The Week That Was: Toyota HiLux, Hyundai Veloster, Mazda MX-5

Toyota’s all-new 2016 HiLux was officially unveiled this week, as the Japanese carmaker prepares for its arrival in local showrooms from October.

Precise specifications have yet to be revealed, but Toyota Australia has confirmed that the Workmate, SR and SR5 grades will continue to be offered, along with a new Hi-Rider RWD model.

In total, a whopping 31 distinct model configurations will be offered in the 2016 Hilux range, with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines.

Hyundai’s updated-for-2015 Veloster and Veloster SR Turbo were launched in Australia this week, bringing tweaked suspension, a new transmission, cabin updates and a sharp new $29,990 price of entry at the turbocharged end.

That price, down from the $32,990 sticker the SR Turbo wore before today (which is up from the $31,990 it launched at in 2012), positions the hot-ish hatch against Toyota’s 86 Coupe and neatly below Mazda’s new $31,990 MX-5 (see below).

Opting for the cut-price turbo will see you go without a handful of items previously standard, but these items and more can be had in the Veloster SR Turbo+ from $33,990 plus on-roads.

the week that was.