Toyota HiLux Advice

Tough, reliable, well-equipped and super popular, the Toyota HiLux is seemingly everything the average Aussie ute-buyer could ever want. Except that it’s not, because just about no one has a stock-standard HiLux – it being one of the most modified utes in Australia. And that’s a double boon for everyone after Toyota HiLux aftermarket accessories; there’s a massive market for the industry, and therefore a copious amount of choice for the consumer. Whatever you want to do with your Lux ute, can be done, and probably bought off the shelf. So, for a curated guide to the best HiLux accessories and modifications, for work or play. Read on. Overview: These days, bull bars are as much fashion statement as they are frontal protection, and especially for the HiLux, there’s no shortage of options. If you want a lightweight, custom-look, hoopless, high-clearance, winch-compatible bar, you can order something like the Hamer King Series bar online.If you just need a traditional alloy, three-hoop bar for a couple of driving lights, there are numerous options, but few as well suited to the HiLux than the genuine accessory option from Toyota. Of course, all the major aftermarket manufacturers have great steel bars. Whatever you do, make sure you’re not buying a bar that will compromise the front axle loads, or consider a suspension kit that increased that allowable load (more details below). Cost: The Hamer King bar costs around $1900, plus fitment. An ARB Summit Bar will set you back $2926 including fitting. Where to Buy: Toyota Genuine Accessories, ARB, Hamer King Series BarOverview: The HiLux is so good off-road it’ll never get stuck, right? Even so, a winch is pretty good for recovering Nissan Navaras and Volkswagen Amaroks when they get stuck down a track, or so I’m told.If you need a good winch, the choice isn’t as easy as it once was when Warn was the only name worth mentioning. Today, there’s stiff competition, and previously unheard-of brands, like Runva and Sherpa, which are gaining recognition, while many aftermarket brands like TJM and Ironman 4x4 have their own versions.In my personal experience, you’ll use a winch far less than you anticipate (I’ve only ever used one once in anger after a 4WD on a trip rolled, and never to recover myself), so unless you’re actively seeking out really tough terrain, you can probably save $1000 or so and go without one. Cost: Although you can get a winch for less than $500 these days, budget about $1000-$2000, depending on the brand you think fits best. Where to buy: Runva, Ironman 4x4, TJM, ARBOverview: If your frontal protection needs don’t involve a high risk of an animal strike or a desire to increase frontal clearance, a nudge bar might be the best bet. These simple loops of steel or alloy are also great for holding auxiliary light bars or an aerial for your mobile phone range extender or UHF. Cost: The genuine alloy nudge bar from Toyota for the current model HiLux costs $830. From East Coast Bull Bars, an equivalent version begins at around $860.Where to Buy: East Coast Bull Bars, Toyota Genuine AccessoriesOverview: Gaining an extra couple of inches clearance under the HiLux is almost essential if you’re planning some off-road touring or camping trips. It’ll reduce the likelihood of damage, help many off-road camper trailers and caravans ride more evenly behind your vehicle, and make it look cooler.Search ‘lift kit for Toyota Hilux’, though, and you’re peppered with options – everything from mild to extreme. Given the proclivity of Aussie tourers to carry as much luxury as possible with us when we want to act rugged, look for a kit that includes a GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) increase by upping the front and rear axle loads. That’ll give you more scope to load fit a bull bar with all the fruit, and keep a decent load in the tray. Just remember, increasing GVM doesn’t increase GCM (Gross Combination Mass), so if you are towing a trailer, you’ll still have to make a compromise somewhere. Because you can load more into the tray, you’ll have to stick with a lighter trailer or caravan so as not to overload the combination.ARB’s Old Man Emu Suspension kits will lift the current HiLux 40mm, and then enable it to certify a GVM increase to between 3150 (stage 1) and 3465kg (stage 2). Lovells also offers a lift kit and GVM upgrade to 3300kg, as do other suspension companies like Ironman 4x4 and Pedders.Cost: For Lovells to redo your HiLux suspension and GVM upgrade, allow at least $5000. For ARB, budget around $2500 for its entry-level Old Man Emu Nitrocharger 3150kg upgrade, plus about 4 hours labour. The ARB increases can be applied retrospectively (if you already have the suspension fitted, for example), beginning at $300. Regional prices might vary slightly. Where to buy: ARB, Lovells SuspensionOverview: Snorkels are more than just for tackling chest-deep Cape York river crossings. By raising the air intake point, they reduce the amount of dust your engine might