Toyota updates HiLux and Fortuner
Toyota have announced a variety of upgrades for the Fortuner SUV and HiLux ute, which came into effect from late August.
The key addition is Toyota Connected Services assistance, which is now standard across the entire Fortuner SUV and HiLux ute range.
Additionally, there have been comfort and convenience improvements made to selected HiLux variants, while improved convenience features and more safety tech has been added to the Fortuner family.
"It's no secret that Australians love the HiLux, with its rugged reliability, incredible utility and performance on and off the road," said Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley.
"Likewise, the Fortuner's towing capacity, capability in the rough stuff and seating for seven means no campsite is too hard to reach.
"These key upgrades bring valuable new features to both ranges, ensuring owners, no matter where they travel, will be able to do it with high levels of safety, comfort and convenience."
Toyota Connected Services – range-wide
Toyota Connected Services connects you with help when you’re in an emergency or serious accident, or your vehicle’s been stolen.
An in-vehicle communication system, Toyota Connected Services comprises three main components: SOS Emergency Call; Automatic Collision Notification; and Stolen Vehicle Tracking.
SOS Emergency Call is a manually-operated button within the vehicle that connects you with help in the event of an emergency. Once activated, it can assist in connecting you with the relevant emergency service, if required, and send help to your vehicle’s location.
Automatic Collision Notification uses built-in sensors that notify Toyota’s emergency response centre automatically if the airbags are deployed. If the driver or occupant requests assistance or is unable to respond, emergency services are immediately sent to the vehicle’s location.
Finally, Stolen Vehicle Tracking can help trace and locate a stolen Toyota, with location information given to police.
All the features within Toyota Connected Services are active and available 24/7, with the vehicle’s location secure and only passed on to the relevant emergency services when required.
Previously, Toyota Connected Services had only been available on a handful of new Toyota vehicles, but now feature on every new HiLux and Fortuner.
HiLux updates
All HiLux model grades replace the traditional antenna with a compact sharkfin-style unit to help reduce the potential for damage, while HiLux SR5 variants now offer dual-zone climate control and the HiLux Rogue gets a panoramic view monitor as standard.
Fortuner updates
For the Fortuner, entry-level GX variants now feature adjustable brightness for the instrument cluster illumination, while the GXL and Crusade variants upgrade the front climate control system to a dual-zone type.
The Fortuner Crusade also gets a panoramic view monitor, while this variant’s set of Toyota Safety Sense technologies is upgraded with the addition of blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Now in Dealerships
Release of the updated Fortuner and HiLux began in August, with HiLux pricing starting at $24,225 for the 4x2 single cab chassis with the 2.7-litre petrol engine and a 5-speed manual transmission.
HiLux 4x4 pricing starts at $40,155 for the Workmate 2.4 turbo diesel with 6-speed manual.
Fortuner pricing starts at $49,715 for the GX, rising to $62,495 for the Crusade. All Fortuner grades are powered by the same 2.8-litre turbo diesel fitted to the premium HiLux offerings, matched to a 6-speed automatic and pasrt-time four-wheel drive.
See your Toyota dealer for more details.
