Australia’s biggest-selling ute – HiLux – has emerged from the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) division with a specially developed package that the Japanese auto giant insists transforms the one-tonner into “an even more rugged workhorse”.

Based on the flagship SR5 dual cab 4×4 turbo-diesel variant, the TRD HiLux is billed as the boldest, most aggressive-looking production-model HiLux ever built, available with either black or white exterior paint and fitted with 15 new components that are clearly designed to pump up its presence on the worksite.

At the front end, there is a bold red TRD-branded skid plate, contrasting with a unique black TRD grille, TRD lower bumper cover and TRD wheel-arch flares.

Matte black 18” six-spoke alloy wheels are fitted, along with a black sports bar, black side steps and black mouldings along the body side and the leading edge of the bonnet, while at the rear end the makeover is completed with a towing kit (comprising tongue, ball and wiring harness), tub liner, soft tonneau cover, tail light covers and TRD-branded mudflaps.

The cabin does not carry the same level of sports-themed detail, but has leather-accented trim, TRD floor mats and, for those with an automatic transmission, a TRD gear lever. That said, as an SR5 the fit-out in the TRD version is as comprehensive as it gets with HiLux, packing in a high level of features across the comfort, tech and safety departments.

This includes climate control air-conditioning, satellite navigation, keyless entry/start, the Toyota Link connected mobility unit and display audio system with DAB digital radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity and voice recognition.

Safety gear includes electronic stability and traction control, trailer sway control, hill-start assist, hill-descent control (for auto versions), a reversing camera, ABS brakes, auto-levelling LED headlights and seven airbags.

Pricing at launch was set at $59,990 drive-away for the white-painted six-speed manual TRD HiLux, with black paint adding $550 and six-speed automatic transmission another $2,000.

The TRD overhaul is all about aesthetics rather than performance.

Under the bonnet is the unchanged ‘1GD-FTV’ 2.8L four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 130kW of power at 3,400rpm or 420Nm of torque at 1,400rpm when combined with the manual – rising to a gutsier 450Nm at 1,600rpm with the automatic.

Based on SR5 spec, official fuel economy on the combined cycle is 7.6L/100km for the manual (auto: 8.5L/100km), kerb weight 2,075kg, GVM 3,000kg, payload 955kg (auto: 960kg) and braked towing capacity 3,500kg (auto: 3,200kg).