By: Denis Droppa
Johannesburg - it must be exasperating for the opposition. Despite competition from more modern and refined rivals like the VW Amarok and Ford Ranger, the ageing Toyota Hilux last year remained not only South Africa’s favourite bakkie but the best-selling vehicle of any kind.
This continued popularity - it’s been the market leader here for 40 of the last 43 years with over a million units sold - speaks to this venerable pickup’s bullet-proof reputation for quality, durability and reliability (QDR is an official Toyota abbreviation), and now that the new 8th generation Hilux has arrived with an all-new level of sophistication, the rivals have some more sleepless nights ahead.
With a ladder frame chassis that’s stronger and a body that’s more torsionally rigid than the outgoing version the new Hilux is tougher and more rugged, but at the same time it’s been made more refined with enhanced sound proofing and a modern new interior. The well-appointed double cab Raider versions are more SUV- than bakkie-like in their greatly upgraded cabins, and the suspension’s been revamped for a more comfortable ride and increased wheel travel.
The keen offroad ability of the 4x4 versions has been retained but it's easier to manage with shift-on-the-fly all-wheel drive engagement and a downhill assist control which allows steep descents to be tackled without having to touch the brakes.
Built for the local and export markets at Toyota South Africa’s Durban plant, the new Hilux gets a contemporary new look with wraparound headlights. It possibly looks softer than before but it’s still tough as nails beneath.
MODERN INTERIOR
The interior of the high-spec double cabs I drove at this week’s media launch has taken a leap into the 21st century with USB and aux music inputs, a 7 inch tablet-like touchscreen for the audio system, and a full colour TFT multi-information display in the instrument panel.
The interior styling and upper-grade materials have also shed any blue-collar feel. Leather upholstery is available only as an optional extra on high-grade models but the patterned black cloth upholstery that’s offered standard is attractive and seems durable.
The cabin’s grown to offer more head, shoulder and rear knee room while the load capacity has increased.
Towing capacity has been increased across the range (except the entry level petrol model), with the 2.8 GD-6 4x4 models able to lug up to 3.5 tons. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) helps keep it all pointed in the right direction.
As before the Hilux line up covers a vast range of workhorse, mid-range and and luxury models in single, double and Xtra cab body configurations. All versions come standard with ABS brakes, a driver airbag and electric windows, and the gizmos available on upper-spec models include active traction control, climate control, up to seven airbags, cruise control, daytime running lights and a reverse camera among others. The range-topping 4-litre petrol version also offers satellite navigation.
VIEW FULL SPECIFICATIONS:
NEW DIESEL ENGINES
The petrol engines remain as before with a choice of 2.0 (100kW/182Nm), 2.7 (122kW/245Nm) and 4-litre (175kW/376Nm) units but there’s a new duo of modern GD (Global Diesel) engines with greatly improved outputs and 9% better economy, both utilising Variable Nozzle Turbocharger (VNT) technology and intercoolers.
The entry level 2.4 turbodiesel offers 110kW and either 343Nm or 400Nm depending on model, with a claimed town/freeway consumption average of between 7.1 and 7.3 litres per 100km. It’s a big power hike over the 75kW/260Nm output of the old-generation 2.5 diesel.
The 2.8-litre GD has a gutsy 130kW and 420Nm on tap (450Nm for the auto), which comfortably outguns the old 3.0 D-4D’s 120kW and 343Nm despite the drop in cubic capacity, and according to the factory it sips between 7.6 and 8.5 litres per 100.
Workhorse models are equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission with higher grade models receiving an option of either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. A first for Hilux is a Drive Mode switch offering Eco and Power modes that adapt the throttle response.
Price increases across the 23-model range have been kept relatively low, and in some cases have reduced.
BEHIND THE WHEEL
This is the most refined Hilux to date. The 2.8 GD-6 4x4 Raider I drove at the Johannesburg-based media launch on Tuesday feels like an SUV in its interior execution and low noise and vibration levels. Ride quality’s greatly improved with less bounciness than the old Hilux particularly on corrugations, although with an empty load bay there is still some choppines which betrays the presence of rear leaf springs.
An innovative feature is Pitch and Bounce Control which adjusts engine torque in response to road surface conditions. To prevent excessive fore and aft movement of occupants, engine torque is increased when the nose of the vehicle dips and conversely decreased when the nose lifts - helping to smooth out the ride.
