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Despite industry-wide supply chain issues impacting availability of key models in its Australian line-up, Toyota continues to dominate the local new-car market, building 2022 share and volume to near record levels.
In an overall market down more than 2.0 per cent at the end of August, Toyota was up by 3.2 per cent, growing market share to no less than 22.5 per cent, which leaves second-placed Mazda trailing in its wake at 9.3 per cent.
Toyota has been number one in Australian new-vehicle sales for 25 years and despite pillars of its local range, like RAV4, Corolla, Camry and Prado suffering supply-constrained sales drops, the brand’s vice-like grip on that top spot is tightening.
Read more about the Toyota Corolla Cross
We now know when the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020 Toyota set up ‘counter-measures’ designed to accommodate health-related restrictions and ramp up production as efficiently, safely, and quickly as possible.
Clearly, that early planning is paying dividends with key models like HiLux, LandCruiser and Kluger up substantially over 2021 in year-to-date terms. And so far, Toyota has avoided the need to de-specify any of its cars in the face of the global microchip shortage.
Strong HiLux production out of Thailand has helped the country’s top-selling vehicle put a big gap on the in-transition Ford Ranger. And the Japanese giant is set for an even bigger finish to the year with five all-new or improved models scheduled for release before the end of 2022.
Arriving this month, the front-engine, rear-drive GR 86 will be offered in GT and GTS variants, both powered by the 174kW/250Nm 2.4-litre, naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine it shares with its Subaru BRZ twin. Although Toyota is still keeping pricing under wraps, expect the GR 86 to start at a lower number than the BRZ, which kicks off from $40,290, before on-road costs.
Then Toyota’s flagship HiLux Rogue is set to hit showrooms in October, with confirmation there will be no price increase (for now), the new version listing at $70,200, plus on-road costs. That’s despite inclusion of an upgraded suspension (including increased ride height), better brakes (rear ventilated discs), wider track (front and rear) and inclusion of a rear stabiliser bar. The Rogue also sports a more aggressive look and feel thanks to its broader stance, new overfenders and mudguards, as well as bigger 18-inch alloy wheels.
Due in Q4, the Corolla Cross compact SUV will be offered in 2.0-litre petrol, four-cylinder form as well as a 2.0L petrol/electric hybrid in optional AWD versions. Competing in the same segment as the C-HR, it offers a more traditional city-sized SUV option with prices starting from $33,000 before on-road costs, a few thousand more than the C-HR at $30,915.
A six-speed manual version of the GR Supra will also hit Australian showrooms in the fourth quarter, its new gearbox specially designed to manage the Supra’s (BMW-derived) 3.0-litre, in-line, six-cylinder turbo performance. It will also feature modified stabiliser bushings and re-tuned adaptive variable suspension, while the S grade features newly designed 19-inch forged alloy wheels. Three new metallic paint colours – ‘Volcanic Ash Grey’, ‘Dawn Blue’ and ‘Avalanche White’ – will be offered along with a tan trim option. Pricing for the current auto Supra sits at $87,303 for the GT and tops out at $97,303 for the GTS.
Finally, due in December, the Yaris Cross GR Sport combines sporty looks, courtesy of unique 18-inch wheels, a blacked-out mesh front grille and a rear diffuser, with a tweaked suspension in the existing small SUV package. No upgrades to the 1.5-litre, 85kW, three-cylinder engine, though. Expect a price around $35K, before on-road costs.
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