Toyota can scent blood in the water … and it’s hungry to eat the opposition.

UP to 250 units a year, perhaps even 400 if the market returns to pre-Covid health.

That’s the annual volume prediction Toyota New Zealand’s boss Neeraj Lala has cited for the new top model of the Hilux range, that he helped configure and personally named.

Hilux Mako is a $79,990 re-engineering of the $58,990 SR5 Cruiser doublecab that, until today, was thought to be the market leader’s flagship variant in the refreshed 2020 line launching to the public on Thursday. It’s auto only and the 2.8-litre engine remains in its standard tune, but a lot else changes.

An entirely New Zealand-devised, designed and built creation, that will be built to order at TNZ’s Thamese vehicle operations plant, Mako is obviously tougher-looking than the donor – or any other ‘mainstream’ Hilux – and that’s not just for show: It’s prepped for tougher terrain as well.

Lala says the Hilux Mako will be the ultimate bespoke ute, for customers who want a fully kitted out Hilux.

“We’ve taken a great truck and added some kiwi-muscle and flair. I’ve had lots of direct feedback from customers, and they wanted more power, a better ride and premium interior comfort – the Hilux Mako delivers on all those requests.”

“From my experience in the US with the Scion brand, customisation was the backbone of forming an unbreakable bond with customers. In fact, customers would go to extreme lengths, some legal and some even illegal as they really pushed the boundaries of customisation,” says Neeraj.

“We have pushed the boundaries under the careful watch of local Toyota engineers to produce a unique bespoke truck that I think customers are just going to love..

Toyota will build a few Hilux Makos for demonstration purposes, but every vehicle will be custom-built for the owner.

Customers are able to place their orders now for the vehicles to be built and delivered in the first quarter of next year.

The edition has 18 inch matte black alloy wheels with Maxxis Razr off-road tyres, fender flares, tinted front windows, a replacement front bumper steel bulbar, and a replacement rear heavy duty bumper.

To improve comfort and control – both on and off road – the suspension is upgraded with ARB’s Old Man Emu BP-51 shock absorbers. The BP-51 high-performance by-pass shock absorbers have user adjustable compression and rebound damping control. They provide optimal performance for challenging terrain, towing or carrying loads.

Also, to improve control, the brakes will be upgraded with larger diameter front discs. The brake lines also get an upgrade to stainless steel braided lines that help increase hydraulic pressure on the pedal and the feel and feedback, improves safety, and are more durable in harsh conditions than standard rubber lines.

Inside, the Mako receives airbag-compatible custom sports leather accented front and rear seats with unique seat stitching and headrest branding.

Underpinning the accessories will be the latest 2021 SR5 Cruiser with its more powerful 2.8L turbo diesel engine, the latest in Hilux safety features and smart phone connectivity.

The only option is a $1500 towbar/rear tow hook kit.