Toyota New Zealand is adding two locally-specced Gladiator models to its 2017 Hilux line-up as it looks to continue to claw back sector market share from Ford. Ross MacKay has the story.

The two models are based on the heavily customised Hilux Gladiator Concept ute Toyota NZ showed at Fieldays last year and will join a third ‘new’ local Hilux – the SR5 Cruiser-  in the company’s extended 2018 model offering.

The SR5 Cruiser will be available in both 2WD and 4WD Pre-Runner configuration and is significant for a number of reasons. Toyota sees it as its top-of-the-line ‘Level 4’ offering in the vein of the Wildtrak version of Ford’s Ranger and the Z71 version of the Holden Colorado, and as such it will replace the SR5 LTD in the Hilux line-up.

Effectively it is a simple styling and re-spec exercise, but so impressed are local execs with the new nose and grille that these will  be adapted across the complete range from June 2018 production.

The two Gladiator models also get a new grille (in this case the one from the Concept model), as well as a  20 in. dia. alloy wheels, flare kit and custom leather interior.

One has a more urban look with a deeper (think TRD) front bumper and A/T tyres, the other a more overt off-road one thanks to flare kit and new angular steel bumpers front and rear, a custom (red) sump guard,  trick sports bar, and set of guard-filling M/T tyres.

As far as the revised 2018 model line-up goes Hilux is offering customers even more choice and features across 21 models, 12 4WD and nine 2WD

The addition of more automatic transmission variants, a common 3.5 tonne tow rating across all PreRunner and 4WD powertrains, and a differential lock added to the PreRunner range, are all in response to market feedback.

Better ride quality

As is work on spring rates, particularly at the rear, to improve ride quality, long the bane of Hilux buyers.

“Customers will tell you everything you need to know about satisfying their needs and we are delighted to be able to respond with these enhancements,” said Spencer Morris, the company’s Product GM.

“We’ve also spent considerable time working with the factory to ensure the ride quality delivers greater levels of comfort.”

The five new automatic transmission variants added to the range include a 2WD PreRunner SR Extra Cab and four SR 4WD variants across different body configurations; Single Cab Chassis, Extra Cab Chassis, Extra Cab Ute and Double Cab Chassis.

What did come as a bit of a bombshell at the 2018 model reveal was the news that the V6 petrol models are no more. As is the 4WD Extra Cab Ute with manual transmission.

 “Light truck customers are looking for more automatic transmission options while the demand for the petrol utes has fallen away,” explained Steve Prangnell.

In other changes, the S and SR models will have black, rather than chrome exterior door handles. They also gain variable intermittent wipers.

In response to their tough truck working credentials, all the S and SR variants now come with easily cleanable PVC floor covering instead of carpet.

Reversing camera added

A reversing camera has also been added to all Cab Chassis models, making this safety and convenience item now standard across the Hilux range.

Other detail changes include a move to LED front fog lights and centre console air vents for rear seat passengers in all SR5 models.

A key lock mechanism has been added to the tailgate of all Extra Cab Ute and SR5 variants to improve security while all 4WD SR Double Cab automatic models now get Downhill Assist Control as part of their standard driver aids package.

Standard equipment on all Hilux S variants includes cruise control, Day Time Running Lamps (DRL), Vehicle Stability Control, Hill start Assist Control, Trailer Sway Control, Emergency Stop Signal, seven airbags, air conditioning, reverse camera and eco/power drive modes.

SR variants add a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, rear diff lock and black alloy side steps. While the 2WD variants gain PreRunner ride height.

Sat-Nav

Features on the SR5 include Intelligent-Manual Transmission (i-MT) for manual transmissions, 17” alloy wheels, smart key entry and start, satellite navigation, LED headlights, fog lights and Day Time Running Lamps, leather steering wheel and shift knob, climate control air conditioning, alarm and carpet floor covering.

Hilux pricing for the range at November 2017 starts at $36,390 for the 2WD S 2.8 DT Single Cab Chassis, 5 speed manual $36,390. Pricing for 4WD models starts at $49,390 for a 4WD SR 2.8 DT Single Cab Chassis, 6 speed manual and goes to $62,690 for the 4WD SR5 2.8 DT Double Cab, 6 speed automatic $62,690.

RRPs for the new SR5 Cruiser and two Gladiator models will be announced at a later date.

To read every story in the February 2018 issue of NZ4WD go to Zinio.com (Jan 20) or purchase your own hard copy at the Adrenalin store.