Toyota HiLux Black Edition quick spin review

The car: Toyota HiLux Black Edition

The price: $53,740 (plus on-road and dealer costs)

The vitals: 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel; 126kW/343Nm; 5-speed manual; 8.3L/100km combined; 4WD.

What is it?

The new Black Edition is the top of the tree in HiLux land, sitting above the regular SR5 flagship thanks to some tailored accents and new colour combinations. Toyota Australia launched the model late in 2014, limiting allocations to fewer than 1000 vehicles and charging a $2000 premium over the SR5.

What isn't it?

The all-new new HiLux due later in 2015. Toyota is going to be launching a replacement to the current workhorse some time around September, which means the Black Edition won't stay green for too long.

What does it say about me?

That you've graduated from labourer to site foreman, and are willing and able to depart with some hard-earned.

What colours does it come in?

You can have any colour, as long as it's black … or white. Our test vehicle was adorned in the former, a $550 option, punctuated by a striking blue metallic fleck that gleams in direct sunlight.

If it were a celebrity, who would it be?

Actor Paul Hogan. Famous for being an Aussie-favourite that has undergone some recent visual changes, artificial or otherwise.

Why would I buy it?

Because the HiLux offers one of the best re-sale values for any vehicle in Australia. Second-hand prices regularly beggar belief.

Why wouldn't you buy it?

Because the current model is nearing on 10 years old and is beginning to feel its age. Also, despite sporting TRD badging front and rear, the Black Edition doesn't sport any actual driveline or component enhancements to back up its appearance or premium.

Will it let me down?

The 3.0-litre D4D turbo diesel in the HiLux has been around for a number of years, and Toyota has now well and truly sorted any teething issues.

Will it get me noticed?

In the right demographic - i.e. work sites and country areas, yes. The visual improvements make the already-palatable HiLux even more appealing on the road. There's a red stripe across the front and rear ends (ala Mercedes-Benz), a black powdercoated sportsbar, black side steps and black 17-inch alloy wheels. LED daytime running lights and beefier front and rear bumpers polish off the look.

Any gadgets I can brag about?

Nothing overly remarkable – standard sat-nav, a reversing camera, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and a 6.1-inch colour touch screen being the headline features (all are found on the SR5). Show boaters might note the HiLux is well down on its key competitors in towing capacity and payload, with maximum outputs rated at 2500kg (braked) and 835kg.

How's the cabin ambience?

In line with a tarted-up HiLux. The same durable, hard-to-touch plastics are present in all the contact points and the centre fascia and switchgear is beginning to show its age. The front leather-accented seats offer decent bolstering, but the rear bench is flat and fairly upright. There are no rear air vents, though space is accommodating all round.

Is it safe?

The Black Edition gets a five-star safety rating as standard courtesy of ABS brakes, stability control, electronic brake distribution and front, front side and side curtain airbags. It misses out on modern passive safety features such as blind spot monitoring or parking sensors.

Is it practical?

The HiLux has built a solid reputation for its workhorse ability and the Black Edition keeps that standing intact, thanks to a 227mm ground clearance and a part-time all-wheel drive system. It's not perfect, however; there are no standard eyelets for a soft tonneau cover and the inside of the standard tray is highly vulnerable to scratches and markings.

Does it go?

The HiLux's engine isn't as perky as class leaders such as the Ford Ranger in this department. But it is torquey and offers pleasing pulling power across the range, comfortably getting to highway speeds and keeping momentum on long inclines.

Does it stop?

The standard front disc/rear drum configuration will happily pull the 1920kg HiLux to rest in everyday duties. In past experiences, the brakes have also performed admirably under load.

Does it like corners?

The HiLux is poised and predictable through corners, but its sheer size and weight bring obvious limitations. It exhibits tolerable amounts of body roll and desirable grip and its 12.4-metre turning circle is partly offset by light steering at low speeds and good visibility from the driver's seat.

What about bumps?

The HiLux's rugged pretensions mean the ride is firmly sprung, bordering on bouncy over the sharpest of bumps. Country roads, in particular, highlight this trait. It's not the best riding vehicle in its class, but it's not the worst either.

What about service stations?

The official claim is 8.3L/100km combined for the manual gearbox. Since the HiLux doesn't have a trip computer we can't tell you our exact reading, but we managed about 780km from its 76-litre tank.

Would you buy one?

I'd strongly consider one if there wasn't a new model due later this year. Or I'd just put the $2000 premium towards a plastic tubliner and go for the standard SR5.

What else should I consider?

The Ford Ranger WildTrak (from $57,390 plus on-road costs) and Volkswagen Amarok Ultimate (from $62,290 plus on-road costs) are probably the closest matches at this end of the market.

The Spin

Toyota HiLux Black is the new black.

The Translation

We've found another way to sell a vehicle that already sells itself – and with good reason. Cue the droves of prospective buyers.