The Hilux legacy is legendary. Since its introduction in 1969, the model has etched an enviable reputation for itself across the globe, where its durability, strength and outright quality, has entrenched itself in the hearts of its owners.
Nowhere is this truer than in South Africa, where the venerable Hilux nameplate is regarded, not merely as a mode of transport, but as a trusted member of the family.
“This is echoed in the sales charts where the Hilux proudly flies the flag of SA’s top selling vehicle, and serves as both a business partner and leisure transport for the family. Hilux’s sales are a testament to the trust that our customers place in the product and reinforce the Toyota pillars of Quality, Durability and Reliability” says Calvyn Hamman, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing.
Within the light commercial vehicle market (LCV), customers no longer only expect toughness and durability from their ‘bakkie’, but are placing much greater emphasis on comfort, convenience and design. The ‘bakkie’ of today needs to fulfil a multi-purpose role, and not merely as a ‘jack of all trades’ but in fact it needs to be a ‘master of all’.
“The new Hilux builds upon the rock solid reputation of its predecessors, and delivers a ‘bakkie’ that is tougher than ever before, while at the same time providing customers with the comfort, refinement and features of a passenger car”, says Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing.
Advanced Design
Perhaps the most striking feature of the new Hilux is the advanced exterior design. The design team concentrated on creating a vehicle that would project a tough stance, whilst also exuding a sense of innovation and refinement, in order to evoke a more emotive connection between driver and ‘bakkie’.
At the front, a prominent grille with strong horizontal bars extends towards the wrap-around headlights, creating a powerful, unified look. Protruding, integrated fender flares add to the rugged appearance.
Viewed from the side, muscular wheel flares perfectly tie in with the strong virtual line which flows from the front, to the rear of the vehicle. The sloping rear side window and cabin silhouette form a visual parity with the slanted rear design. The slanted theme is further reinforced by the strong design line which harmoniously flows from the rear combination lamps to the side profile.
The cab roof has been carefully shaped to improve both its styling and practicality. It now features an aerodynamic ‘pagoda’-style V-shape which helps channel air over the roof and off the sides of the vehicle, rather than into the deck area, preventing turbulence and drag.
Redefining the Interior
The interior design of the Hilux sets new standards for a light commercial vehicle. The same design ethos of tough and advanced was used to create an interior that combines ruggedness and practicality with innovation and design. Flowing metallic trim which runs across the dashboard creates a sense of style and refinement.
Taking centre stage in the interior theatrics is the new high-tech touch screen audio system, which seems to ‘float’ from the centre of the dash. Featuring a flat-panel design, flick operation and capacitive touch technology, the advanced audio system is a marvel. When the unit is powered off, another party trick is revealed, as all illumination is suspended creating a tablet-type look and feel.
The driver instrumentation follows suit with higher grade models receiving a full colour 4.2” TFT multi-information display, with easy-to-read displays and powerful shapes, all adding to the advanced toughness theme. The driver is able to access a raft of information, at the touch of the four-way directional buttons mounted on the newly designed steering wheel.
The steering wheel makes use of a strong horizontal spoke design, to harmonise with the rest of the interior and features rake and reach adjustability, as well as thumb rests and a thicker rim, to provide superb comfort and feel.
Cool blue illumination flows throughout the cabin, from the easy-to-read instrument cluster to the air-conditioning control panel, audio system and switchgear illumination.
All Hilux models are fitted with tough and durable patterned black seat upholstery tailored to their usage. All three designs offer excellent durability without compromising on design and a sense of quality. Workhorse models focus more on robustness whilst mid-grade and high-grade models pursue a feeling of luxury and modernity. Leather upholstery is available as an optional extra on high-grade models.
The overall execution of the interior is that of high quality, innovative design and user friendliness. Comfort and convenience were strong influencers in the interior design and as such, the Hilux is equipped with many storage areas and features to improve usability.
Transmitting the Power
Forming the link between the advanced new engines and the driven wheels, are all-new slick 5 – and 6-speed transmissions. Workhorse models are equipped with a rugged 5-speed manual transmission with higher grade models receiving an option of either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
The gear ratios of the new 6-speed manual has been optimised to feature a 10% lower first gear for enhanced low-speed torque delivery, with a 23% higher ‘top gear’ providing greater fuel efficiency and relaxed high-speed cruising.
