Toyota planning super-luxury HiLux

Stand by for “substantial updates” to Australia’s best-selling vehicle, the Toyota HiLux.

Due around the middle of 2018, the highlight of the upgraded HiLux is expected to be a luxury-spec dual-cab to capitalise on the big-spending demand generated by the top-selling SR5.

But on the downside don’t expect to see a high-performance TRD version of the HiLux in 2018.

The HiLux overhaul was hinted at by Toyota Australia president Matthew Callachor at the announcement of the 2017 VFACTS data, which confirmed Toyota as the top-selling brand for the 15th year in a row and HiLux as the nation’s top-selling model for the second consecutive year.

“I think there is room probably in the top-end for HiLux,” said Callachor (pictured).

“In terms of where the market is, the top-selling vehicle is the top-end version, so what I would probably say to you is stay tuned.

“There are opportunities for HiLux into the future.”

Toyota Australia’s design and engineering localisation resources are both expected to have input into the new HiLux model.

The updates will help drive the HiLux toward one million cumulative local sales, a benchmark it should achieve by the end of 2018, only months after the LandCruiser family.

HiLux topped the VFACTS new-vehicle registration list with 47,093 sales across 4x4 and 4x2 models. That was up from 42,104 in 2016.

Its arch-rival the Ford Ranger climbed into second place in the overall rankings and actually outsold the HiLux for 4x4 sales (which have grown the most), further emphasising the rise of pick-ups.

A TRD HiLux has been expected for some time and while it’s off the radar for 2018, it is still on the wishlist for Toyota Australia.

Just as a more luxurious HiLux is a reflection of Aussie demand for premium dual-cabs like the upcoming Mercedes-Benz X-Class, the HiLux TRD is a natural response to the emergence of high-performance rivals such as the forthcoming Ranger Raptor and Holden Colorado SportsCat by HSV.

The TRD name has been experimented with before. A locally developed, supercharged petrol V6-powered TRD HiLux was a flop and more recently there have been parts-bin versions.

The exploration of new niches for HiLux have been hinted at by 2017’s locally-designed HiLux Tonka concept, while a local update last September dropped the slow-selling 4.0-litre petrol V6. Most recently, a Thai facelift broke cover last November.

Toyota clearly expects even more sales from HiLux as it updates and expands the range, helping it compensate for lower sales of the new imported Camry following the shutdown of its Altona assembly plant.

“We think there is more [sales] capacity for models like HiLux,” said Callachor.

“In the case of HiLux in particular, what we are seeing is a lot of interest in the high-level models and that is reflected right across the industry, so all I can really say there is watch this space,” he added.

“Our most popular HiLux accounting for one quarter of sales is a top-of-the-range SR5 4x4 double-cab with turbo-diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission.”

The C-HR compact SUV is another vehicle Toyota Australia is looking for a 2018 boost from to ensure it at least maintains sales over 200,000 per annum and preferably grows.

Toyota sold 6330 C-HRs in 2017 and expects to lift that figure to at least 10,000 as supply frees up in 2018. It also expects to boost sales courtesy of the recently updated Prado, the relaunched Fortuner and the popular RAV4 SUVs. Both the C-HR and RAV4 are expected to be offered in hybrid form here by 2020.

The SUV segment is now the biggest in the Australian market, surpassing passenger cars for the first time in 2017. But Callachor insisted there was still “significant” life in passenger cars even as the segment’s market share shrinks.

“In terms of passenger cars I see a future role for it but at a lower contribution level, but a significant one nonetheless,” Callachor said.

“With passenger cars though, we need to look at what’s going to make them appealing to the market. So for instance the latest Camry, fun to drive is going to be the concept with those vehicles.

“New Camry is a typical example of that, where it is a completely restyled and dynamic vehicle. A new platform, handling, all of those components. So those types of changes need to take place throughout the passenger car range to make it relevant into the future.”

Callachor said the “fun to drive” theme would be injected into Toyota passenger cars as they moved to the Japanese company’s latest TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) architecture.

He also hinted at developed plans for Toyota Australia Product Design to develop local styling derivations for different models.

“We have a design centre locally so we can also look at doing other things locally,” Callachor said.