Mining icons
Toyota vehicles have been part of the mining landscape for decades, providing rugged and reliable service in Australia’s harshest conditions.
In that time, the models and variants have changed dramatically but the underlying core of simply getting the job done — year after year, mile after mile — remains a constant.
In this feature, the Australian Mining Review puts three of these iconic vehicles under the spotlight and reviews the changes that have been incorporated into the latest models. In the face of growing competition from challengers around the globe, Toyota’s commitment to producing workhorses that deliver on every front is unwavering. The most recent iterations to the 70 Series, Hilux and Prado reflect this perfectly.
While these specifications apply to the standard road versions of each of these vehicles, there are a number of quality companies in this feature who specialise in bringing each model up to mine spec — with all the additional modifications and accessories that this specification requires. Once suitably adapted, these tough workhorses are ready for daily duties at mine sites across Australia.
70 Series
The LandCruiser nameplate is one of the most famous and highly regarded in the Australian automotive landscape, with the 70 Series able to trace its lineage back to the very first LandCruiser in 1954.
The LandCruiser was first brought to Australia in the late 1950s when Sir Leslie Thiess imported several BJ models to work on the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme and was so enamoured by their performance in the toughest of conditions that he negotiated a deal to become the Queensland and later NSW distributor for Toyota.
The next chapter in the story of the venerable Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series is set to begin with the Australian arrival of the heavily upgraded 4×4 range, sporting new styling, upgraded technology and a second powertrain option never before offered on the 70 Series.
Since its launch in 2007, the current-generation 70 Series range has been available exclusively with the 1VD-FTV 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8 engine and five-speed manual transmission.
However, the upgraded LandCruiser introduces the 1GD 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, for the first time in the 70 Series.
The WorkMate 76 Series Wagon, equipped with the new four-cylinder engine, is offered in five-door wagon, three-door troop carrier and single and double-cab chassis configurations.
All models are available with both powertrain options except the Workmate 76 Series Wagon, which is only available with the 2.8-litre four-cylinder engine.
Toyota Australia vice president sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley says the upgraded LandCruiser 70 Series benefits a wide range of customers looking for a tough and capable 4×4.
“For decades, the 70 Series has been the vehicle of choice for the farming, mining and agricultural sectors, as well as a favourite of off-roading and overlanding enthusiasts,” he said.
“The introduction of the new powertrain will not only broaden the appeal of the 70 Series range to more customers, but helps reduce weight, improve payload and reduce fuel consumption compared to the V8, delivering on customer demands.
“It gives our customers the power of choice between the torque-rich four-cylinder automatic and the tried-and-true manual V8 across all four 70 Series body styles, providing a wide range of alternatives for buyers.”
The new 2.8-litre four-cylinder powertrain has been proven over the years in a range of Toyota 4×4 models and produces 150kW at 3400rpm and 500Nm from 1600-2800rpm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Multiple mechanical changes have been made to the engine specifically for the 70 Series to ensure optimal cooling and performance in tough conditions and under heavy towing loads, with all models of the 70 Series maintaining a strong 3500kg braked towing capacity.2
The 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8 produces 151kW at 3400rpm and 430Nm from 1200-3200rpm and, paired with a five-speed manual, will continue to be offered on all 70 Series variants with the exception of the 76 Series WorkMate.
As before, the LandCruiser 70 Series range is equipped with a part-time 4×4 system with low-range gearing, durable live axles and front coil suspension. All GXL grades add front and rear locking differentials for ultimate off-road traction, which are optionally available on the GX single-cab chassis and WorkMate double-cab chassis.
The updated LandCruiser 70 Series is immediately recognisable thanks to its updated exterior styling, clearly influenced by previous generations of LandCruiser.
The halogen headlamp cluster has been replaced by circular LED headlamps with manual levelling and Automatic High Beam3, with outboard turning lamps that hark back to the pre-2007 70 Series.