inhale, and potentially also help bring cooler, denser air into the combustion chamber. They also look pretty cool, which is as good a reason as any. Cost: A genuine HiLux snorkel costs $460, plus fitting. An aftermarket version from Safari will set you back $477 plus $240 to fit. From TJM, an Airtech black, stainless steel snorkel costs $595, plus fitting. Where to buy: Toyota Genuine Accessories, ARB, TJMOverview: Most of the HiLux 4x4 range drive on 265/65 R17 or 265/60 R18 tyres, which measure pretty close to 30.5in in diameter. Conservatively, and legally, you can increase the diameter by 50mm (in most states), meaning you could fit 245/75R17 or 285/60 R18 rubber under the HiLux. Bear in mind, this only increases your clearance by about 25mm, probably has no conceivable impact on your off-road traction, but will affect fuel economy. Before considering a larger tyre, work out if a different tread pattern and a good tyre deflator wouldn’t be better options off-road. Cost: A decent set of all terrains will cost anywhere from $250 to $500 a tyre in 285/60 R18 size.Where to buy: TyroolaOverview: The addition of a canopy to your HiLux ute can be very personal. For some, it’s a way to keep camping gear dry and dust-free, for others a way to keep pets comfortable on long drives. Likewise, a work ute will have different needs to one used for leisure. The most common HiLux canopies are made from fibreglass, although aluminium canopies are increasingly becoming popular for their strength and weight characteristics. Alternatively, custom made HiLux canopies are popular for camping and trade applications, and many metal fabricators focus on this market. Access is one of the most significant considerations to a canopy, and most of the tub-tray versions will offer sliding or top-hinged windows. Canopies for alloy trays might have larger access doors than the former, and can typically have more specific storage options. There’s no right or wrong canopy, but consider features like the ability to add racks at a later stage, and how much clearance you’ll need under the roof. Also remember, a canopy’s total weight counts as load, so the lighter, the better without sacrificing strength. Cost: A deluxe fibreglass canopy from TJM costs $3960. Budget at least $3500 for a simple canopy with lift-up windows from ARB. For an extensive, feature-packed, camping-specific aluminium canopy from Norweld, expect to pay at least $14,300, plus another $5610 for a canopy base tray. Where to buy: TJM, ARB, or Norweld.Overview: Although the genuine Toyota Hilux tray options are well proven on thousands of vehicles, many industries and interests have specific needs. Toyota has cottoned onto this, and there’s a long list of genuine accessories focussed on personalising the Hilux tray back, including a bed slide, utility boxes, tray mats, canopies and tonneau covers. There are even mining ute specific options if you talk to the dealer. The biggest custom tray choice, though, will be to get one in steel or alloy. Steel is strong, and great if you need the structural integrity of something like a small crane, but alloy is lighter, leaving more load capacity for actual load. From there, the options are endless, and if you can imagine it, a metal fabricator can build it. Cost: Even a basic, Toyota HiLux steel dual cab tray will set you back over $4,000, so start your budget there and add money for every feature you want. A fully custom, off-road-ready alloy camping tray from the likes of Patriot Campers Off Road will be more than $20,000 including a canopy. Where to buy: Toyota Genuine Accessories, Patriot Campers Off RoadOverview: If you need to keep things organised in the tray and don’t have the sort of budgets required to get a full custom tray, a decent set of drawers is the place to start.Whether for camping or worksites, a good drawer system is easy to access, can carry everything you need and is built to suit your needs. If you need a large load area above the drawers, consider a side-by-side arrangement. If you will be camping and use a fridge, consider a set of stacked drawer, so the fridge slides from floor level and is easier to get into it. Cost: A dual drawer system for a dual-cab tub tray from Drifta begins at $1845, but can be customised to your heart’s content. From ORS, a 1030mm long twin drawer system starts at $1800, plus $150 for fitting. Neither fit with a Toyota HiLux tub-liner, so don’t order one with your new ute if you intend on adding drawers.Where to buy: OffRoad Systems and DriftaOverview: If your storage needs are more modest than a canopy or full custom tray demands, then a tonneau cover, either soft or hard lid is an inexpensive way to keep your tray secure and dry. Consider a fabric version for flexibility or a hard version for added security or if you need a solid platform for carting bikes around. Cost: A dual cab, fabric tonneau from Toyota costs around $340, while a genuine Toyota Hilux hard lid will set you back about $2400. An ARB Sport Lid