Motoring News
TOYOTA HILUX ROGUE
TOYOTA HILUX ROGUE
By DEREK OGDEN
Sticking point . . . the HiLux Rogue tub top on test was low on convenience
Cars, computers and lawnmowers – when they go, they are great, when they don’t, they’re about as useful as a hip pocket in a singlet. That brings me to the HiLux Rogue. Among the varied dictionary definitions of ‘rogue’ comes ‘an individual deviating from the normal, usually inferior’.
My time with Toyota’s MY21 top-dog ute had a niggle or two. For a start the Aussie-designed and developed motorised roll-top tub cover pulled up short, literally, on my first attempt to store it, jamming inches away from being fully retracted. No amount of pressing opening and closing buttons freed the pesky piece of apparatus.
A little less annoying was the key fob, which was erratic with its door locking and unlocking functions activating only when a few metres from the cabin. Equivalent automotive security systems usually can be operated from greater distance to the vehicle: often handy in a crowded car park. Over to you, Toyota.
Anyway, enough of this negativity, the Rogue deserves its HiLux ‘halo’ in some respects. Generally, it’s a credit to local engineers and designers, who were tasked with producing a combination of toughness, complemented by a more recreational focus for a vehicle designed to go anywhere and be sold in markets around the world.
Toyota Australia’s role in developing and evaluating the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, rear suspension and hydraulic power steering was supported by teams from Japan and Thailand, as well as representatives from other markets.
The Rogue sells for $68,990, plus on-road costs and options. The HiLux, in general, continues its reign as the best-selling vehicle in Australia and like all Toyota vehicles is covered by Toyota Service Advantage, with each of the first scheduled services costing just $250 each.
STYLING
Out of Toyota’s Melbourne design studio comes a dark vertical grille that cascades from the bonnet down to the prominent lower bumper and under-guard. LED headlamps, with dark internals, combine with bold outer corners of the bumper, which links to strong fog lamp surrounds.
An aggressive side profile continues the theme with robust fender flares, unique wheel-arch mouldings and an integrated resin sports bar making its debut. Wheel-arches also are generous enough to take bigger, fatter alloys than the factory-fitted 18-inchers.
A new sports bar, made from resin, is easier to mould than steel, allowing it to have a more artistic ‘sailplane’ shape.
Out back are redesigned bumper and tailgate. The tub itself is kitted out, up the walls too, like a fully carpeted lounge room, with marine-grade , the liner lifting appearance and coverage. The design makeover is made complete by a chrome Toyota tailgate badge and new decals on the tailgate and sports bar.
INTERIOR
The cabin is dominated by hard surfaces, which is hardly a serious criticism for a hard-working ute. However, coming to the classy rescue are black perforated leather-accented seats with grey outboard accents. The front seats are heated while the driver’s seat has eight-way power adjustments. Front and rear carpet mats are included for Rogue.
There’s a deep cubby in the centre console and a double-decker dash-mounted glovebox, the upper section cooled. Door storage includes convenient bottle slots.
INFOTAINMENT
Pride of place is a larger eight-inch display touchscreen plus control knobs, an upgraded multimedia system with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and a premium JBL nine-speaker sound system. One USB point and two AC 220-Volt accessory sockets are standard.
Restyled instruments consist of an analogue speedo and rev counter with blue pointers flanking a 4.2-inch multi-information display, which now incorporates a digital speed readout and a pictogram showing the angle of the front wheels.
Satellite navigation is easier to use with enhanced voice recognition, while other additions include an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror, new ornamentation and blue illumination.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The upgraded 1GD turbo-diesel engine now develops 150 kW at 3400 rpm and 500 Nm between 1600 and 2800 rpm, gains of 15 per cent and 11.1 per cent respectively.
The six-speed automatic transmission was recalibrated to allow earlier lock-up for improved acceleration and to ensure Toyota’s temperature tolerances, especially when towing, were observed.
SAFETY
The HiLux Rogue carries a five-star safety rating on 2019 testing and is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, including a pre-collision system with autonomous emergency braking and the ability to detect pedestrians around the clock and cyclists in daylight.
It is also equipped with high-speed active cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist.
Electronic systems include anti-skid brakes, vehicle stability and traction control, brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, trailer sway control, downhill assist and an emergency stop signal (hazard lights).
Like every HiLux, the Rogue is equipped with seven airbags and a reversing camera.
DRIVING
Driving has been made easier than before by work done on the rear suspension, improving unladen ride comfort while a new variable flow-control power-steering pump offers more help in low-speed manoeuvres such as parking.
Braked towing capacity has been uprated by 300 kg to 3500 kg, courtesy of the higher-output engine and a recalibrated six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
Toyota claims a combined urban / highway fuel consumption of 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The test vehicle worked out at 11.7 litres per 100 kilometres in suburban streets down to 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres when on the motorway.
