THE big-selling Toyota Hilux range has introduced even more variants including a two-wheel-drive ‘Hi-Rider’ version of the popular SR5 dual cab pick-up.

Seven new variants are added to the already diverse Toyota Hilux range including three SR extra cab-chassis variants (six-speed manual and auto) with the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, three extra automatic Hi-Rider 4×2 pick-ups (a WorkMate double cab, SR extra cab and SR5 double cab), and an entry-level WorkMate grade (auto) for the 4×4 double cab-chassis.

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Toyota Australia sales and marketing executive director Tony Cramb said the range revamp reflected the spread of the Hilux brand from fleet and trade sales to the private market – a trend that had helped it to top Australian vehicle sales in 2016, and lead sales nationally so far in 2017.

The shift also saw automatic Toyota Hilux models outsell manuals for the first time last year, leading Toyota to offer 17 self-shifters compared to the 12 previously on offer.

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“Last year – for the first time – automatics accounted for more than half of all Hilux sales and this year the proportion has risen to almost 60 per cent and we expect it to increase further,” Cramb said.“We are also experiencing greater-than-expected demand for the two-wheel-drive Hi-Rider, so we have expanded our competitively priced offerings from three to five.”Cramb said the Hi-Rider appealed to buyers who did not need serious off-road capability, but appreciate the same looks and ground clearance as a 4×4 Hilux, half of which were SR5 variants.

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The new SR5 Hi-Rider double cab comes with the same 130kW/420Nm 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, and is priced at $49,490 – $6950 less than the 4×4 version.

As well, 4×4 SR dual-cab pick-up buyers will now have satellite navigation and alloy wheels as a $2000 option without the need to step up to the range-topping SR5 – the SR double cab manual with the option would cost $48,560 compared with $54,440 for the SR5 manual.

Some of the low-selling 4.0-litre V6 petrol HiLux models are discontinued, meaning the number of Hilux variants to choose from remains at 31. Of these 23 are workmanlike one-tonners that include all 4×2 variants and all 4×4 single and extra cabs.

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Meanwhile, SR and SR5 models receive minor enhancements and price changes. SR 4×4 double cabs gain downhill assist control, PVC flooring and black door handles for an extra $70, while SR5 prices go up $50 but gain LED fog lamps.

SR extra cab pick-ups and SR5 variants also gain a tailgate lock.

Most of the updated Hilux line-up goes on sale from October 6, with the changes to existing SR and SR5 models available now.

The current-generation Toyota Hilux is not expected to be replaced until around 2025.

2017 Toyota Hilux variant additions pricing

  • Hi-Rider SR 4×2 Extra Cab (pick up) 2.8L turbo-diesel, auto – $40,190
  • Hi-Rider WorkMate 4×2 Double Cab (pick-up) 2.4L turbo-diesel, auto – $39,490
  • Hi-Rider SR5 4×2 Double Cab (pick-up) 2.8L turbo-diesel, auto – $49,490
  • Workmate 4×4 Extra Cab (cab chassis) 2.4L turbo-diesel, auto – $42,490
  • SR 4×4 Extra Cab (cab chassis) 2.8L turbo-diesel, manual – $42,910
  • SR 4×4 Extra Cab (cab chassis) 2.8L turbo-diesel, auto – $44,910
  • SR5 4×4 Extra Cab (pick-up) 2.8L turbo-diesel, auto – $54,440
  • WorkMate 4×4 Double Cab (cab chassis) 2.4L turbo diesel, auto – $44,490