Ensuring the durability and reliability required of any off-road vehicle, the gear shape and number of teeth have been optimised for strength, and the load tolerance of each gear increased. The bearing support structures on the front of the countershaft have been changed, and the current roller bearing replaced by a combined roller and ball bearing to effectively balance axial and radial loads.
A world first for the segment is the fitment of the intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) on selected models. iMT effectively incorporates rev-matching technology on both up – and downshifts, to provide an ultra-smooth drive as well as assisting drivers with smooth take-offs.
In keeping with the more leisure-focussed interior, the gear lever has been shortened to provide a slicker (and more passenger car like) shift action and feel.
Fans of ‘self-shifter’ transmissions will revel in the new 6-speed Super Intelligent Electronically Controlled automatic transmission. This high-tech unit sees the first appearance of ‘High-speed Gear Effective Utilisation Control’ for a Toyota vehicle.
This control logic evaluates the use of higher gears in real time based on driving conditions. For instance, taking into account vehicle loading and throttle setting, the system will determine whether to upshift to 6th gear or remain in 5th, to achieve the optimum balance of driving power and fuel efficiency.
Deceleration Downshift Control optimises downshifts when decelerating to reduce fuel consumption. This system shuts off the fuel supply to the engine as well as downshifting automatically to promote engine braking.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Shift Control, makes use of bespoke control logic to prevent the transmission from up – or downshifting unnecessarily in response to sudden throttle opening or closures.
Diesel models fitted with the new 6-speed transmissions are badged as GD-6, with the entry level derivatives using 5 speed transmissions carrying a GD badge.
Grade Walk Summary
Workhorse models:
Power windows with auto down for driver
Reading lamp with illuminated entry system
12 volt power outlet
Eco indicator
Black electrically adjustable mirrors
ABS brakes
Driver airbag
Remote central locking with auto door lock
Anti-theft system
SRX models add:
Steering switches
Tilt and telescopic steering adjustment (Extra and Double cab)
Economy meter
Multi Information Display
Audio system with Radio/CD, Bluetooth and USB
Door ajar display
Over fenders
Side steps
Driver knee airbag
ISOFIX on double cab
3-point rear centre seatbelt
Eco drive mode (Eco/Power switch)
17” Steel wheels
Raider models add:
Metallic interior accents
Luxury patterned seat fabric
Reverse camera
Telescopic steering column adjustment
Full colour TFT Multi Information Display
Touchscreen audio with DVD and video playback
Cooling function in glove compartment
Auto lights with follow me home
Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
Chrome grille and exterior trim
Wide integrated overfenders
Variable intermittent wipers
Automatic climate control
2 x 12V power outlets
Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT)
Hill Assist Control (HAC)
Downhill Assist Control (DAC) [4×4 models only]
17” Alloy wheels
Model Line-up
Single Cab
2.0 VVTi 5MT
2.0 VVTi 5MT A/C
2.4 GD 5MT
2.4 GD 5MT A/C
2.4 GD-6 Raised Body SRX 6MT
2.4 GD-6 4X4 SRX 6MT
2.4 GD-6 4X4 SR 6MT
2.7 VVTI Raised Body SRX 5MT
2.8 GD-6 RB Raider 6MT
2.8 GD-6 4X4 Raider 6MT
Xtra Cab
2.4 GD-6 Raised Body SRX 6MT
2.8 GD-6 Raised Body Raider 6MT
2.8 GD-6 4×4 Raider 6MT
Double Cab
2.4 GD-6 Raised Body SRX 6MT
2.4 GD-6 4X4 SRX 6MT
2.4 GD-6 4X4 SR 6MT
2.7 VVTi Raised Body SRX 5MT
2.8 GD-6 Raised Body Raider 6MT
2.8 GD-6 Raised Body Raider 6AT
2.8 GD-6 4X4 Raider 6MT
2.8 GD-6 4X4 Raider 6AT
4.0 V6 Raised Body Raider 6AT
4.0 V6 4X4 Raider 6AT
Service Intervals & Plans
All models are accompanied by a 5 year or 90 000 kilometre service plan (whichever occurs first) with service intervals set at 10 000 kilometres.
Pricing
Pricing of the new Hilux remains very competitive, with some models actually being priced lower than the versions they replace, despite a significant upgrade in specification. A strong focus has been placed on maximising the value proposition of the new range and offering customers excellent value.
Single cab:
From R228 900 to R 435 900
Xtra cab:
From R333 900 to R470 900
Double cab:
From R 377 900 to R593 900