The new Toyota Hilux will reach showrooms soon, in SRX, Raider and Legend guises.
Image: Jason Woosey
The highly anticipated new-generation Toyota Hilux is nearly here, with the first units set to go on sale before the end of June. South Africans got their first taste of the newcomer at the Nampo trade show in Bothaville this week, and interest reached fever pitch as showgoers swarmed the show units on display at the Toyota stand.
The new Hilux will continue to be available in single cab, extra cab and double cab formats, with examples of all three being on display. Toyota showed off three specification grades: the work-orientated SRX, mid-spec Raider and high-spec Legend.
Detailed specifications and pricing will only be revealed by Toyota South Africa nearer to launch, but a dealer representative at the show told IOL on the sidelines that the 2.4-litre GD-6 turbodiesel engine will not form part of the initial line-up, although it is being considered for a later stage.
While the shape remains familiar, the front and rear sections have been completely redesigned.
Image: Jason Woosey
This means the least expensive diesel option will be the 2.8-litre turbodiesel, which soldiers on with outputs of 150kW and 500Nm. This could push the Hilux out of reach for many customers who have relied on the 2.4 GD-6 as an entry point to the range.
Although the Hilux retains the same bodyshell as the current model, the front and rear sections have been comprehensively reworked, and the cabin has also been completely redesigned.
All-new interior.
Image: Supplied
The all-new dashboard features a more horizontal shape, and it incorporates a ‘floating’ touchscreen, available in 7.0-inch and 12.3-inch guises, depending on the model.
Technologically, the Hilux has been brought up to date with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a digital instrument cluster and an electronic park brake.
Beneath the skin, the new Hilux also sees upgrades to the chassis and traction control systems, including the Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system, which is available on certain variants overseas.
Watch this space for more details on the new Hilux closer to launch.