Hilux tightens its market grip

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has introduced the new upgraded Toyota Hilux range in Southern Africa.

The Toyota Hilux is the best selling vehicle in South Africa and southern Africa, and is one of the most popular vehicles in the world. The current platform was introduced in 2005 and more than

5,5 million units of this tough workhorse have been sold across the world. The latest iteration is sure to tighten the Hilux’s grip on its sector of the market.

The new range, manufactured in South Africa at Toyota’s world-class manufacturing plant in Prospecton, Durban, is available at Toyota dealers countrywide and will be exported to 57 countries in Africa and Europe. The Hilux is manufactured in eight countries and sold in more than 139 countries.

The introduction coincides with the launch of a wider range of Hilux Xtra Cab vehicles, as well as the local production of the Xtra Cab range. The Hilux still offers one of the widest ranges of bakkies on the market, designed to offer the ideal vehicle to suit both leisure and commercial requirements.

The newly expanded range, which now includes 21 vehicle derivatives, consists of nine single cab models, three Xtra Cab models (increased from two models previously), and nine double cab versions. The range offers a choice of five engine options, two drive train and two gearbox options.

The single cab range can be purchased as workhorse or leisure focused vehicle and will offer the choice of 2.0 VVT-i and 2.7 VVT-i petrol or 2.5 D-4D and 3.0 D-4D turbodiesel engines.

The Xtra Cab models offer the option of a 4×2 2.5 D-4D SRX version to add to the choice of 3.0 D-4D versions in 4×2 and 4×4 configuration.

The highly popular double cab range offers a variety of engine, gearbox and drive train options, including the 2.5 D-4D and 3.0 D-4D turbodiesel engines, as well as the tried and trusted 2.7 VVT-i and powerful 4.0 V6 petrol engines.

The range offers myriad new styling cues that were developed to enhance the vehicle’s modern design, emphasise its tough underpinnings and keep the vehicle truly appealing, and the interior features a range of design and comfort orientated upgrades including a redesigned instrument cluster.

Three petrol engines, four-cylinder units in 2,0-litre and 2,7-litre capacities, and a 4,0-litre V6 are on offer. All are equipped with VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing – intelligent) and electronic fuel injection. The VVT-i system optimises the engine intake valve timing according to driving conditions to ensure the best balance between performance and fuel economy with smooth engine performance throughout the rev range.

Two D-4D common-rail direct-injection diesel engines with 2,5-litre and 3,0-litre capacities, deliver top-level fuel efficiency together with smooth and responsive acceleration from low engine speeds right through the medium and high speed ranges.

All Hilux models are sold with a five-year/100 000 km warranty and four-year/60 000 km service plan.