Toyota enhances HiLux safety credentials

TOYOTA Australia has announced it will expand its Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver-assistance technologies across its best-selling HiLux ute range over the coming months, with prices set to rise between $800 and $875, depending on the variant.

 

The updates will arrive for 4x2 and 4x4 single- and double-cab variants on July 8, for top-spec Rugged, Rugged X and Rogue variants on August 1, and lastly on extra-cab body styles on August 26.

 

All HiLux variants will now come as standard with a pre-collision safety system with autonomous emergency braking, day and night pedestrian detection, and daytime cyclist detection plus adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assistance, and road sign assist.

 

To make sure drivers can accurately interpret the safety systems, a 4.2-inch multi-function display has been made standard on Workmate variants.

 

The inclusion of added safety technology helps broaden the appeal of the HiLux for fleet and business buyers, who often list safety credentials as one of the most important factors when choosing a fleet vehicle.

 

Toyota has also rejigged the Workmate line-up with the removal of 4x2 single-cab and dual-cab versions equipped with the 110kW/343Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine.

 

4x2 Workmate examples have been replaced with Hi-Rider versions which feature the same ride height as 4x4 versions, while the old five-speed manual transmission has been switched out for a six-speed version.

 

Other engine choices carry over unchanged, including the entry-level 122kW/245Nm 2.7-litre petrol four-cylinder and 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-pot producing 130kW and either 420Nm with the six-speed manual or 450Nm with a six-speed auto.

 

Toyota Australia vice-president of sales and marketing Sean Hanley said the company plans to expand Toyota Safety Sense across its entire model line-up.

 

“With the addition of these advanced safety technologies, customers can be assured they are behind the wheel of a vehicle that delivers the latest driver-assistance features, whether that's a light commercial vehicle like HiLux or HiAce, or a passenger car such as Corolla or Camry,” he said.

 

“We intend making these types of technologies available on every variant in each model range.”

 

Through the first five months of 2019, Toyota has sold 20,736 combined examples of the HiLux, up slightly on the 20,615 examples it recorded to the same point in 2018.

 

It continues to lead all comers, including the Ford Ranger (16,645 units), Mitsubishi Triton (10,062) and Holden Colorado (7457).

 

Full pricing will be released ahead of the model refresh.