1 Sep 2011
Toyota’s seventh-generation HiLux – Australia’s top-selling ute – came in for a mid-life makeover in September 2011, with most of the focus on boosting its diesel footprint and ramping up its value for money.
Four slow-selling V6 petrol variants were discontinued, helping to make way for seven new four-cylinder diesel-powered models as Toyota reacted to Aussie buyers’ new-found taste for oil burners.
Powertrains were unchanged in the revamp, with the Toyota ute retaining the 116kW 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol, 126kW 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel and 175kW 4.0-litre petrol V6.
Bodystyles also remain constant, with Single Cab in cab-chassis and pick-up styles, Xtra Cab and Double Cab all being retained, but Toyota has expanded the spread of the entry-level WorkMate specification, adding WorkMate 4x4 variants for the first time.
Australia’s biggest car company also took the axe to prices and lifted equipment levels in response to a raft of new and well-specified rivals, adding anti-lock brakes across the range and chopping the price of entry to the 4x4 range by a whopping $3650, for the $31,990 4x4 cab chassis workhorse.
A 4x2 turbo-diesel WorkMate variant was offered for the first time, priced from $24,490, but only with a manual gearbox. The four-cylinder petrol WorkMate model got an auto alternative to the five-speed manual, but only the old four speeder.
As well as shuffling the model deck, Toyota gave the HiLux a new-look nose and tail and fresh interiors, plus revised suspension for improved ride.
The mid-range SR variants received an upgraded seat and door trim, new steering wheel and improved power windows with auto up/down function and anti-jam function on the driver’s side.
A limited-slip differential became standard on the SR V6 models, while cruise control that previously was only available on auto variants is now standard on manual, too.
In 4x4 guise, SR models got sports seats that previously were standard fare on the SR5 variants, although at the expense of the three-person bench seat in the single cab.
The top V6 SR5 models got standard automatic air-conditioning, auto headlights and the improved power window controls, with sat-nav with a 6.1-inch screen standard as part of an upgraded audio system with six speakers (up from four). The steering wheel got Bluetooth phone buttons.
All V6 4x4 SR5 flagship variants received a safety package – ESC, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist – that was previously only available on diesel models.
Outside, the SR5 received a new-look alloy sports bar, wheelarch flares and alloy wheels.