A wide bumper and black overfenders give the 70 Series a muscular stance and sense of stability, paired on GX and GXL grades with dark grey metallic 16-inch alloy wheels.
The retro-inspired changes continue inside the cabin with a new-look instrument cluster designed to resemble the speedometer of the 40 Series, with the addition of a 4.2-inch colour multi-information display.
A new 6.7-inch multimedia system is compatible with wired Apple CarPlay®4 and Android Auto™5 and offers hands-free smartphone pairing supported by new switches mounted on the steering wheel.
Below the air-conditioning unit, a 12V power outlet, two USB-C ports on GXL and bank of switches provide extra functionality and smartphone charging options.
The fitment of a new automatic transmission has meant 1GD-equipped grades gain a new centre console consisting of a lidded centre storage box, cupholder and multiple small item compartments.
Wagon variants are made more functional with new second-row seats with 60:40 split folding functionality and can be tumbled forward to maximise cargo space.
WorkMate and GX variants are upholstered in durable vinyl trim, while GXL grades gain grey fabric upholstery.
The comprehensive update also ushers in new safety features for the 70 Series range, starting with lane departure alert3 which will issue audible warnings if the system detects the vehicle is leaving its lane.
Road sign assist3 is linked with the multi-information display to read speed signs and display the current speed limit, which can be used to alert drivers if they are exceeding the speed limit by reversing the colours on the display.
Automatic high beam3 is provided by the new standard LED headlights, which can automatically dim the high beams if the system detects a vehicle in front and will automatically reactivate the high beams once the vehicle is gone.
Four-cylinder versions gain downhill assist control3 for steady, controlled off-road descents, automatically modulating the brakes to safely navigate steep declines.
Wagon variants also gain a new reversing camera with static guidelines, helping to make parking in tight spaces easier.
The new features join the existing Toyota Safety Sense features including the Pre-Collision System3 with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection and intersection assistance.
The upgraded LandCruiser 70 Series is covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre Toyota Warranty Advantage7. This is extended to seven years on the engine and driveline8.
HiLux
The HiLux has a hard-earned reputation as being unbreakable. Ask the team at Top Gear who successfully put one on the top of a building and proceeded to blow up that building — right out from under its wheels. The HiLux survived.
“Toyota vehicles continue to appeal to the mining sector, particularly the HiLux and LandCruiser models with more than 5000 sales annually,” a Toyota spokesperson said.
“This sustained demand highlights Toyota’s reputation for unmatched quality, durability and reliability in some of the toughest working conditions.”
Toyota made far-reaching changes to HiLux that significantly advanced its performance, handling and styling, turning it into one of Australia’s best-selling vehicles.
The striking looks of the current model are a result of Toyota Australia’s design studio participating in an international team to deliver a bolder, tougher look for the wide-body 4×2 Hi-Rider and 4×4 extra and double cabs. The company’s Australian engineers were also involved in the global development of a more powerful 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine that noticeably improves acceleration, overtaking and towing performance.
A raft of changes were implemented to lift maximum power to 150kW and peak torque on automatic models to 500Nm, while improving fuel consumption by as much as 11.1%1.
In addition, the local vehicle evaluation and development team assisted in retuning the HiLux chassis, achieving a significant improvement in ride quality when driving without a load, along with more responsive handling and even greater stability when towing. This was matched to changes in the steering for turbo-diesel variants to make parking easier and to produce a more connected and confident feel at any speed.
As a result of the technical changes, braked towing capacity is now 3500kg2 for all 4×4 variants while 4×2 diesel variants are rated at 2800kg1, an increase of up to 300kg. There are 27 HiLux variants with a payload of at least one tonne2.
Equipment levels have also been expanded, including an 8-inch display with control knobs rather than touch-screen operation for easier use. The multimedia system has enhanced voice recognition and adopts Apple CarPlay®4 and Android Auto™5.
New-look instrument dials sit either side of the 4.2-inch multi-information display, which incorporates a digital speed readout, among other new functions.