for dual cab HiLux will cost around $2100 and can have racks fitted to carry 75kg of gear on top.Where to buy: Toyota Genuine Accessories or ARBOverview: No matter how you use your HiLux, some things are just better stored on the roof. As well as the genuine HiLux roof racks, all of the major brands have options, including simple roof bars through to lightweight roof platforms with modular accessories so they can be customised to your heart’s content. Among the best is the Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform. Cost: A simple set of roof bars will set you back around $500. A more comprehensive platform will be about $1600. Where to buy: Rhino-RackOverview: Need to lug around something longer than the bed of your tray? You’ll need a tub rack or ladder rack for that. Cost: A single alloy hoop for the back of your tray will cost around $500.Where to buy: eBay. Overview: Nearly every version of the HiLux has been noted for its towing performance, and now that the current crop can haul between 2800 and 3500kg (4WD models) they’re very popular with caravanners.Toyota’s genuine fitment tow bar is among the best on the market, and for large caravan duties, can be matched with a weight distribution kit. These are essential to maintain effective braking and steering effectiveness with a heavy caravan weighing down the rear end. For a more off-road specific option, the Hayman Reese XBar improved departure angle by about 5°, integrated rated recovery points and rear step to protect the rear bumper. If you are towing something large, don’t forget you’ll need towing mirrors to stay legal. Cost: Expect to spend about $1200 getting a tow bar and associated wiring fitted. For something more specific, like the XBar, budget $1200 or so for the bar, plus fitting. Where to buy: Toyota Genuine Accessories or Hayman ReeseOverview: Towing mirrors are a legal requirement if your rear vision is restricted by the trailer you are towing. Most commonly used by caravanners, they’re not the only people who need them. The bee's knees in caravan mirrors are the integrated, telescoping mirrors by Clearview. They extend out when you need them, and can be adjusted by the electric mirror control inside the car. They are expensive, though.For something cheaper, clip-on mirrors are the way to go but avoid any that only attach to the mirror itself – every truck you go past will blow them into your window with an almighty bang. A set that attaches to the door, like the Coast Door Mount Mirrors, is excellent. Cost: The Clearview Mirrors for a current HiLux will cost $745. The Coast Door Mount Mirrors cost $140.Where to buy: Clearview, Outback Equipment.Overview: For easier access into the high-riding HiLux, nothing is better than a stylish set of side steps. If it’s sill-protection you’re after when 4WDing rough terrain, opt for a set rated to protect your vehicle. Hint, those typical alloy steps are just steps, but something like the Xrox Rock Sliders, are. For something with a good step and decent level of protection, look into the Ironman 4x4 side steps and rails, which are also airbag compatible. Cost: Xrox Rock Sliders cost $995. Ironman 4x4 Side Steps cost around $775. Where to buy: Off Road Central, Ironman 4x4Overview: Dual battery systems are so popular in the HiLux that even Toyota offers a genuine version. Using Redarc’s BC-DC25 as the charging solution, it is limited by the battery’s under-bonnet placement, which means a smaller battery is used. A better solution would be to get the Redarc unit in the aftermarket and fit a larger battery in the tray as part of a more comprehensive solution. For a lower-priced option, consider the Projecta IDC25. Cost: The Redarc BC-DC25 starts at $609.10. The Projecta IDC25 retails for around $300. Where to buy: Redarc, ProjectaOverview: If you do any sort of long-distance, remote highway miles at night, additional lighting is really helpful. The current HiLux already has LED headlights in its top-spec models, but upgrades are available for SR, Rugged and below.The easiest option is LED H7 globe replacements like those from Stedi, which simply swap out the halogen globes for specially designed LED versions. For even more light, LED light bar or LED driving lights are popular additions to bull-bars and roof-racks (check your local rules about roof-mounted lights).For a lot of very bright light without a considerable price, try the Narva Ultima 215, which is too bright in the suburbs, but perfect in the bush. For a more suburban-friendly light, the Narva Ultima 175 is just about perfect. Toyota Genuine Accessories offers a great LED light bar. Cost: The Stedi globe will set you back a modest $150. The Narva Ultima 215 LED lights retail for around $500 each light, while a set of Ultima 175 LED lamps will cost about $500. Where to buy: Toyota Genuine Accessories, Narva, Stedi

The end of financial year might be the best time to nab a deal on any new car, but the deals on a spanking-new ute can be absolutely stratospheric.

