With the impending arrival of a new range of Hilux bakkies in the second quarter of this year, we decided to arrange a sojourn with the KZ-TE, one of the Legend35 turbo diesels.
Our brief acquaintance with the Legend35 models last year in Madagascar was too short to make an accurate evaluation, so we decided to re-acquaint ourselves with the range. Our destination was the northern shores of KwaZuluNatal, so, armed with luggage, golf clubs and the all-important binoculars to view the plethora of wildlife and birdlife, our merry trio set off.
The Legend35 models are a celebration of the 35-year legacy of this famous hauler, and with 315Nm of torque produced by the four-in-line, 2 982cc motor, doing long trips is as relaxing as it is enjoyable.
The Hilux has enjoyed immense success as an economic solution to light load transport needs, particularly in fleet and agricultural applications. Within months of the first units going on sale the Hilux emerged as the pick-up of choice in South Africa and in 1970, its first full year in the local market, it became the market leader in the light commercial vehicle sector. In the 34 years since, it has only four times failed to be the annual best seller — in 1969, 1978, 1997 and 1998.
But what is surprising is the almost Jekyll and Hyde personality the “35” displays. On the open road, the Hilux must rate as one of the best long-range cruisers in the business. With adjustable steering, sumptuous leather seats and an air-conditioner that does its best to form icicles on the windscreen, our steed covered the 680km with consummate ease.
The Legend35 — thanks to a force-fed, turbo-charged motor and electronic fuel injection — made light work of hills, while the suspension is a fine balance of good roadholding for a vehicle in this class and the ability to rough it when the chips are down. Up front, and independent double wishbone with torsion bars and gas dampers provide the comfort, while a rigid axle with leaf springs, also on gas dampers, gives the Hilux its load-lugging capabilities, which is rated at a healthy 844kg.
We didn’t test the top speed, although flashing oncoming lights from fellow motorists frequently forced us to slow considerably.
Being a true 4×4, which offers 4×4 traction in both high and low ratios, the bakkie sits rather high, offering a maximum ground clearance of 225mm. This can be disconcerting in faster corners and sweeps for those not au fait with the Hilux’s good roadholding, but should you need to stop quickly, lots of faith can be placed in the ABS-assisted 289mm discs upfront, while 295mm drums do duty at the rear. If that’s not enough, airbags for each of the front occupants provide additional safety.
Tired of tar travel, we elected to take a detour through the Zululand battlefields on our return trip, which saw us traverse some dust roads that last saw a grader a decade ago. Again, the sure-footedness of the Hilux in two-wheel drive surpassed, but not more than the ability to soak up the ruts, corrugations and negotiate the occasional river drift crossing.
Central locking, electric windows and power steering are all part of the package that add to its brawny, masculine looks, and if things really get tough, simply engage the electronically operated diff locks. The 36Þ and 34Þ angles of approach and departure are more than generous. If you need more than that, buy a second-hand Unimog, which in itself may drive you crazy with its ultra-slow cruising speeds and ride that is not far removed from that of a Sherman tank.
Fuel consumption to KwaZulu-Natal and back was more than acceptable at 11,69 litres per 100km, especially if one considers the 1 746kg unladen mass that the 85kW motor has to lug about and some rather heavy transmission components that make it a four-wheel drive.
The Hilux has few negatives, but one is the alarming rate at which the fuel needle drops once it reaches the quarter mark.
Manually locking hubs upfront require a quick departure from your leather seat to engage. No doubt auto-locking hub locks will make their way on to new versions.
Little is known about the new Hilux range except that crewcab, double-cab and single-cab versions are on the drawing board. New generation petrol and diesel engines are on the cards too, but exactly which derivatives will be marketed locally is unknown.
In the meanwhile, if you need a solid and very reliable workhorse, the Legend35 comes in at a realistic R329 302, inclusive.