First look: Toyota's overhauled HiLux surfaces

TOYOTA has provided a glimpse of what we could expect to see on sale in Australia next month by revealing its facelifted HiLux in the UK.

GoAuto understands Australia’s 2009 HiLux entered production last month and will be revealed at the Sydney motor show on October 9, featuring many of the cosmetic updates pictured here.

Apart from a new trapezoidal grille with grey bar and wider-mouthed front bumper, the UK’s HiLux facelift also includes a range of mechanical, safety and equipment upgrades, which may or may not apply to our version.

Drivetrain changes are led by the option of an adaptive five-speed automatic transmission for Double Cab turbo-diesel models, matching petrol models and replacing the four-speed self-shifter currently available with the 3.0-litre D-4D engine.

The latter comes in for performance and economy upgrades as a result. Automatic versions of the D-4D produce an extra 17Nm of peak torque, with 360Nm (up from 343Nm) available between 1400 and 3400rpm (up 200rpm).

Toyota UK claims its Double Cab D-4D (pictured at left) will offer class-leading power-to-weight and emissions, with its combined average CO2 output and fuel consumption also dropping slightly, to 236g/km and 8.9L/100km (down 0.5L/100km) respectively.

All UK HiLux variants score new double-row roller-type rear axle bearings, revalved front shock absorbers and new bushes, while 4x4 versions enjoy a brake upgrade via larger 295mm vented front discs and 295mm rear drums.

Range-wide interior updates for the British HiLux include a new four-spoke steering wheel with audio controls, a new push-button air-conditioning system with digital display, revised instrument cluster, new wiper and headlight controls and a new manual shift console.

Extra Cab and Double Cab models score a lockable tailgate when a hardtop is specified in the UK, where the workhorse HiLux grades will continue to offer twin front airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and air-conditioning (AC) when they go on sale later this year.

Upper-spec HiLuxes will receive a leather steering wheel and gearshift knob, new sports front seats (D-4D Double Cab only), privacy glass and climate-control AC, while the top-shelf HiLux ‘Invincible’ will offer full leather seat trim, new 17-inch alloy wheels and headlight washers.

Buyers of the UK’s flagship Double Cab variant will also enjoy the addition of standard VSC stability/traction control, while D-4D versions also gain front side airbags and side curtain airbags - all of which is similarly so far unavailable on Australia’s HiLux.

The sixth-generation HiLux hasn’t quite emulated its Australian success, which sees regularly rank among the nation’s top three best-selling vehicles overall, in the UK, where it nevertheless commands a 22 per cent segment share following a 70 per cent sales jump last year. Toyota UK expects to sell even more examples of the 2009 HiLux next year, when 8000 sales are forecast.