Toyota 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.
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 4×4 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.
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 SUNA™ Live Traffic# updates – all viewed on the 6.1-inch display audio screen.
The colour choice is black and white – literally, as Toyota has chosen Eclipse Black and Glacier White as the only exterior paint options for the special-edition model.
In 4×4 guise, its sales have topped 20,000 this year – a lead of more than 5,000 sales over its nearest competitor. In the 4×2 Pick up/Cab chassis market, HiLux sales are running more than 3,500 vehicles ahead of its closest rivals.