Toyota strikes back with HiLux Black
BY RICHARD BERRY | 6th Oct 2014
Limited to less than 1000 units, the Black commands a $1500 premium over the Hilux SR5 4x4 Double Cab diesel ute on which it is based.
Available only with the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, the 126kW/343Nm five-speed manual Black is $53,240 plus on road costs, while the 126kW/360Nm five-speed automatic transmission is $55,990.
These prices are for the vehicle in standard Glacier White paint, with the optional Eclipse Black adding an extra $550.
Special-edition features include six-spoke 17-inch black alloy wheels, new front and rear bumpers which have never been offered in Australia, black side steps and sports bar, large black lower grille with red stripe, LED daytime running lights – also a first for HiLux and an extended lip below the fog-light surround.
There’s also Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and special-edition badging on the wheel caps and bumpers.
Inside, the Black edition brings leather-accented trim and a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat. It also includes regular SR5 standard features such as a satellite navigation, 6.1-inch display screen and reversing camera.
Toyota Australia executive director of sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the special edition can serve double duties as a work truck or family hauler.
“People buy HiLux as a tough workhorse, a family vehicle or as a mixture of both, which means they are attracted by its renowned ruggedness and also its car-like comfort,” he said.
“HiLux Black delivers the best of both worlds. Its aggressive black features build on the unbreakable image of HiLux while exuding a premium appearance because black is always in style.”The HiLux is Australia’s best-selling ute in both 4x4 and 4x2 light-commercial segments and it is the third best-selling vehicle overall with combined sales regularly exceeding 3000 vehicles a month.
This year to the end of September, 20,551 HiLux 4x4 utes have been sold, which is more than 5000 units ahead of its closest rival the Ford Ranger on 15,473 while Mitsubishi’s Triton is in third place with 13,500.
Last week Volkswagen announced the arrival of its Amarok Dark Label, which starts at $56,990 plus on-roads, which was followed by Holden’s announcement of its $3995 Black Edition accessory package for the Colorado Crew Cab.