Interior
The interior design theme for facelifted HiLux amplifies the balance between the durability and functionality required for work use and the refinement of an SUV. An improved multimedia system is centred on an 8-inch display screen (previously 6 or 7-inch) with knobs replacing the capacitive-touch interface to make operation easier, such as when wearing heavy gloves.
New standard features include voice recognition, Apple CarPlay4, Android Auto5 and myToyota, which enables third-party companion applications such as Waze, AccuWeather and Stitcher. SR5 comes standard with satellite7 navigation and digital radio (DAB)8. There are six speakers for SR and SR5 double cabs, four for SR and SR5 extra cabs and two for single cabs and Workmate variants.
Workmate has black fabric seat and vinyl floor coverings, providing the toughness and durability required for daily commercial use. SR and SR5 feature a high-grade, embossed black seat. SR retains its vinyl flooring while SR and SR5 double cabs have a 60/40 split base for the rear seat and a stowable armrest. In addition, SR5 is fitted with a premium shift knob and steering wheel and chrome door handles. All grades now receive all-weather floormats
Engine
As mentioned, Toyota has delivered substantial improvements from the two HiLux turbo-diesel engines with the main focus being the 2.8-litre four-cylinder 1GD, which now develops 150kW and up to 500Nm with a recalibrated six-speed electronic automatic transmission. Torque with the six-speed intelligent manual gearbox is 420Nm.
The updates result in stronger overtaking and towing on highway hills with maximum torque now available across a wider range of 1600-2800rpm (auto) and 1400-3400rpm (manual). HiLux also maintains its renowned low-rpm torque and driveability in city and off-road conditions.
Toyota engineers improved performance and fuel economy simultaneously by adopting a larger, heavy-duty turbocharger with a ball-bearing cartridge for exceptionally crisp and strong throttle response and a new common-rail injection system with a higher maximum fuel pressure of 250MPa.
The 1GD engine’s smaller sibling, the 110kW/400Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder 2GD, shares in refinements that improve cooling and fuel economy, including the higher-pressure common-rail system, optimised pistons and rings and the alternator which has been uprated from 80 to 100 Amps.
Higher outputs in the 1GD engine have also been supported by improvements including a new, coated cylinder-head gasket, revised higher-rigidity cylinder block and new exhaust manifold and gasket materials. Further cooling measures include a reshaped water jacket, revised cooling fan and fan coupling.
Fuel economy also benefits from a new combustion chamber that reduces cooling losses and more efficient exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in the intake manifold. A water-cooled double-pipe pre-cooler results in optimum EGR gas temperature.
On SR and SR5, drivers can choose two modes: ECO which reduces throttle response in favour of fuel economy and reduces power consumption for heating and cooling and POWER to provide sharper acceleration response for a more engaging drive on undulating and winding roads.
HiLux 4×2 Workmate single and double cabs are also available with the 122kW/245Nm 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine matched with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic.
Handling
Engineers further developed the rear suspension of the eighth-generation HiLux, which introduced longer leaf springs to suppress road vibrations, wider spacing of the springs for stability while cornering under load and revised attachment points to promote steering stability.
The latest versions have retuned spring rates, shock absorbers and suspension bushes as well as revised cabin mounts. These improvements were designed to deliver a more agile handling response and improving ride comfort, particularly when unladen on country roads and over speed humps. At the same time, HiLux maintains its renowned off-road performance, load-carrying capability, stability and body control — including on corrugated dirt roads and when fitted with a bull bar and towing a trailer.
Shock-absorber damping force on 4×4 and 4×2 Hi-Rider HiLux has been revised for improved ride comfort and less vibration, particularly with low loads. Revised leaf spring bushings enhance ride comfort on rough roads and steering response when cornering and changing lanes. Self-lubricating rubber is adopted on the rear shackle bush for increased ride comfort.
Revised cabin mounts reduce the transmission of vibrations from the road to the occupants.
