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The Toyota Hilux’s exploits have achieved something of a cult status, establishing an enviable reputation for the Japanese bakkie on a global scale.
One arena where Toyota excels is the grueling Dakar off-road race. Torturous and wildly varying conditions make the now South American-hosted event the ultimate test of man and machine. The South African built Hilux off-road vehicles have amassed four podiums, not only showcasing Hilux on a world stage but creating a sense of pride and patriotism for the humble South-African built ‘bakkie’.
GALLERY: 2018 Toyota Hilux Dakar Edition
In celebration of this achievement, Toyota South Africa has launched a limited-edition model aptly named Hilux Dakar. Toyota SA says: "The Dakar suffix is reserved for the pinnacle of Hilux variants and therefore the model presents a unique product offering befitting the revered label."
New design, attitude
The Dakar limited edition sports an all-new face, featuring a more prominent trapezoidal grille and ‘squared-off’ design. The central focal point is the large gloss-black-honeycomb grille, which incorporates two horizontal sections.
The inner grille area is bordered by a metallic grey surround with three-dimensional appearance, which blends into the LED headlights. A matching gloss-black accent strip on the bonnet and stylised Dakar insignia attached to the grille, complete the design.
The lower bumper also features a large honeycomb mesh pattern, extending to the sides of the vehicle, creating a sense of width. The new bumper design additionally includes intersecting horizontal and vertical fog lamp garnishes decked out in matching gloss black. The foglights themselves utilise LED elements for superb illumination. A metallic grey ‘skid plate’ provides the finishing touch to the bold new front facia.
Rugged exterior, refined Interior
In addition, the exterior sports a number of distinctive touches such as gloss-black treatment for the door handles and power-retractable side mirrors. The rear bumper is fashioned in grey, to tie in with the front design.
Image: Quickpic
The Hilux Dakar limited edition boasts an enveloping interior to offset the rugged exterior treatment. The interior features all-black treatment, with a black roof headliner (versus light grey on normal Raider), metallic black trim accent panels (silver on Raider) and black leather upholstery with light grey contrast stitching (fabric on Raider) - creating a sporty, premium space for occupants.
The infotainment system is upgraded to include satnav, whilst the standard Bluetooth, USB and CD/DVD playback functionality is retained. The touch-screen system also includes an on-board trip computer and customisable home screen.
Inside
Dakar models receive a unique instrument cluster, using white-faced gauges with orange needle pointers and bespoke graphics, emulating a toothed gear (cog) - to distinguish the Dakar from its normal brethren.
Image: Quickpic
The LCD multi-information display also features a bespoke start-up graphic showing off the Dakar model’s exterior façade.
Power
All Dakar models are based on Raider models and therefore employ either a 2.8 GD-6 powertrain or 4.0-litre V6 (double-cab only). The 2.8-litre, four cylinder turbo-diesel engine produces 130kW/420Nm in manual guise. Automatic transmission-equipped variants receive a boost to 450Nm. The V6 variant delivers a throaty 175kW and 376Nm.
Both Eco – and Power modes are provided, which alter the powertrain’s character to either enhance fuel efficiency or boost acceleration.
Both rear-wheel and switch-on-the-fly four-wheel drive transaxles are offered, each available in either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed auto configuration – creating four 2.8 GD-6 variants.
The manual gearbox includes a selectable iMT function (intelligent Manual Transmission), which provides rev-matching downshift and hesitation-free upshift functionality. The iMT feature also helps prevent accidental stalling of the engine.
Fuel consumption varies between 7.6 and 8.5 litres per 100km dependent on drivetrain configuration while CO2 figures range from 199 to 224 g/km.
Colours
The Dakar limited edition is restricted to four exterior colours – including an all-new Inferno Orange Metallic. Buyers have a choice between white, silver, grey and metallic exterior hues.
White, Silver and Orange models utilise black Dakar decals on the front doors and rear tailgate, whilst grey units receive contrasting silver decals.
The Range
Buyers can choose between either Xtra - or Double Cab configurations.
Xtra Cab Price
Hilux XC 2.8GD6 Raised Body Dakar MT R 470 300
Hilux XC 2.8GD6 Raised Body Dakar AT R 488 300
Hilux XC 2.8GD6 4X4 Dakar MT R 535 600
Hilux XC 2.8GD6 4X4 Dakar AT R 553 800
Double Cab
Hilux DC 2.8GD6 Raised Body Dakar MT R 535 000
Hilux DC 2.8GD6 Raised Body Dakar AT R 553 400
Hilux DC 2.8GD6 4X4 Dakar MT R 601 100
Hilux DC 2.8GD6 4X4 Dakar AT R 621 000
Hilux DC 4.0 V6 4X4 Dakar AT R 662 700
Service and warranty
As a commitment to excellent customer service, Toyota has increased the service plan period on 2.8 GD-6 models from 5-year or 90 000km to 9 services or 90 000km, whilst the 4.0 V6 model receives an increase to a 6 services or 90 000km period (previously 5 years).
The Warranty period is 3-year or 100 000km and applies across the Hilux range.
