From ectomorph to mesomorph – The new Toyota Hilux SRX in South Africa has undergone the knife and simultaneously adhered to a strict bulk-up regime to bring a road presence like never before – taller and broader; breaking its narrow-body mould.
Toyota has lent a listening ear and driven itself forward in terms of customer focus to bring the aesthetically upgraded SRX which will compete in the lower price bracket where Ford’s Ranger has been making serious inroads.
Hilux SRX has arrived in South Africa with 2.4 GD-6 engine
To attain its newly found physique; Toyota has paired bold, integrated over fenders with a broader front bumper design. The re-profiled exterior gives the upgraded SRX 55mm extra width. To showcase this wide body construction, the exterior mirrors receive turn signal lamps.
Xtra-cab models already boast the ‘wide-body’ construction, and as such all three body shapes now share the same exterior width dimension.
The upgraded Hilux SRX doesn’t skip leg day either – with wider track 17” alloy wheels wearing 265/65/R17 all-terrain rubber, it’s safe to say that the SRX weighs up and brings in some impressive stats to offer parity with the rest of the range.
We tested the Hilux SRX with the brawny 110kW 400Nm 2.4 GD-6 turbo diesel engine. Around town or long distance cruising, the differences in output between it and the 130kW 420Nm 2.8 GD-6 are insignificant. Fuel consumption of 7.3l/100km is a small improvement. Shame that Toyota doesn’t fit it to higher-spec Hilux models or include an automatic version but you can have Hilux SRX as a 4×2 or 4×4.
The Fortuner hasn’t been forgotten about either – All 2.8 GD-6 and 4.0 V6 models now come wearing 18” alloy wheels as opposed to the 17” version they previously wore. Inside, the 2.7VVTi and 2.4 GD-6 derivatives sport leather interior trim at no extra cost to the customer.
The enhancements to Hilux SRX mean exceptional value against market-leading Raider versions and one doesn’t really miss out on anything of substance. On the contrary Hilux SRX has become the derivative that covers all your logical bakkie demands.
Pricing:
Toyota Hilux SRX: R442 700
Toyota Hilux SRX 4×4: R468 800