All diesel variants benefits from a new variable-flow control power-steering pump that improves fuel economy while delivering a more natural driving feel that varies depending on the driving conditions.
The aim was to offer high assistance to support low-speed manoeuvres such as parking while maintaining better feel with less assistance at highway speeds and on country roads. There is also a specific mode for off-road driving in low range.
Safety
HiLux retains its rigid, impact-absorbing structure, full range of electronic braking and traction-control technologies, hazard lights, reversing camera (pick-ups), seven airbags and seatbelt reminders for all seats. On double-cab variants, the rear seats have two top tether anchors and two ISOFIX points. Downhill Assist Control is standard on all 4×4 SR5 variants and 4×4 automatic SR double cabs (including cab-chassis).
Toyota Safety Sense technologies in HiLux are: a pre-collision system9 that can also detect pedestrians (day & night) and cyclist (daytime); high-speed active cruise control9; and lane-departure alert18 that offers steering assist (via the brakes) to prevent unintended wandering into another lane. Road-sign assist can now recognise speed advisory signs.
New for SR5 double and extra-cab pick-ups are two front and four rear sonars9 to support parking. When the system detects objects, it alerts the driver with a buzzer and a message in the multi-information display.
HiLux 4×2 Hi-Rider and 4×4 have 319mm ventilated front discs with opposed-piston callipers at the front and 295mm self-adjusting rear drums with leading and trailing shoes. Other HiLux 4×2 variants have 296mm ventilated front discs with floating callipers and 254mm rear drum brakes.
Accessories
More than 60 all-new Toyota Genuine accessories have been designed to enhance comfort, protection, functionality or styling.
The all-new accessories include a handy lockable trundle drawer for variants fitted with a tray top, a new tub liner with rail capping, 18-inch alloy wheels and a rear chassis mounted integrated step to allow easy access to the ute tub.
Prado
Toyota has also launched its new-generation LandCruiser Prado SUV delivering comprehensive improvements in driveability, off-road capability, safety, technology and functionality — all wrapped in a stylish redesign.
The all-new LandCruiser Prado is built on a stronger and stiffer TNGA-F architecture, shared with its larger LandCruiser 300 Series sibling, and introduces Toyota’s latest on and off-road driver assistance, multimedia and active safety technologies and new 48-volt assisted V-Active technology powertrain mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
In developing the new model, Toyota went back to its origins to seek inspiration from the qualities that have made the LandCruiser such an iconic nameplate and delivered on the essence of that history with the all-new LandCruiser Prado, evident in its design, its agility and serious off-road capability and practical functionality.
Mr Hanley says the distinctive new styling, improved driveability and off-road capability and advanced technology of the new model will make the LandCruiser Prado more appealing than ever to Australian customers.
“The all-new model takes everything that customers love about the LandCruiser Prado to a new level, along with a stylish new design, enhanced technology and greater comfort and driveability,” he said.
The new LandCruiser Prado is offered in a choice of five grades — GX, GXL, VX and top-of-the-range Kakadu, along with the off-road-focussed Altitude. All feature the new V-Active powertrain and eight-speed automatic transmission.
Underpinned by the stronger and stiffer TNGA-F ladder-frame architecture, the LandCruiser Prado has grown compared to the outgoing generation, with the wheelbase extended by 60mm to 2850mm and front and rear track widened by 79mm and 83mm to 1664mm and 1668mm respectively1.
This has enabled Toyota to extend the overall length of the LandCruiser Prado by 165mm to 4990mm and increase its width by 95mm to 1980mm1, providing an increase in interior space.
The dramatic new exterior design, inspired by LandCruisers of the past, offers both a retro aesthetic and substantial functional benefits.
With a low beltline, a flat bonnet and big glass areas, the all-new LandCruiser Prado offers superb visibility in tight off-road environments while its chamfered edges and high-mounted lamps are designed to minimise the potential for damage.
Likewise, the interior has been comprehensively upgraded with a new-look design which vastly improves the level of technology, comfort and space for five or seven occupants, depending on the grade.
