IMOTO: TOYOTA HILUX
The Toyota Hilux is not just any van but the best selling car in South Africa.
It is the most important car produced at the company’s factory in Durban, according to the CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors, Andrew Kirby.
The history of Hilux in South Africa started in 1968 when the first one arrived. When the second one followed, construction began in Durban.
Kirby said that they are currently building and selling it in 73 countries around the world, 44 of which are in Africa.
The new Hilux, which is the ninth model, has been eagerly awaited since the old one went on sale in 2016.
Competitors, on the other hand – including the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, GWM P Series, Foton Tunland, VW Amarok and others – have cars that are relatively new.
Kirby said they have taken a broad role in youth development and have been listening to the recommendations of their customers, which is why they have a lot of confidence that it will do well.
The success of the old one made them use its success as a basis for building a new one.
Although there is a lot of new stuff in it, it is based on the old one.
The chassis as well as the suspension have been improved to make it stronger, better grip and more comfortable on the road.
That’s the difference we felt when we drove 781.5 kilometers in Namibia this week on roads, mostly dirt.
Right from the start, I noticed the steering wheel was softer than before.
On the road it felt more comfortable and the wind noise inside was much reduced.
On the dirt it was also comfortable and you can feel that it is not far from the level of the Ranger as before.
After all, although Hilux sells a lot, Ranger dominates the double cab, so the increase in its comfort level may attract others.
Since its appearance, the new Hilux has been talked about a lot.
Another thing that caused a stir was Toyota’s decision not to change the engine under the bonnet.
The 2.8 liter GD-6 diesel is also back. Power remains the same, at 150kW and 500Nm of torque.
It is big but the difference is in the way it moves as the sound of its thunder is not loud inside. The way it puts in power is smooth and the 6 speed automatic gearbox is changing much better. There is no need to change.
The Legend 4×4 that we were driving is equipped with a 48V mild-hybrid system that helps it get off better and helps by reducing the way it consumes diesel in the 80 liter tank.
I looked around and saw that it was 11.4 but we were still fast on the straight and quiet desert roads that cross the Namib-Naukluft National Park.
It is currently the engine available in the nine Hilux models that have been launched.
When it starts next year, it will be followed by 2.4 liter GD-6 and 2.0 liter petrol.
For those who are chasing this 2.4 liter diesel engine, Kirby said they will continue to build and sell it in the old Hilux until next year.
In terms of safety and driver services, they have included a number of things that are included to help you stay on the road, it brakes when it is about to crash, adaptive cruise control and many more. In fact, much of the same is true for the newly launched RAV4.
Toyota says that they have improved the safety of the car itself by adding a lot of technology. One of them is to introduce an app called Toyota Remote. It shows you where the car is, can start and lock it, close the windows, and more.
However, the engine and its safety are not the only things that talk about Hilux, especially the new one.
The way it looks on the grill divides opinion.
At the front, all models come with LED headlights.
The SRX has 17-inch alloy wheels and some have 17-inch or 18-inch rims.
On the side of the cabin there is a climbing ladder. The Legend we were traveling with had rubber and a non-electric roller shutter.
When you go inside is where things have changed a lot. In terms of size it is still the same as the wheelbase is the same as before but it has taken a lot from its cousin the Land Cruiser Prado.
It has a new touchscreen infotainment system to which you connect a mobile phone via Apple CarPlay/Android Auto wirelessly, it displays the entire exterior with a camera, plays music through JBL speakers, and more.
You don’t have to worry about charging points because there are two holes in the front and a wireless charging point. And behind and two places.
The seats are leather but only for the driver are electrically adjustable. We cannot warm or cool them.
Price:
Single Cab
2.8 GD-6 RB SRX 6AT – not released
2.8 GD-6 4×4 SRX 6AT – not released
Xtra Cab
2.8 GD-6 RB Raider X 6AT – R751 800
2.8 GD-6 4×4 Raider X 6AT – R842 200
Double Cab
2.8 GD-6 RB SRX 6AT – R658 500
2.8 GD-6 RB 4×4 SRX 6AT – R746 100
2.8 GD-6 4×4 Raider 6AT – R892 900
2.8 GD-6 RB Legend MHEV 6AT – R945 500
2.8 GD-6 4×4 Legend MHEV 6AT – R999 900
They come with a service plan of nine services or 90,000km, a warranty of three years or 100,000km and a 48V MHEV hybrid battery warranty of eight years or 160,000km.