Is the new Toyota Hilux (2016) tough enough?

What is it?

The new 2016 Toyota Hilux represents the biggest investment ever made by the carmaker and at a crucial time too considering the fierce war at the top of the country’s overall sales. South Africa’s most loved bakkie receives a comprehensive makeover in all areas, rejuvenating a fairly conservative design with myriad technology, comfort, safety and performance. None of these however come at the expense of the Hilux’s legendary toughness – which has always been a consistent theme through every model – and when backed by the largest dealer network and excellent resale, new Toyota Hilux carefully respects the winning recipe.

Latest Toyota Hilux driven in SA

What’s it like?

The enormity of the challenge set out for new Toyota Hilux can’t be underestimated.  New crash safety regulations, refinement levels and efficiency through drag reduction have resulted in transforming the Hilux’s exterior into a sleek, fluid design. Against Ranger’s square jaw and towering proportions, 2016 Toyota Hilux can appear cosmopolitan and that long slim snout when viewed from the side doesn’t assert the visual muscle of its peers.  The design creates the impression of compact proportions even though it is 20mm wider and 75mm longer with 55mm added to the cargo width.

Toyota is rightly proud of the Hilux’s larger and better equipped cabin led by a 7-inch touchscreen which jettisons much of the blocky switchgear that defined the Hilux of old. Material finish is excellent, perhaps eclipsing that of the Ford Ranger, and the interplay between solid simplicity and modern softness is Toyota at their best.

While not quite enough to gorge oneself on a tech fest, new Toyota Hilux comes with USB ports, a clear and customisable TFT screen, reverse camera on certain models and smartphone integration while Toyota has repositioned the frequently used items (like touchscreen) closer to the driver and shortened the gearshift for a relaxed drive. What’s missing? Active cruise control, lane departure warning, trailer stabilisation and the option of navigation (fitted in other markets).

Lighter finishes which create a sense of space are backed by credible re-engineering of the cabin layout endowing the double cab with likable SUV qualities. The most comfortable seats we’ve ever tried in a bakkie feature a higher hip point for unobstructed view ahead, while those in the rear will notice a slight gain in the available knee room. Pity the wheel doesn’t adjust for reach but that’s typical of the segment and finding a good driving position was instantaneous.

If one can single out the main focus points of the Toyota Hilux, new engines and off-road assist systems would certainly constitute a large portion of it. We drove the new 130kW 420Nm 2.8 GDX turbo diesel engine with the six-speed auto and later the 6-speed manual with segment-first rev-match technology ostensibly providing smoother shifts. Later a short stint in the 175kW 376Nm 4.0-litre petrol (available exclusively as an auto) gave the Hilux the performance impetus that the diesel couldn’t quite match.

With most of our attention drawn to the car’s supple ride refinement attributed to improved leaf spring design and tauter torsional rigidity, engine characteristics faded into the background. They do everything expected of a modern but beefy powerplant with good noise suppression, low vibration and are well-sized to never put your manliness in doubt. A power button and Eco button are somewhat gimmicky.

Off-road the 2016 Toyota Hilux breezed through an admittedly well-configured obstacle course that suited the Hilux’s additional 20% suspension travel while giving ample opportunity to test out debutant systems like the hill descent control and hill assist system.

Should I buy one?

With dealers already demanding more stock, you’d join many satisfied Hilux owners around the country. Is the 2016 Toyota Hilux better than the Ford Ranger? The Ranger arguably has the more advanced cabin and traditional aesthetics but the Hilux hits back with greater dealer support, unsurpassed resale and aggressive pricing. For us it’s too close to call but one thing is certain, Hilux is going to tighten its grip on a segment that it has ruled for decades.

Pricing:

Single cab (Petrol)

Hilux SC 2.0 VVTi – R228 900
Hilux SC 2.0 VVTi With A/C – R236 400
Hilux SC 2.7 VVTi Raised Body SRX – R309 900

Single cab (Diesel)

Hilux SC 2.4 GD – R259 900
Hilux SC 2.4 GD With A/C – R267 400
Hilux SC 2.4 GD-6 Raised Body SRX – R319 900
Hilux SC 2.4 GD-6 4×4 SRX – R379 900
Hilux SC 2.8 GD-6 Raised Body Raider – R377 900
Hilux SC 2.4 GD-6 4×4 SR – R382 900
Hilux SC 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Raider – R435 900

Double-cab (Petrol)

Hilux DC 2.7 VVTi Raised Body SRX – R377 900
Hilux DC 4.0 V6 Raised Body Raider Auto – R503 900
Hilux DC 4.0 V6 4×4 Raider Auto – R593 900

Double-cab (Diesel)

Hilux DC 2.4 GD-6 4×4 SRX – R414 900
Hilux DC 2.4 GD-6 4×4 SR    R441 900
Hilux DC 2.8 GD-6 Raised Body Raider – R468 900
Hilux DC 2.8 GD-6 Raised Body Raider Auto – R485 900
Hilux DC 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Raider – R529 900
Hilux DC 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Raider Auto – R547 900

Xtra-cab (Diesel)

Hilux XC 2.4 GD-6 Raised Body SRX – R333 900
Hilux XC 2.8 GD-6 Raised Body Raider – R410 900
Hilux XC 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Raider – R470 900