Toyota’s Local Talent Leads Advances for Hilux Heroes

September 28, 2020

2020 Toyota HiLux Rugged X (l) and HiLux Rogue (r).

Toyota has unveiled the most aggressive, most advanced – and most Australian -hero versions of the nation’s best-selling vehicle, HiLux.

In this latest update, the new HiLux Rogue and HiLux Rugged X have been endowed with substantially higher performance and innovative new features.

These have expanded the sense of adventure for HiLux Rogue and elevated the off-road protection and functionality of HiLux Rugged X.

The two hero HiLux variants are expected to arrive in dealerships during the second half of November with final timing to be determined by the level of restrictions in Melbourne where the vehicles undergo final assembly.

Toyota Australia’s significant role in developing and evaluating the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, rear suspension and hydraulic power steering was supported by teams from Japan and Thailand, as well as representatives from other markets.

The upgraded 1GD turbo-diesel engine now develops 150kW and 500Nm, gains of 15 per cent and 11.1 per cent.

Maximum braked towing capacity has been uprated by 300kg to 3,500kg¹, supported by the higher-output engine and a recalibrated six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

Drivability has also been improved with revisions to the rear suspension that improve unladen ride comfort while a new variable flow-control power-steering pump offers greater assistance for low-speed manoeuvres such as parking.

Toyota’s local design team played a significant role in the restyling of the HiLux halo variants, supported by colleagues in Japan and Thailand. Inspired by Toyota’s global truck design DNA, they dialled up an extra layer of aggressiveness for the premium, sporty exteriors.

Toyota Australia’s local conversions and accessories division also led engineering, development and testing for new components, including an innovative motorised roller cover for HiLux Rogue and the aggressive grille and related components for HiLux Rugged X.

These specialised components – including features such as the rock rails and hoopless bull bar on Rugged X – are fully integrated and engineered into the core vehicles and covered by the standard factory warranty.

Toyota Australia’s Vice President Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said the passion and commitment of the company’s local teams have delivered vehicles that are purpose-built for Australian customers.

“The expertise of our local teams has ensured these two fully fledged models offer more power and torque, more relaxed towing and overtaking in all conditions, sharper steering and handling, and suspension refinements that deliver excellent ride quality in all conditions,” Mr Hanley said.

“They also incorporate an in-demand array of locally designed, developed and tested components that enhance capability and style: premium features on the ‘work and play’ HiLux Rogue and serious off-road protection and recovery for Rugged X.”

UPGRADED ENGINE, SUSPENSION AND STEERING

The turbo-diesel engine’s increased output was achieved through the adoption of a larger water-cooled ball-bearing turbocharger, supported by additional measures to achieve Toyota’s mandated performance, cooling and durability standards.

As a result, modifications were made to the cylinder block, water jacket shape, head gasket material and shape, exhaust manifold and gasket material as well as cooling fan and coupling design.

The six-speed automatic transmission was recalibrated to allow earlier lock-up for improved acceleration feel and to ensure adherence to Toyota’s strict temperature tolerances, especially when towing.

Leaf springs and shock absorbers were re-tuned to improve unladen ride comfort without compromising the vehicles’ ability to carry loads over uneven terrain.

Low-friction rear shackle bushes add to ride comfort while rear stability and handling benefit from leaf spring front bushes with increased lateral stiffness.

Revised chassis mounts reduce vibrations and noise transfer to the cabin, particularly when driving on rough Australian roads.

A variable flow control power-steering pump improves steering feeling on narrow winding country roads and reduces steering effort when parking. It incorporates a low-range mode for off-road driving.

HILUX ROGUE

Toyota’s design studio in Melbourne contributed to ensuring HiLux Rogue was redesigned as a global vehicle to be tailored and sold in markets around the world.

The brief was to achieve a combination of additional toughness, complemented by a more recreational focus for a vehicle designed to go anywhere.

Rogue is distinguished with a vertical grille that is dark and bold, flowing from the bonnet down to the prominent lower bumper and under-guard.

To achieve a more unified look, the LED headlamps – now with dark internals – combine with the bold outer corners of the bumper, which links to the strong fog lamp surrounds.

An assertive side profile continues the purposeful theme with aggressive fender flares, unique wheel-arch mouldings and an all-new resin sports bar.

New locally developed motorised roller shutter

Toyota’s local conversions and accessories team was determined to set a new standard for performance with the introduction of an innovative motorised roller cover.

An integrated cargo-protection system, it is equipped with remote power-operated opening and closing linked to the central-locking system. It is also equipped with an anti-jam function, integrated lighting, anti-theft design and high levels of weatherproofing and dust protection.

After extensive benchmarking and tear-down of similar products, locally developed prototypes were subjected to testing including rough-road durability – ensuring the same durability as the rest of the vehicle.

