The Toyota HiLux completes its range in Japan with the GR Sport variant

Toyota has prepared an update to the pick-up HiLux, an extremely popular model that offers several versions for buyers. The new variant is called HiLux GR Sport and arrives in the Japanese market after the debut of the HiLux REVO GR Sport version, which was presented in Thailand.

But it is not a more powerful version or one with better performance. It is a version that has received a new look, with the intention of making this variant stand out from the other iterations of the model. The aesthetic changes give the pick-up greater presence and a stronger appearance.

Aesthetic changes

The aesthetic changes include new wheel arches, which increase the width of the vehicle by 45 mm. In this case, they have been painted in the same colour as the bodywork. Another element that stands out on the pick-up is the new front fascia. The black grille, with the badge on it and letters larger than usual, gives it a more aggressive image.

The 19-inch black alloy wheels help enhance this look, and other black elements, such as the side steps, make other features stand out, like the red brake calipers on the front wheels. The rear bumper is also black.

Being a sporty version, the interior has several distinctive touches. The upholstery is made of synthetic leather and the GR logo is added to the headrests. The backrests of the front seats are covered in red suede, a shade that is repeated in the seam stitching. The GR badge also stands out on the steering wheel, and the pedals are made of aluminium. The paddle shifters are also aluminium, and the start button also bears the GR inscription.

Although the 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine has not been touched, which delivers 147 CV and a maximum torque of 400 Nm, the suspension has been modified to offer greater manoeuvrability. The six-speed automatic gearbox helps achieve that greater control, so this is a version that considerably improves on the model it is based on. Will it reach the European market?