I'm pounding my head against the desk as I write this. Sales figures don't lie and the results are in - Australia's best selling car for 2016 is; insert drum roll... the Toyota Hilux.
Hitting the top spot for the Australian annual sales chart is a first for a commercial vehicle, which is how the Hilux is categorised.
Carligious is about our love affair with cars and it's kinda hard to get excited about Australians having a preference for what is essentially a boring trade vehicle.
Hey, we are a sunburnt country and there's no doubting a Hilux Crew Cab is practical, but No.1 - Who'd a thunk it? We all know they're damn nearly indestructible and as a daily driver, truck like behaviour displayed by earlier generation models is a faded memory.
For the top-spec Hilux SR5, you get leather interior, Bluetooth, integrated infotainment with SAT NAV, traction and stability control, trailer sway assist, hill descent assist, brake distribution, keyless entry and start. Also, central locking, climate control, voice recognition, cooled glove compartment, automatic lighting, daytime running lights. Woah - that's just some of the kit.
The fact that it can also double up as a go anywhere, weekend getaway vehicle shows you have a sure-fire formula for success.
It's proof positive as to why the Aussie ute is no more. Cars like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and VW Amarok are dominating the market.
Enough ranting.
Here's Australia's 2016 top ten selling models from 10 to 1.
10. Hyundai Tucson - 20,132
9. Mitsubishi Triton - 21,897
8. Mazda CX-5 - 25,564
7. Holden Commodore - 25,860
6. Toyota Camry - 26,485
5. Mazda3 - 36,107
4. Ford Ranger - 36,934
3. Hyundai i30 - 37,772
2. Toyota Corolla - 40,330
1. Toyota HiLux - 42,104