Testing included Toyota’s rough-road circuit in Japan – the same location that confirms the strength and durability of vehicles like LandCruiser.

Extensive field tests in Australia confirmed weather protection and the ability to keep out dust – a non-negotiable requirement for the large number of customers who use their vehicles on dirt tracks or take them off-road.

Designed in tandem with the motorised roller cover, the new sports bar is made from resin, which is easier to form than steel. This also allows the new bar to have a more intricate and stylish “sailplane” shape.

Additional HiLux Rogue features

Rogue also features dark new designs for its 18-inch wheels, rear bumper and tailgate, along with the security of two front and four rear parking sensors. Improvements to the marine-grade carpet tub liner improve its appearance and coverage area.

With the design makeover completed by a chrome Toyota tailgate badge and new decals on the tailgate and sports bar, the style-leading HiLux Rogue is priced from $68,990².

HILUX RUGGED X

A wider, stronger-looking grille for Rugged X features a defined surround and bold 3D mesh that integrates with a new bonnet and dark headlamps that sit above body-colour infill panels to give them an even more distinct appearance.

The steel bumper design was preserved, but details like the driving light bezels have been re-designed to integrate with the new grille theme and lower bash plate that now proudly displays the Toyota brand in black.

Other Rugged X styling enhancements include bolder, more pronounced over-fenders combine with newly designed, chiselled jet-black 17-inch wheels, along with signature decals on the bonnet and rear quarter panel – all of which give the vehicle an even more purposeful look.

In-house design and development

The new grille and related components were fully engineered and designed in-house in Australia, including extensive local testing to ensure cooling performance.

Computer-aided design confirmed airflow through to the radiator while the ability to absorb stone impacts and vibrations on rough roads was confirmed by real-world and laboratory testing.

The durability of the Rugged X grille and surrounds was confirmed through millions of cycles of shaking at its “resonance frequency” in the local company’s vibration chamber. The stress testing also included temperatures from minus-30 degrees to 80 degrees.

An important factor in the grille redesign was the need to reposition the Toyota emblem and Toyota Safety Sense millimetre-wave radar positioned behind it, as well as minor adjustments to the hoopless bull bar and other components.

Local testing confirmed that the calibration for this vital safety sensor – which works in tandem with a monocular camera mounted at the top of the windscreen – meets the global standards set by Toyota.

Rugged X is also with other locally designed and engineered features for enhanced protection, functionality and recovery capability for serious off-roading.

These include heavy-duty front springs, snorkel with a reversible head, red-painted front and rear recovery points⁷, heavy-duty rock rails, sports bar with recreational attachment points, moulded tub tray with tailgate protection, and a heavy-duty rear bumper with integrated step.

Impressive lighting performance includes outboard driving lights and a signature, centrally mounted LED light bar.

Fully equipped for off-road adventures straight out the showroom, the Rugged X is priced from $69,990².

ADDITIONAL NEW EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR FEATURES

Standard features for HiLux Rogue and HiLux Rugged X now include courtesy illumination for the exterior mirrors in addition to the standard towbar, tow ball, tongue and fully installed seven-pin flat trailer wiring harness that has proven popular with owners wanting to tow a boat, off-road trailer or caravan.

There are nine exterior paint colours, three of which are new: Feverish Red, Satin Blue and Oxide Bronze.

Inside, the two vehicles exude comfort and convenience with a larger 8-inch display screen with control knobs, an upgraded multimedia system with Apple^® CarPlay³ and Android™ Auto³, and a premium JBL⁴ 9-speaker sound system. One USB point and two AC 220-Volt accessory sockets are standard.

Restyled instruments adopt blue pointers while the 4.2-inch multi-information display now incorporates a digital speed readout and a pictogram showing the angle of the front wheels.

Satellite navigation is easier to use with enhanced voice recognition while other additions include an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror, new ornamentation and blue illumination complete the updated look.

Black perforated leather-accented seats now have grey outboard accents. The front seats are heated while the driver’s seat has 8-way power adjustments.

Front and rear mats are included – carpet for Rogue and all-weather for Rugged X.

Like all Toyota vehicles, HiLux Rogue and HiLux Rugged X are covered by Toyota Service Advantage with each of the first six scheduled services costing just $250⁵.

COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY FEATURES

HiLux Rogue and HiLux Rugged X are equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, including a pre-collision system⁶ with autonomous emergency braking and the ability to detect pedestrians around the clock and cyclists during the day.

It is also equipped with high-speed active cruise control⁶, lane-departure alert⁶ with steering assist.

Electronic systems include anti-skid brakes, vehicle stability and traction control, brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, trailer sway control, downhill assist control and an emergency stop signal (hazard lights).

Like every HiLux, the two new halo models are equipped with seven airbags and a reversing camera.