Everyone wants their new car to look factory-fresh for as long as possible, but this can be a challenge. Tree sap, road tar, bird poo and even industrial fallout can take their toll on your ride, which is why car paint protection is so important.New car paint protection is generally a chemical spray put on by the dealer or a qualified detailer, providing a barrier between the painted surface and the outside world. This can be a chemical layer, like a super-strong wax film, or even a ceramic layer and there are several ways to obtain the paint protection.The big question most people face is: is paint protection worth it? The cost to respray a car’s paint work or fix small imperfections is very high, running into the tens of thousands of dollars in some cases, so for a minimal outlay of up to $2000 it seems prevention is a far better option than cure.Most paint protection products will spray on as a liquid and dry clear, although some products in the past featured a clear plastic film applied to at-risk parts of the car to prevent stone chips or scratches from road grime. Companies like 3M still sell these wraps, which will do a good job of preventing light damage and are fairly cheap.Paint protection can also be applied to second-hand used cars, though often these vehicles will need to have a professional detailer to a full paint correction detail first, adding to the expense. The benefit of this is that it gets your paint locked in looking as good as possible before the protective layer is then applied, sealing the car’s duco.This doesn’t mean you can then abuse your car, or leave it filthy dirty, but it just means your car is better protected. Some paint protection products will need to be reapplied as often as once-a-year if the car is left outside in harsh conditions. Unfortunately, in Australia harsh conditions is just about anywhere the sun shines as the high levels of UV light does huge damage to modern paint products.You can purchase a paint protection kit from websites that sell professional-grade detailing equipment. For the car enthusiast used to polishing and waxing their car at home, some of these products will be easy to apply themselves, but novices should seek out professional detailers.If your car came with a pearl or candy-style paint job, like the type offered by Mazda, you should definitely seek out this service. Mazda paint protection is a good option, and adding a high-quality European ceramic aftermarket sealant on top will ensure your car looks its best for years to come.Similarly, Toyota paint protection would be a good starting point for anyone with a HiLux, LandCruiser, Kluger, HiAce, or any vehicle that is going to get dirty or be used for work.There are many options for car paint protection in Sydney with some businesses able to come to you if you have somewhere undercover and clean to apply the product. The same is true for paint protection in both Melbourne and Brisbane.When it comes to applying paint protection in Adelaide and Perth the harsh summer sun means you’re likely better off with a high-quality ceramic sealant, and booking your car in for a full detail annually to keep your paint fresh.