Though it still lags behind the Ford Ranger 3.2 in power and torque outputs, the new 2.8 GD diesel engine’s gutsy and smooth, with loads of low down muscle. The new six-speed manual gearbox has an iMT (intelligent manual transmission) switch that blips the throttle on up- and downshifts to reduce shift-shock but uses slightly more fuel (which is why you can switch it off). It shifts smoothly except for a bit of tightness on the initial pull, but this may have been due to the low mileage of the brand new vehicle.
The auto gearbox, also a six-speed, is a slick unit that shifts without any annoying hunting or pausing.
UPMARKET VIBE INSIDE
The cabin of the ten-year old outgoing Hilux was looking very dated but there’s a much more modern and upmarket vibe to the new interior, whilst retaining a solid and chunky look. That 7” touchscreen has large, easy to read graphics and seems generally user friendly. Adjusting volume with a touchscreen can be tricky when bouncing along on rough roads, but there are supplemental audio system buttons on the steering wheel.
There are cupholders and storage nooks aplenty, and the higher grade models have a cooled glovebox. The steering column is now both height- and reach-adjustable, so anyone from a ballerina to a bouncer can now find a decent driving position.
A brief drive around a 4x4 course confirmed that the Hilux will tackle adventures with good suspension travel and great climbing ability. Shifting from 2WD to 4WD and low range is done with a new easy-to-use rotary switch that replaces the previous second gear lever - and this can be done at up to 50km/h. Also handy is a Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) which prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards during an uphill start.
VERDICT
In summary, you could say the Hilux has swopped its khaki clothing for a leisure suit but still wears hiking boots.
In terms of sophistication and technology SA’s best-selling vehicle has caught up with rather than overtaken the opposition, but with that solid gold reputation it didn’t need to out-gadget the competition. It’s all about that QDR.
The legend continues.
TOYOTA HILUX PRICES
SINGLE CAB
Petrol
2.0 VVTi - R228 900
2.0 VVTi A/C - R236 400
2.7 VVTi RB* SRX - R309 900
Diesel
2.4 GD - R259 900
2.4 GD A/C - R267 400
2.4 GD-6 RB SRX - R319 900
2.4 GD-6 4x4 SRX - R379 900
2.8 GD-6 RB Raider - R377 900
2.4 GD-6 4x4 SR - R382 900
2.8 GD-6 4x4 Raider - R435 900
XTRA CAB
Diesel
2.4 GD-6 RB SRX - R333 900
2.8 GD-6 RB Raider - R410 900
2.8 GD-6 4x4 Raider - R470 900
*RB = Raised body
DOUBLE CAB
Petrol
2.7 VVTi RB SRX - R377 900
4.0 V6 RB Raider auto - R503 900
4.0 V6 4x4 Raider auto - R593 900
Diesel
2.4 GD-6 RB SRX - R414 900
2.4 GD-6 4x4 SRX - R439 900
2.4 GD-6 4x4 SR - R441 900
2.8 GD-6 RB Raider - R468 900
2.8 GD-6 RB Raider auto - R485 900
2.8 GD-6 4x4 Raider - R529 900
2.8 GD-6 4x4 Raider Auto - R547 900
Prices include a 3 year/100 000km warranty and 5 year/90 000km service plan, with service intervals set at 10 000 kilometres.
HILUX vs RIVALS
Single cab (lower end)
Ford Ranger 2.2 HR XL (118kW/385Nm) - R284 900
Isuzu KB 250D-Teq Fleetside (100kW/320Nm) - R285 600
Toyota Hilux 2.4 GD AC (110kW/343Nm) - R267 400
VW Amarok 2.0 TDI (103kW/340Nm) - R284 700
Double cab (lower end)
Ford Ranger 2.2 XL (118kW/385Nm) - R339 900
Ford Ranger 2.2 XLS (118kW/385Nm) - R428 900
Isuzu KB 250 D-Teq (100kW/320Nm) - R344 400
Isuzu KB 250 D-Teq LE (100kW/320Nm) - R435 200
Mitsubishi Triton 2.5 DI-D (100kW/314Nm) - R374 900
Toyota Hilux 2.4 GD-6 SRX (110kW/343Nm) - R414 900
Double cab (high end)
Ford Ranger 3.2 4x4 XLT auto (147kW/470Nm) - R566 900
Isuzu KB 300D-Teq 4x4 LX auto (130kW/380Nm) - R563 500
Mazda BT-50 3.2 4x4 SLE auto (147kW/470Nm) - R475 700
Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4x4 Raider auto (130kW/450Nm) - R547 900