Toyota targets mining sector with new HiLux variant

TOYOTA has introduced a new version of its venerable HiLux utility specifically developed for Australia, which combines its crew-carrying Double Cab body with SR 3.0-litre turbo diesel and now an automatic transmission.

Variants of the 4x4 SR Double Cab have previously only been available with a manual gearbox, but with a new user-friendly version, Toyota is firmly targeting the strong Australian mining and resources sector.

Priced from $43,740 before on-road costs, Toyota says that with seating for five, four-wheel drive traction, a five-star ANCAP rating and automatic ease of use, the latest addition to the HiLux lineup is perfect for industrial applications including mining.

Toyota Australia executive director of sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the development of the new HiLux variant demonstrates the importance of the Australian market to the Japanese car-maker.

"This new 4x4 HiLux package has been uniquely developed to meet the demands of workers in the harsh and remote conditions experienced in Australia's mining and exploration industries," he said.

"Equally, those attributes make it a rugged, dependable and affordable choice for businesses and individuals around the country, many of whom spend large amounts equipping their HiLux as a workhorse" Toyota has been steadily increasing safety features across its HiLux range, and the Japanese car-maker says an ANCAP five-star rating on all 4x4 variants makes its light commercial vehicle more suitable for the hazardous mining environment.

The SR's 3.0-litre diesel engine pumps out 126kW and 360Nm of torque and coupled to the five-speed automatic transmission, Toyota says the 4x4 SR Double Cab will return fuel consumption of 8.7 litres per 100km.

Safety features include six airbags, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution and electronic stability control, which is not yet compulsory on light commercial vehicles.

Standard equipment on the new variant includes a 6.1-inch display with Bluetooth, multi-information display and trip-computer, voice control and a compass.

In April this year, Ford announced a new version of its HiLux-competing Ranger that would target the booming mining sector.

The $51,760 Ranger XL Plus offers the same package of four-wheel drive and double cab chassis, but with a six-speed automatic gearbox and larger 3.2-litre 147kW/470Nm diesel engine.

Toyota's HiLux range kicks-off with the $18,990 4x2 Cab Chassis Workmate, rising up to the flagship $51,740 4x4 SR5 Double Cab Pick Up.

The arrival of the new HiLux variant coincides with the introduction of three new paint colours for the HiLux range, with Graphite, Silver Sky and Eclipse Black joining the five existing options in the pallete.

Every new HiLux is covered by Toyota's Service Advantage capped-price servicing, which guarantees scheduled servicing costs wont exceed $170 per service for three years or 60,000km.