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Cape Town - Toyota's next-generation Hilux arrived in late February. The new Hilux is one of many new bakkies set to arrive in South Africa in 2016.
Wheels24 drove the new model in Johannesburg and were impressed with the eighth-generation Hilux which needed to claw back some ground after Ford's Ranger outsold the Hilux for five months out of 12 in 2015 and in February 2016.
Toyota claims more than 1000 units of its new double-cab variant were sold in February, a good start to sales in a very competitive market.
In fact, Toyota has been very aggressive with the pricing of the new Hilux, starting from R228 900 to R593 900. They've even managed to reduce the price of some derivatives it replaced... Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan take note!
More power
The Hilux's engine line-up is similar to that of its predecessor - the trio of petrol engines are carried over: the 2.0 litre (102kW/183Nm) does duty in the single-cab only and the 2.7 litre (122kW/245Nm), both benefit from incremental power upgrades. The big daddy 4.0 litre V6 (175kW and 376Nm) remains as is.
The 2.4 litre diesel is available in two specs: 110kW and 343Nm while the more powerful version takes torque peak to 400Nm.
Want to know what the new Hilux is like to drive in SA? Read our driving impressions here.
New bakkies on the way
Fiat and Mitsubishi's partnership has resulted in two new bakkies for SA - the next-generation Triton and all-new Fullback.
The Fullback is the Italian automaker's first bakkie in South Africa since its Strada offering.
Fiat and Mitsubishi's partnership has resulted in two new bakkies for SA - the next-generation Triton and all-new Fullback. The Fullback is the Italian automaker's first bakkie in South Africa since its Strada offering.
Nissan will also unveil new bakkie in the form the highly-anticipated Navara.
Other possible pick-ups for South Africa include Renault's Alaskan concept and a workhouse by Mercedes-Benz.
What's coming in 2016?
Fiat, in a deal with Mitsubishi, plans to release a new medium-size double-cab bakkie in SA in 2016.
The new, medium-size bakkie will be available in both single- or double-cab guise. Locally the Fullback will be available with two engine options; a 2.5 litre diesel with power outputs ranging from 100kW to 131kW and a 2.4 litre petrol capable of 97kW. All engines will be mated to a five-speed manual.
Mitsubishi has confirmed that its next-generation Triton bakkie will arrive in South Africa by mid-2016.
The new bakkie is in its fifth-generation and the marque says it is their most advanced bakkie yet. The Triton uses a new-generation 2.4 litre turbo diesel engine which produces 133kW/430Nm.
The engine uses cylinder block from aluminium to save 30kg overall. There are two transmission options: a six-speed manual and five-speed automatic.
Nissan has unveiled its new Navara for South Africa, set to arrive locally in 2016. Can Nissan's new flagship pick-up take on local champs Ford's Ranger and Toyota's Hilux?
The Navara will be available in two power outputs, 118kW and 140kW, and the range-topping version introduces twin turbocharging technology, a first for Nissan. The 2.3 litre can be mated to a standard six-speed manual or a seven-speed auto. A four-wheels drive variant will be available.
Future bakkies
Renault's Hilux-fighter: New Alaskan bakkie
Renault has revealed its new Alaskan bakkie Concept. Should rivals Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux be concerned?
Merc's SA-bound bakkie to be built by Nissan
Nissan and Daimler will develop the new Mercedes-Benz one-ton bakkie. The new double-cab is aimed for South Africa!
