TOYOTA has released an upgraded HiLux one-tonne workhorse range with extra standard equipment across most of the range.

The catch is that while the price of both 4x2 diesel SR variants has been reduced by more than $3000, prices have been increased for the rest of the range – by between $250 for entry-level 4x2 WorkMate models to $1850 for mid-range 4x4 SR Dual Cab petrol models.

While Mitsubishi last week simplified its upgraded MY10 Triton range, Australia’s top-selling utility – and the nation’s most popular new vehicle in June, period – continues in 32 variants, including two and four-wheel drive, three body styles, three engines, two transmissions and three equipment grades.

The best news is that two of its volume-selling SR variants, the manual 4x2 SR turbo-diesel Double Cab and Single Cab-Chassis, now cost $3100 less at a respective $32,590 (down 8.7 per cent) and $26,590 (down 10.4 per cent).

At the same time, the cost of the cheapest HiLux, the 4x2 WorkMate Single Cab-Chassis 2.7, increases by $250 to $18,490 (manual), while the 4x2 Singe Cab-Chassis SR 4.0 increases by $1000 to $24,090 (manual).

ToyotaHiLux center imageMeantime, the 4x2 Single Cab SR pick-up 4.0 increases by $1400 to $26,490 (manual) and the 4x2 Dual Cab SR5 pick-up 4.0 rises in price by $1460 to $41,890 (manual).

All 4x4 prices are up, by between $1500 for the diesel Dual Cab SR pick-up (now from $44,890) and $1850 for the V6 petrol Dual Cab SR pick-up, which now costs $42,390.

On the flip side, in addition to twin front airbags SR5 Double Cab 4x4 variants now come with six airbags, including side curtain airbags and front-side airbags integrated into their sports-style seats.

All SR5 models now also offer cruise control as standard, following the convenience device’s addition to manual Extra Cab 4x4 models, while all Double Cab SR5 models score privacy glass for their rear windows and windscreens.

Improved sound systems have been fitted across the entire HiLux range, with WorkMate and SR variants gaining a single-CD system with USB port and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, and the new SR5 audio unit featuring a six-CD changer, colour LCD screen, USB port and Bluetooth.

Finally, SR grades now have a four-spoke urethane steering wheel with remote audio controls.

Toyota has sold more than 26,000 HiLuxes in Australia so far this year, with more than 40,000 sold in 2007 and 2008, and more than 600,000 sold here in over 30 years (the 4x4 HiLux arrived in 1980).

To September this year, the HiLux has accounted for more than one quarter of all ute sales in Australia, attracting more than twice as many customers as the Triton overall.

However, while the rear-drive HiLux gained a 22.4 per cent of the 4x2 ute segment in the first three quarters of 2009 with 10,647 sold, sales are down 19.4 per cent in a segment that’s down 15.3 per cent.

Similarly, the four-wheel drive HiLux is Australia’s top-selling 4x4 ute with a segment share of 26.7 per cent following 15,742 sales – 18.2 per cent less in a market that is 7.3 per cent down.

Meantime, Toyota has also released two 'Toyota Genuine' airbag-compatible bullbars for its recently upgraded LandCruiser 70 Series range, which now comes with airbags for the first time.

"Engineered and tested for precise integration with the vehicle's airbag sensors," the alloy and steel bullbars are compatible with the Superwinch, RALLYE FF1000 and FF4000 driving lights and aerials.