettering to further enhance their looks.
The Hilux was introduced to the Japanese market in 1968 and exports began the following year, with the first Hilux arriving in New Zealand in 1976. The current model is the eighth generation. More than 18 million have now been sold world-wide in 170 countries.
Initially only available in 2WD, a 4WD option did not appear for Hilux until the third generation in 1978, the same time as double cab models and diesel engines were introduced.
The extra cab variant first appeared in 1983 with the fourth generation, the same time as independent front suspension. By 1988 the diesel engine had grown to 2.8 litres and there was a V6 petrol option for the fifth generation.
In 1997 the first turbo diesel engine made its debut in the sixth generation, while the seventh generation in 2005 introduced a common rail turbo diesel engine and 4.0 litre petrol V6.
Hilux was assembled in New Zealand, at Toyota New Zealand’s Christchurch plant between 1983 and 1995. Today it is imported from Toyota’s Thailand plant.
Kiwis have bought more than 130,000 Hilux since 1976, making it New Zealand’s most popular one tonne ute over the last 42 years. Sales across the Tasman have surpassed one million.
All variants now come with an improved Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) system for greater efficiency and tailored for New Zealand conditions. It includes a DPF switch to manually initiate a burn.
All SR variants come with a choice of six speed manual, excluding the PreRunner and 4WD Extra Cab Ute, or an automatic transmission. Also included are 17-inch steel wheels, side steps, PVC floor covering, rear differential lock, cruise control, seven air bags, reversing camera, dot type multi-information display, halogen headlights and daytime running lights, hill-start assist control, trailer sway control.
The SR5 variants add 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, DRLs and front fog lights, 220V power outlet, smart key entry and push button start, satellite navigation with SUNA traffic channel, climate control air conditioning with rear air vents, carpet flooring and a colour multi-information display. The SR5 manual variants gain intelligent manual transmission (i-MT).
All four-wheel drive variants include all terrain tyres, automatic disconnecting differential and 4WD switch knob to activate the four-wheel drive transmission with active traction control (A-TRC). Double Cab Automatic’s gain downhill assist control (DAC). The Pre-Runners also have all terrain tyres.
The SR5 Cruiser variants also have 18-inch black alloy wheels, leather accented upholstery, driver’s seat power adjustment, front seat heaters and black coloured exterior mirrors, steering wheel accent, door and tailgate handles.
Only the 2WD S grade variants and the 4WD SR single cab variants will continue with the current front-end design. Every other variant now has the aggressive new wide-bodied front styling.
The Toyota Drive-away pricing includes WOF, 12 month registration, a full tank of fuel, 1000 kms of RUC, the Toyota Care Service Advantage package, genuine floor mats, and three years or 100,000 kms warranty with the potential to extend this to five years or 150,000 kms if regularly serviced.