Toyota’s new Hilux is stylish, it’s big and it’s well specced. A surprise bonus is that it’s cheap — nine of the fifteen models in the new range cost less than the models they replace. It’s going to make a lot of grown men who work for the opposition cry!
The new Hilux styling is stunning, with more rounded lines and a steeply sloped windscreen providing better aerodynamics and reducing wind noise at speed. It’s also 150 mm longer and 60 mm wider than its predecessor, meaning there’s more space for cargo and passengers. Double-cab versions, ever popular as recreation and family vehicles, have gained 25 mm in length, 65 mm in width and 30mm in height in the cabin — enough to add significantly to comfort levels.
Under the skin the Hilux has also been significantly beefed up. The ladder-section chassis uses box-section side-rails 50% wider and 30% deeper than the earlier model, and an additional cross member now adds extra rigidity. The suspension has been revamped, with coil springs replacing the earlier torsion bars, and a new double-wishbone layout with a low-mount type upper arm claimed to provide a better ride. A leaf spring and twin shock layout at the rear improve ride comfort, especially when the vehicle is unladen.
Toyota’s fifteen model Hilux range has gained three new petrol and two new diesel engines, with the smaller of the diesels being available in two specification levels. The two four-cylinder petrol units displace 2 litres and 2,7 litres respectively, with outputs of 100kW and 118kW power and 182 and 241Nm of torque. The most exciting, though, is a seriously sporting four litre double-overhead-camshaft 24 valve aluminium V6 that generates 175 kW at 5 200 rpm and 343Nm of torque from 2 400 right through to 4 800 rpm in five speed manual guise, with an extra 33 Nm on tap in the auto version. Those who prefer oil-burners can choose between a 2,5 litre four cylinder turbodiesel (available in 75kW/200 Nm or 75kW/260Nm states of tune) and a three litre four cylinder turbocharged diesel unit that doles out a gratifying 120kW and 343Nm.
Build quality of the new Hilux range is superb and the specification levels are high. Driving the double-cab versions with their ABS brakes, aircon, dual airbags, electric windows and all the other must-have gadgetry I seriously wondered why anybody would need an extremely expensive 4X4 wagon, when a bakkie can feel as good as this and still cart a healthy load in the bin. At the launch we tackled a serious 4X4 route around the historic Barberton area and I found it very easy to forget that these were bakkies I was driving. The affordable (R254 500) 2.5 D-4D-Hi Double Cab SRX in particular impressed with its versatility.
I have a very good idea that the new Toyota Hilux is going to cause an even bigger impression in the local bakkie market than did its predecessors, and it follows that the other manufacturers could find themselves being sucked into a price war. There’ll be much wailing and gnashing of teeth in certain quarters, but for the consumer that can only be good news.
Toyota Hilux pricing:
PETROL
Hilux 2.0 VVTi 130 000
Hilux 2.0 VVTi SRX 150 800
Hilux 2.7 VVTi Raised Body Raider 189 000
Hilux 2.7 VVTi Raised Body Raider D/Cab 228 000
Hilux 2.7 VVTi 4X4 SRX 209 500
Hilux 4.0 V6 D/Cab 4X4 Raider 305 000
Hilux 4.0 V6 D/Cab 4X4 Raider Automatic 317 100
DIESEL
Hilux 2.5 D-4D 150 000
Hilux 2.5 D-4D SRX 161 000
Hilux 2.5 D-4D Raised Body SRX 178 600
Hilux 2.5 D-4D 4X4 SRX 215 000
Hilux 2.5 D-4D 4X4 D/Cab SRX 254 500
Hilux 3.0 D-4D Raised Body Raider 216 300
Hilux 3.0 D-4D D/Cab Raised Body Raider 256 900
Hilux 3.0 D-4D D/Cab 4X4 Raised Body Raider 293 800