Just because you’re boring doesn’t mean you’re not hugely successful, just look at politicians, or Toyota. The long-time sales leader in this country, and one of the biggest car mega-giants in the world, Toyota has long been famous for making “white goods”; cars that are simply part of the furniture, that do their jobs without fuss or excitement, and sell largely on reliability and familiarity. Rare is the car enthusiast who gets into a lather over the idea of buying a Corolla or a Camry. But because they do sell so many cars, and dominate so many segments, everything they do is big news, and of obvious interest to car buyers. When Toyota decides that hybrids will be a thing, as it did with the Prius, back in 1997, it can change the world.So when the company’s CEO, Akio Toyoda, decides that Toyotas are too boring and that its cars should, instead, be “fun to drive”, as he did, repeatedly, back in 2011, it’s a big deal. The results of his pledge have been rolling out ever since, with the genuinely exhilarating to drive Toyota 86 setting the course, and the recently unveiled new Toyota Supra set to take the company’s idea of fun to a different plane.Here, then, is all the latest and greatest news about new Toyota models.New Toyota sports cars - Gazoo RacingYes, it sounds like something from Wacky Racers, but Gazoo Racing is the quirkily named sporting division of Toyota, responsible, not only for making exciting sports cars like the Supra, but for making sportier versions of nearly all Toyotas available, in the near future.The plan is to have three levels of performance and excitement above your stock Toyota - the GR Sport badge will indicate cars that have been given a cosmetic treatment, like an Audi S-Line, or the M-badged but not actually M versions of BMWs.GR-badged cars will offer a bit more performance than standard models, and the cosmetic changes, while the funny-sounding GRMN badge will apply only to the most aggressive Toyotas.This means you can expect to see GR badges of some kind on vehicles as diverse as the Yaris and even the HiLux.New Toyota SupraThe amount of excitement around the new Toyota Supra - a proper sports car that will become a head-turning halo car for the brand - should be tempered just slightly by the fact that you probably won’t be able to buy one. Or not for a while, anyway.It might sound slightly surprising for a car company as vast as Toyota - because surely they can just make as many vehicles as they like - but the brand’s most exciting vehicle in years, the Supra, is going to disappoint a lot of people who just won’t be able to get hold of one. In its first year on sale, in 2020, there will be just 300 Supras available for keen buyers in Australia, meaning that demand will well and truly outstrip supply.Indeed, you can’t even order one yet, officially, because neither pricing or specification for the Aussie models has yet been confirmed, but frankly they could charge just about anything for them and they’d all sell.The BMW Z4 M40i roadster, which shares both the platform and the engine of the Supra, but with more Germanic looks, is going to cost $124,900, and you can bet the Toyota version will be significantly cheaper than that.It’s a familiar story for Toyota, which faced similar demand for its last excitement machine, the 86, which had people on waiting lists for 18 months.“We’ve never really had a car like this before, I think probably the closest thing was the 86 – that was a very, very popular car – so when you look at that, and then look at this – the Supra – we’ve got to do a bit of work on how we allocate that and how we manage the ordering process,” a Toyota spokesman said.“This is quite a unique car, it’s coming from Europe, limited production numbers, so much hype around it, everyone’s clamouring to get their hands on one, and for us we’re just asking for patience as we work through that process.”New Toyota 86Considering how popular it has been, and the great things it has done for Toyota’s image, it’s hard to believe there won’t be a second generation of the Toyota 86.But the fact is the car is now more than seven years old, and yet there’s no sign of spy pics of a new one, and no confirmation from Toyota that it will be replaced at all.Toyota jointly developed the 86 with Subaru, which badged its version as the BRZ, but rumour has it the relationship has soured, which may well scupper this beloved car’s future. Reports from Japan suggest the replacement for the 86/BRZ has been cancelled.Toyota might decide to replace its 86 with an entry-level, four-cylinder version of the Supra, but that is only speculation. For now, Toyota says it has “no plans to discontinue the 86”.The most recent update to the 86 was back in December 2016, with a facelift styling job, returned suspension, a small power boost and a shorter-throw manual gearbox. Still on sale, currently, for under $35,000, it remains one of the great sports-car bargain buys. While we’d all love to see the 86 replaced by an all new Toyota Celica, there seem to be no plans to bring that legendary badge back to life. Yet.New Toyota Corolla hot hatchWhile the latest Corolla is more exciting to drive, and to look at, than previous generations, what is missing is a hot-hatch version, but that looks set to change with Toyota confirming that, by 2020, it will have a Corolla GMRN to take on the likes of Volkswagen’s