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The Toyota Hilux is without a doubt the bakkie king in Southern Africa. 51 years and eight generations later, Toyota's formidable Hilux receives a mid-life revamp.
The new Hilux carries a fresh new face, giving it a new lease on life and a brutish look to take on its rivals. The Raider models feature a large trapezoidal grille with a chrome border, lending the bakkie a more imposing stance. The 2.4 GD-6 models get four-bulb Halogen headlamps, while the 2.8 GD-6 Raider now boasts Bi-LED headlamps and LED turn-signals. Inside, a new instrument cluster design features metallic inserts, a notched outer ring and metallic bezel. The eight-inch infotainment system incorporates a floating screen-design while retaining rotary adjustment knobs for ease of use.
The Legend name will be placed on the flagship models of the revised Hilux range. The trapezoidal grille (outlined in black) integrates with the front bumper, bonnet protector, and skid plate. Legend variants receive bespoke interior treatment with a unique accent treatment to the instrument cluster, interior trim panels, switchgear, and gear lever. Toyota says that cool, blue door illumination complements the perforated leather upholstery and black roof lining.
So, what does RS stand for? You’d be mistaken if you thought the “RS” denomination is at all to do with anything performance-related. Although the Hilux’s oil-burner has been tweaked to deliver more power (more on that later), in this case, “RS” stands for "roller shutter". Currently available on only 2,8 GD-6 4x4 Legend derivatives, the RS accessory package adds a motorised roller shutter, which is linked to the bakkie’s central-locking system; a graphite-coloured sports bar; a dust-defence kit; and 12 V socket and LED lighting located in the no-cost (on Legend models) rubberised loading bed.
Dubbed the Legend 'RS', the optional accessory package (referring to Roller Shutter) will be offered on Legend-grade models with a motorized roller shutter, graphite-coloured sports bar, rubberised bedliner, assisted tailgate with central-locking function, and dust-defence kit.
Accessing the latter is a cinch, thanks to the Legend’s easy-lift tailgate. In addition to this package, Toyota South Africa Motors offers an array of other optional (official) accessories for the Hilux.
Nine exterior colours are on offer, including the new Oxide Bronze and Pearl White, a first for Hilux. Attitude Black is exclusively available on the 2.8 GD-6 4x4 Legend. Raider models ride on 17-inch alloy wheels, while Legend derivatives are fitted with 18-inch tyres.
The turbocharged 2.8-litre diesel engine in the 2.8 GD-6 sees an increase in power of 30kW, bringing outputs to 150kW. Torque for the automatic models has also been increased by 50Nm to 500Nm, while the manual models' torque remains unchanged at 420Nm. The Hilux is available with both a manual and automatic gearbox, each with six gears. The bakkie is available in 4x2 or 4x4.
On the 2.4 GD-6 4x4, Toyota says, towing capacity has been increased to 3.5-tonnes - matching that of the 2.8 GD-6 4x4.