Cape Town - Toyota has launched its new 2016 Hilux bakkie at the revamped Kyalami race track in Johannesburg. The eighth-generation Hilux arrives locally more than 10 years after the launch of its predecessor (2005).
Toyota says it has improved on the outgoing bakkie's shortcomings (read: ride quality) and built on its strengths (rugged, reliability). The 2016 Hilux is completely new says Toyota; new platform, engines, tech and design.
IMAGE GALLERY: Next-gen Toyota Hilux
Prices start from R228 900 for the entry-level, single-cab petrol to R547 900 for the top-of-the-range, double-cab diesel.
From prices to engine details, here's all you need to know about Toyota's toughest bakkie yet:
Design
The 2016 Toyota Hilux has a more assertive, angular design compared to its chunky predecessor. The new Hilux is also longer and wider than the outgoing bakkie.
Engine
The Hilux is equipped with a new generation of turbodiesel engines in the form of a 123kW/400Nm 2.4 litre and a 2.8 litre capable of 130kW/450Nm.
The range comprises of 23 derivatives, with either petrol or diesel engines, including single-cab, double-cab and xtra-cab derivatives. Its 3.0-litre diesel unit has been replaced by a 2.8-litre diesel and the bakkie sports a new six-speed auto for the 4.0-litre V6 4x4 and 2.8 diesel 4x4 models.
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Check out the new, muscular design of the Hilux:
Rivals
Toyota's toughest bakkie will take on the Mitsubishi Triton, Fiat Fullback and the all-new Nissan Navara when they arrive later in 2016. Even Mercedes-Benz is launching a bakkie to rival Toyota's flagship in 2017.
Watch the new Hilux unveiled at Kyalami.
Toyota says the Hilux is the first bakkie to have "intelligent manual transmission" (or i-MT) which supports smooth-shifting with rev-matching technology.
What's new?
The bakkie has an all-new rigid frame with enlarged side sections and cross-members that are larger and thicker and a mix of off-road performance and comfort.
Hiroki Nakajima, executive chief engineer behind the Hilux, said: "Our entire development concept was centered on 'redefining toughness'. We aimed to make the new Hilux 'tougher' based on a much broader interpretation of that word.
"The message we want to deliver to our customers is embodied in our slogan for the vehicle: 'A New Era for Pick-up. Every Inch a Hilux.”
Calvyn Hamman, senior vice-president of sales and marketing for Toyota SA, said: "It's instantly recognisable as a Hilux, it feels like a Hilux, it drives like a Hilux- only better.
The Range
More from Toyota
The new Fortuner is will arrive in South Africa end of March 2016.
VIDEO: 2016 Toyota Hilux teaser-clip
Prices for all 23 derivatives:
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