legendary Golf GTI and Hyundai’s hot i30N.Toyota’s deputy chief designer Toshio Kanei recently confirmed that “a Corolla GRMN is certainly realistic” and that “we are already working on that. “The development takes place under the supervision of Toyota GAZOO Racing. This department has included the Corolla GRMN in the future plan, but for now the project is still in the planning stage.”The hot-hatch Corolla will not be a hybrid, but may have to take on the 2.0-litre engines of competitors like the Honda Civic Type R and Renault Megane RS with a turbocharged 1.6-litre powerplant.Australia loves its hot hatches, so we would be a key market for the sportified Corolla.New Toyota YarisSpeaking of hot hatches, Toyota also looks set to take the fight to another VW hot hatch, the Polo GTI, with the introduction of a GR badged version of the next-generation Yaris small car.This car should break cover very soon, possibly at the Tokyo Motor Show in October, if not sooner, and its existence makes perfect sense, considering there is already a Europe-only Yaris GRMN, powered by a supercharged 1.8-litre engine.New Toyota HiLuxNot just one of the best-selling Toyotas, but one of the best-selling vehicles in our market, the Toyota HiLux looks certain to get the Gazoo Racing treatment as well, with a hotted up ute finally able to replace the hole in the market left by the death of the TRD brand.Toyota boss Sean Hanley recently confirmed that if the HiLux range, currently topped by the Rogue and Rugged X models, was to offer a high-performance version it would be badged as the Toyota HiLux GR.“There’s a whole mass of opportunity for GR in Australia and in the foreseeable future it will become clear to everyone what GR means for us,” Hanley said.A hotter new Toyota ute would give the brand fuel to fight the Ford Ranger with its wild Raptor offerings.New Toyota LandCruiserWhile it’s famed for its ability to go anywhere and to continue doing so for years and years, the current 200 Series LandCruiser is getting long in the tooth, after more than a decade of service. It is, of course, the first Toyota model ever sold in Australia, and remains a favourite, particularly in country areas.Sure enough, a new version is on the way, within the next couple of years, which will bring updated technology, better off-road skills and smaller and more environmental engines. Don’t hold your breath for a new V8, basically.What you are almost certain to see instead is a hybrid version, while the twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 currently doing service with Lexus is likely to replace the naturally aspirated V8.Toyota sources have confirmed that a new 300 Series Landcruiser is already “under development” and should go on sale as soon as 2021.Expect a sleeker design on the outside, but no change to its capaciousness, nor its ability to carry eight humans. Safety systems and infotainment will obviously gain significant updates.All this should add up to at least a mild price rise as well when this new Toyota SUV arrives.New Toyota CamryNow even more ubiquitous as Uber drivers’ vehicle of choice, the Toyota Camry has been on sale here since 1983 and is not about to go anywhere.While an all-new model is some way off yet, the biggest change recently has been the arrival of the much-lauded, and awarded, new Camry Hybrid.The car has been a stunning success, with the hybridised version taking 48 percent of all new Camry sales in this country, an unprecedented figure for Toyota.The fully imported Camry replaced the Australian-built one after the closure of Toyota’s local operations, but that does not seem to have dented its popularity at all.New Toyota hybridsAs the company that basically gave birth to the hybrid craze, which is admittedly far larger in countries like Japan, Toyota is fully invested in the technology and recently reaffirmed its commitment by announcing it would add five new hybrid models to its range over the next two and a half years.Spurred on by the huge take-up of the Camry hybrid, Toyota has announced more hybrid versions to join the Corolla and Prius. The first one will be a hybrid version of the new Toyota RAV4, which will become the company’s first hybrid SUV, but certainly not its last. Toyota will not confirm what the other four hybrid models will be (C-HR anyone?), but it’s safe to say there’ll be hybrid versions of just about every car in the line-up coming on stream. Toyota has sold more than 12 million hybrids globally since first launching the Prius back in 1997.New Toyota PriusThe hybrid that started it all, the Toyota Prius, has just been refreshed, in March, for the 2019 model year, with new styling and more tech.The new look is both simpler and more aggressive than previous models, while the whole Prius has also grown 35mm longer, thanks to its new front end.There’s a new look inside as well, with a focus on improving comfort and making the centre console easier to use, and more tech friendly (think wireless charging).Prius models are also equipped with a new multimedia system with inbuilt satellite navigation with live traffic routing, DAB+ digital radio, Siri eyes-free and Miracast. Like all other Australian Toyota products, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remains unavailable locally.The sole drivetrain for Australia remains unchanged - a 72kW/142Nm 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine