By Alex JuliusToyota has added an edgy new style to the ruggedness of Australia’s best- selling four-wheel-drive with the unveiling of a special-edition model dubbed HiLux Black.
The name says it all: HiLux Black is decked out with a range of exterior and interior treatments that are presented in black to enhance its toughness and appeal.New for this version of the “unbreakable” HiLux is the combination of brooding black side steps, sports bar and leather-accented interior trim including the six-way adjustable power-operated driver’s seat.Even the newly-designed 17-inch alloy wheels are painted black behind their brightly machined six-spoke facades.
Prominent new front and rear bumpers, never previously offered in Australia, give the HiLux Black a lower, more planted stance - a powerful look accentuated by black extensions below the fog light surrounds.Maintaining the model’s moody theme is a large black lower front grille that features a stylish red stripe along the bottom edge. LED daylight running lamps are specified for the first time on a HiLux in Australia.
Enthusiasts will appreciate the involvement of Toyota’s global partner TRD for cosmetic enhancements with its familiar logo appearing on the wheel caps and the front bumper extension.With fewer than 1,000 being produced, the HiLux Black is based on the SR5 4x4 Double Cab pickup and attracts the maximum five-star safety rating.
Toyota Australia Executive Director Sales And Marketing Tony Cramb said the special-edition model is ideally placed to meet the remarkably divergent demands of HiLux customers.
“People buy HiLux as a tough workhorse, a family vehicle or as a mixture of both, which means they are attracted by its renowned ruggedness and also its car-like comfort,” he said.“HiLux Black delivers the best of both worlds.
Its aggressive black features build on the unbreakable image of HiLux while exuding a premium appearance because black is always in style.”The special-edition model is powered exclusively by Toyota’s torquey 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, mated to either a five-speed manual gearbox or the five-speed automatic transmission introduced earlier this year.The extensive feature list includes a reversing camera and a satellite navigation* system with SUNATM Live Traffic# updates - all viewed on the 6.1-inch display audio screen.Special-edition badges located discreetly on the front and rear bumpers further distinguish the HiLux Black.
The colour choice is black and white - literally, as Toyota has chosenEclipse Black and Glacier White as the only exterior paint options for the special-edition model.Equally as stark is the black-and-white sales dominance HiLux enjoys among local customers. HiLux is the best-selling vehicle of its type and ranks third on the best-seller list for all vehicles in Australia.In 4x4 guise, its sales have topped 20,000 this year - a lead of more than 5,000 sales over its nearest competitor.
In the 4x2 Pick up/Cab chassis market, HiLux sales are running more than 3,500 vehicles ahead of its closest rivals.HiLux Black is priced from $53,240+ for the manual version in white.The optional black paint is $550 extra. Automatic transmission is $2,750. Like all HiLux models, it is covered by Toyota Service Advantage at a maximum of $170^^ per service.
*Current navigation mapping database encompasses major capital and primary national road networks and offers some coverage in regional areas. #SUNATM GPS Traffic Updates are available in metropolitan Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney; it operates from information provided by Intelematics Australia and may not cover all road incidents and congestion. Please see www.sunatraffic.com.au for details.
+Manufacturer’s list prices are provided for media purposes only and do not include statutory charges or other on-road costs.
^^Maximum payable for standard scheduled servicing (normal operating conditions) until first of 3 years or 60,000km (up to the first 6 services). Excludes government and rental vehicles. For full details of eligibility and exclusions, go to toyota.com.au/advantage.
Toyota HiLux Black Edition provided by Bridge Toyota Darwin. 1 Stuart Highway. Phone: 08 894640000. www.bridgetoyota.com.auPublished in NAFA 28