Toyota revives HiLux TRD
Best-selling ute gets fresh look thanks to new parts from Toyota Racing Development.
Toyota has resurrected the TRD HiLux.
A decade after the brand launched its hot rod workhorse Toyota is trying again. But this time limiting the TRD treatment (which stands for Toyota Racing Developments) to a range of accessories for Australia's most popular ute.
The Japanese giant is offering seven new TRD parts as a pre-packaged kit on the on the range topping SR5 model.
Tony Cramb, Toyota Australia's executive director of sales and marketing, said the decision to introduce the TRD parts for HiLux was in response to its sales success in 2016.
"Local buyers voted with their wallets to make HiLux the best-selling vehicle in Australia last year – and the majority clearly indicated their preference for upmarket features combined with HiLux's renowned go-anywhere capability," Cramb said.
"We have responded to that demand by compiling premium components, including the respected TRD brand, that will further distinguish HiLux from the competitors and from every other HiLux in our range."
The TRD kits includes a unique black TRD grille, a red TRD branded front skid plate, a new lower bumper and flared fenders that house new-look 18-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, the special edition gets a towing kit, TRD mudflaps, tray liner and soft tonneau cover.
Inside there are TRD floor mats and a TRD gear shift knob to complete the look.
Unlike the TRD branded HiLux from 2007 which featured a supercharged V6, this latest TRD edition of the SR5 is mechanically unchanged with the same 2.8-litre turbo diesel under the bonnet producing 130kW and 450Nm.
The rest of the equipment is the same as the SR5 with cruise control, navigation and Bluetooth all included.
There are limits to the TRD HiLux range however, with only white and black paint available.
Toyota is offering the new model at a drive-away price starting at $58,990 for the white model and $59,540 for the black. Adding the six-speed automatic transmission adds $2000 to those prices.
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