Although theirs are actually built in Thailand (ours in Europe come from South Africa), Toyota Australia claims three new ‘halo’ HiLux variants due out Down Under next April “have a strong Aussie accent due to an extensive development program carried out by the company’s Melbourne based designers and engineers”.
Off roading, which can include towing a caravan, is popular in Australia and the new Rugged and Rugged X variants target this market. The comprehensive upgrades were designed, engineered and validated in Australia with support from the parent company in Japan and the Toyota factory in Thailand.
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The development programme involved computer simulations, prototype manufacture, bench testing and real world evaluation to confirm strength and durability of the vehicle and individual components. Toyota already had extensive R&D expertise in Australia having fully manufactured (and exported) Corona and then Camry cars there from the mid 1980s until the factory closed last year.
The Rugged X truck has a high tensile alloy bash plate, winch compatible steel front bar, LED driving lights, recovery points, rock rails, load carrying sports bar and other heavy duty components.
The Rugged is modified for toughness and off road performance. It has an “aggressive” front end design, including a steel bull bar.
The third new model is the “premium and sporty” Rogue (clearly Nissan does not have rights to that nameplate in Australia) and was styled by the local design team and developed in close collaboration with Toyota engineers in Thailand.
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By GlobalDataToyota Australia’s product planning and development general manager Rod Ferguson said the HiLux project highlighted the local team’s capability to “develop engaging models that address the specific requirements of Australian buyers”.
“Our team understands local customer usage and tastes, the extremes of our local environment as well as requirements for off road use, unsealed roads and the challenges of dust and water crossings,” Ferguson said.
“They have developed these high strength components and integrated them fully to build on the strength and durability of HiLux while maintaining the performance of key safety systems.
“For example, the Rugged X bash plate is made from high tensile alloy, significantly improving protection from rugged terrain while minimising weight increase. Local engineering and testing also ensures it works in conjunction with the steel front bar and existing underbody protection.”
Ferguson said the project was a logical extension of the local team’s work in producing last year’s HiLux Tonka [a nod to the famous Minnesota toy brand] concept.
He said the new models also benefited from the Australian team’s extensive involvement in developing the current generation HiLux, including suspension, underbody protection, tuning of electronic safety systems and 650,000km of local testing.
“It was natural for our team to focus on HiLux: it’s Australia’s best selling vehicle and owners customise their HiLux more than any other model in our range.
“In the spirit of the concept car, we’ve further enhanced the off road toughness of the already highly capable HiLux.
“Australian buyers will also appreciate the peace of mind knowing that these new vehicles have been developed to Toyota’s rigorous standards, will be certified to Australian Design Rules and attract full warranty coverage,” Ferguson said.