with a nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) battery pack and electric motor for a total power output of 90kW. Toyota claims a combined fuel consumption cycle of 3.4L/100km, and CO2 emissions of 80g/km.Prius sales were down 50 percent in the first three months of 2019, so Toyota will be hoping the facelift can turn that slump around.New Toyota RAV4With new, tougher looks that might well divide opinions, the RAV4 revealed a long-overdue update in the second quarter of 2019.The edgier, slicker design also brings more interior space, a bigger boot and updated safety systems, while the diesel engine variant is gone, replaced by a hybrid option, Toyota’s first in an SUV.The fifth generation of this mid-size SUV rides on a more sophisticated platform - Toyota’s New Generation Architecture (TNGA), which also underpins the new Camry, Corolla, Prius and C-HR and brings a revamped suspension set-up. Handling is improved and cabin noise and comfort are also better.New Toyota vanAnother Toyota that’s been seriously overdue for an update is the much-loved HiAce van, an all-new and much improved version of which will arrive in Australia in the middle of 2019.It’s the first time in 15 years that Toyota has revealed an entirely new generation of the HiAce and, as you would imagine, that means a raft of important upgrades.The new van will be longer, much safer (possibly even with a five-star crash rating) and more refined,and will feature new engines and a longer wheelbase.HiAce buyers will be excited to get more power, more fruit in the cabin and even improved ride comfort.The new design maintains the much-loved cargo space while providing a stiffer frame, greater stability and manoeuvrability and more pliant suspension.The sixth generation of Toyota’s family bus will offer a choice of two-seat vans in long wheelbase (LWB) and super-long wheelbase (SLWB) configurations, as well as five-seat LWB crew vans and the 12-seat SLWB Commuter buses.The new HiAce range will offer two new engines; a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel and a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, both with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.Cargo capacity has been maintained - at 6.2 cubic metres for the LWB or a whopping 9.3 cubes for the SLWB.New Toyota C-HRThe edgy, slightly weird looking and youth-focused Toyota C-HR basically is still a new car - a small hatch that thinks it’s an SUV - so we shouldn’t expect an entirely new version soon, although customers in other markets will be getting a fully electric C-HR in 2020.Toyota has confirmed the EV will be launched at the Beijing motor show in that year, in line with the Chines government's demands for a quote of any manufacturer's sales to be electric.Toyota Australia says it’s unable to confirm whether an electrified C-HR will ever come to Australia, but it’s certainly possible, if EVs ever do take off locally.New Toyota FortunerWhile the hugely popular HiLux range keeps adding variants, like the Rugged, Rugged X and Rogue, there are no such plans for the slightly less-loved Fortuner, according to Toyota Australia.The HiLux-based, seven-seater SUV has floundered somewhat against rugged competitors like the Isuzu MU-X, Ford Everest and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and Toyota does not appear to think that more modest in the line-up would help its sales.To be fair, one vehicle that the Fortuner loses some sales to is an in-house competitor anyway, in the shape of the Toyota Prado.New Toyota Highlander/Toyota KlugerThe fourth-generation Toyota Highlander, known around these parts as the Kluger, is set to arrive in 2020 and speculation suggests the mid-sized SUV will be growing slightly in terms of its proportions.It will also wear a new more rugged design, similar to what we’ve seen on the new RAV4, with a more aggressive grille and sleeker headlights.The new Kluger has been caught in the US in benchmarking tests with the Mazda CX-9, which tells you just how focused Toyota must be on making it more dynamically adept, and family friendly.You can also bet your house on there being a hybrid version of the Kluger in the mix when it arrives next year. Expect to see the new car breaking cover later this year.

Despite consistently being one of the best-selling cars in Australia, Toyota’s stalwart HiLux ute range is almost an exclusively diesel affair, with just one petrol engine left in the range.

I know it seems like the army of SUVs currently marching across Australia will never be defeated, but there is a pocket of resistance forming, and it's one that is genuinely fighting back against the rising tide of high-riders.

If we'd been writing a list of the most exciting cars due in the coming 12 months even a handful of years ago, four-wheel drives would be lucky to have rated a single mention.

Among Australia’s many, many gifts to the world - Rebel Wilson, Tony Abbott, the cork hat, Clive Palmer, Vegemite, Dame Edna - perhaps the most profound, yet sadly unrecognised, is the ute.

Last week's cover story comparing the three best utes on the market caused a bit of stir -- and not just among the hordes of Toyota HiLux evangelists who queried our call on deciding in favour of the new Ford Ranger. A number of readers contacted us to highlight just how little you can carry onboard most utes when