Improved ride and handling are all-encompassing with the MY20 Rogue. Leaf springs and shock absorbers were re-tuned to improve unladen ride comfort without compromising the vehicle’s ability to carry loads over uneven terrain, while low-friction rear shackle bushes add to ride comfort. Rear stability benefits from leaf spring front bushes with increased lateral stiffness.
Revised chassis mounts reduce vibrations and noise transfer to the cabin, particularly on rough roads. A variable flow control power-steering pump improves steering feeling on winding country roads and reduces steering effort when parking. Pity about the outsize 12.6 metre turning circle. There’s also a low-range mode for off-road driving.
SUMMARY
The Rogue is up against some of the stiffest competition in the premium luxury ute market (the runaway Ford Ranger Wildtrack springs to mind). It’s fair to say the power roll top would be considered an important selling point for the Hilux ‘hero’ and the failure of the accessory on test is not what we have come to expect from Toyota.
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 7/10
Thirst: 4/10
Practicality: 2/10
Comfort: 6/10
Tech: 6/10
Value: 5/10
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Toyota HiLux Rogue from $68,990
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Toyota dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Toyota HiLux Rogue 2.8L 4-cylinder diesel, 6sp automatic, AWD Utility)
ENGINE:
Capacity:2.755 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders inline
Maximum Power: 150 kW @ 3400 rpm
Maximum Torque: 500 Nm @ 1600-2800 rpm
Fuel Type: Diesel
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 8.4 L/100km
Emissions CO2: 220g/km
DRIVELINE: Six-speed electronically controlled automatic, all-wheel drive
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 5325 mm
Wheelbase: 3085 mm
Width: 1900 mm
Height: 1795 mm
Turning Circle: 12.6 metres
Kerb Mass: 2231 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Drum
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres
Electric 2025 Ford Capri SUV Officially Revealed
By Jeff Gibbs
Following the path of the Mustang, Ford has reimagined another iconic nameplate with the unveiling of the all-new 2025 Ford Capri as a battery-electric crossover. After images were leaked earlier this week, the Capri EV has been officially introduced in Europe and is set to arrive in markets such as the UK in the final quarter of this year.
Although already ruled out for Australia, the new Ford Capri EV revives the nameplate that was synonymous with Ford of Europe from 1969 to 1986 as a fast two-door coupe.
The decision to use the Capri name for a battery-electric SUV has sparked controversy among Ford enthusiasts, similar to the reaction received by the Mustang Mach-E. Critics argue that the new Capri is neither a true sports car nor a traditional Ford, largely because it is built on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB electric car architecture, closely related to the Volkswagen ID.5, which is due for release in Australia soon.
The Capri EV measures 4634mm in length, 2063mm in width, and stands 1626mm tall, sharing a similar footprint with the VW ID.5. It weighs between 2023kg and 2115kg, depending on the variant. Departing from the original Capri’s two-door and roadster roots, the new model resembles a high-riding fastback sedan, akin to the current Polestar 2, rather than a typical coupe-style SUV.
Electric 2025 Ford Capri SUV Interior
Design elements honouring the Capri legacy include a black front fascia reminiscent of the original Capri’s grille, headlights and daytime running lights evoking the Mk1 Capri’s quad-lamp arrangement, fender peaks, oval side windows, and a subtle rear spoiler inspired by the RS3100’s ducktail spoiler. The tail-lights attempt to mirror those of the last Mk3 Capri.
Inside, the Capri EV shares many features with the current battery-electric Ford Explorer sold in Europe, another product of the VW-Ford partnership. This includes a 14.6-inch portrait-mounted infotainment system. The entry-level single-motor powertrain produces 210kW and accelerates from 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.4 seconds, supported by a 77kWh battery pack that offers up to 627km on a single charge. Charging from 10-80% takes 28 minutes with a 135kW charger.
A second option, the 250kW dual-motor/all-wheel drive Capri, accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 5.3 seconds. This variant features a larger 79kWh battery, offering up to 592km on a single charge and can be topped-up at 185kW, reducing the 10-80% recharge time to 26 minutes.
In Europe, all Capri EVs come equipped with dual-zone climate control, 12-way massage seats, electric-folding door mirrors, keyless entry/start, a wireless phone charger, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The entry level features 19-inch wheels, while the range-topping Premium model adds 20-inch rims, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with subwoofer, ambient interior lighting, Matrix LED headlights, and a gesture-operated tailgate. However, this additional equipment reduces the total range by 32km.
Optional features include 21-inch alloy wheels and a driver assist pack that includes a head-up display, active park assist, lane change assist, and a 360-degree camera. Pricing will be announced alongside the European sales launch in the final quarter of this year.
The Capri name has a storied history in Australia, used first for the original two-door coupe sold from 1969-1972, and again from 1989-1994 for the SA30 Capri roadster assembled at Ford’s Broadmeadows plant. Although the Explorer EV is under consideration for release in Australia, Ford has stated there are no plans to bring the Capri EV Down Under, despite trademarking the Capri nameplate for the Australian market in 2022.
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