All variants feature Toyota’s latest generation multimedia system operated via a 12.3-inch touchscreen or steering wheel controls. The system is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay®2 and Android Auto™3 and features full Bluetooth®4 connectivity, AM/FM/DAB+ radio6 and embedded and cloud-based satellite navigation5.
The LandCruiser Prado is powered exclusively by Toyota’s tried and tested 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, augmented with 48-volt V-Active technology, which offers improvements to smoothness, driveability and fuel efficiency.
Producing peak outputs of 150kW/500Nm, the powertrain is mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission with a broader spread of ratios than before, with a full-time all-wheel drive system, dual-range transfer case and a centre lockable Torsen®7 limited slip differential (LSD).
The adventure-focussed Altitude version takes its off-road capability even further with a lockable rear differential and front stabiliser disconnect mechanism (SDM) that enables the front stabiliser bar to be disconnected to further improve wheel articulation in harsh environments.
Other driver assistance systems for on and off-road environments include vehicle stability control with active traction control, downhill assist control and crawl control8, while the standard trailer sway control and integrated towbar pre-wiring harness help facilitate the new LandCruiser Prado’s increased 3500kg braked towing capacity9.
All grades feature a double-wishbone front and four-link solid axle rear suspension with VX and Kakadu grades adding adaptive variable suspension (AVS) to enhance ride comfort and handling on rough roads.
The braking and steering systems have been substantially improved to provide greater response and feel with the new LandCruiser Prado featuring electric power assistance for the steering for the first time.
GX, GXL and Altitude grades feature a three-mode drive mode select system that adjusts transmission shift points and pedal and steering response, according to driver preferences and conditions, while VX and Kakadu versions use a five-mode system that also adjusts the adaptive variable suspension.
To help provide optimum traction and control in off-road environments, Altitude, VX and Kakadu grades are fitted with a multi-terrain system that adjusts the vehicle stability and traction control system for different terrain such as dirt, mud, snow and sand.
All grades of the new LandCruiser Prado are fitted with the latest generation suite of Toyota Safety Sense active safety technologies8, along with Toyota Connected Services10 which uses an inbuilt data communication module to provide a wealth of remotely accessible vehicle information via the myToyota Connect smartphone app11.
The driver-assist safety features are designed for on- and off-road performance and use an improved camera and radar system that is able to scan the road with greater accuracy and over greater distances.
Technologies include the autonomous emergency braking pre-collision safety (PCS) system, all-speed adaptive cruise control, rear parking support brake, lane trace assist and lane departure warning, road sign assist, blind spot monitor with safe exit assist, emergency driving stop system and a driver monitor camera, along with front and rear parking sensors and nine SRS airbags8.
The off-road flagship of the LandCruiser Prado range is the newly introduced Altitude grade, which features the same black bumpers, wheelarch mouldings and ‘TOYOTA’ lettering grille as the GX and GXL and adds unique 18-inch alloy wheels with Toyo®7 Open Country all-terrain tyres, a moon roof and optional two-tone exterior paint15.
With added convenience and comfort over the VX, the five-seat Altitude gains a digital rearview mirror, colour head-up display and a heated steering wheel.
The LandCruiser Prado range is topped by the Kakadu grade. It builds on the luxurious specification of the VX and adds a panoramic moon roof, illuminated side steps, heated and ventilated outboard second-row seats, Toyota-first adjustable driver’s seat cushion length, a digital rearview mirror, heated steering wheel and head-up display.
The Toyota Warranty Advantage provides each new LandCruiser Prado customer with five years and unlimited kilometres of warranty coverage16.
Toyota is also planning to offer the LandCruiser Prado with the option of a full-service lease (FSL) through Toyota Finance Australia.
For one single, easy-to-manage monthly payment, the full-service lease bundles scheduled servicing and maintenance, mechanical repairs, replacement tyres, Roadside Assist, Toyota Comprehensive Insurance and registration and compulsory third-party insurance.
