In an interview with Australia's caradvice.com.au, Toyota Product Public Relations Manager, Stephen Coughlan, said the company has indentified a possible gap in the market for a model to sit above the top spec SR5 (Raider in South Africa), but declined to provide any further details.
"It’s certainly one of the areas we’re looking at. There’s obviously an appetite for something that sits either alongside the SR5 or even above it, so that’s certainly where we’re examining. But over and above that, I can’t say at this time," Coughlan remarked.
He also stated that a off-road focused model, based on feedback from the Tonka Concept shown in March this year, could also be a viable option in due course, although nothing has yet been announced.
"The feedback has been exceptional – the feedback has been really, really positive. And people are very excited that we could bring to market something of that ilk. [There is] nothing to announce at this juncture, but we’re certainly taking that feedback very seriously".
At present, the most powerful version of the Hilux sold Down Under, the TRD accessorised SR5, makes do with the standard issue 2.8-litre GD-6 developing 130 kW and 420 Nm (450 Nm with the optional six-speed automatic gearbox), with prices ranging from $58 990 (R625 715) to $61 540 (R652 763).
This compares to the 147 kW / 470 Nm Ranger 3.2 TDCi FX4 starting at $58 915 (R624 919) and topping out at $61 115 (R648 255), and the automatic only 165 kW / 550 Nm Amarok V6 TDI retailing between $55 490 (R588 590) for the base Sportline to $67 990 (R721 179) for the flagship Highline.
