Tougher, stronger, smarter

Toyota has launched its all-new Hilux, which sports a tougher, macho façade and a host of new features. It also features some brilliant new engines! Intrigued? FOCUS will bring you a full launch report in the April issue, but here are some titbits from the launch to whet your appetite.

The Hilux brand is respected for its durability, strength and quality, remaining one of South Africa’s favourite commercial and family vehicles. Consistently at the forefront of light commercial vehicle sales, the new Hilux boasts a new exterior, which has now been designed to reinforce its rugged and powerful look with features such as the prominent grille with strong horizontal bars that extend towards the wrap-around headlights.

Toyota has undertaken to design a bakkie that is styled for not only its practicality, but also its comfort.

An innovative design that is sure to get the thumbs up is the cool box, fitted in the compartment between driver and passenger, which uses the aircon system to cool beverages stored therein.

Something else that will definitely impress drivers is the improved GD line of engines that are offered in 2,4- and 2,8-litre guise. Both put out an impressive amount of torque (between 343 and 450 Nm) for improved low-speed tractability, and return class-leading fuel consumption as low as 7,3 l/100 km.

Pricing begins at R228 900.