adminJeremy Clarkson and his two comrades took the truck through a series of gruelling challenges until they finally strapped it to the roof of a building destined for demolition.
After pulling it off the pile of rubble that used to be an apartment building, the Hilux was eventually started up, and later driven into the Top Gear studio.
Needless to say, this is one tough truck we are talking about here. Toyota knows its latest Hilux is tough, too, and the automaker has over the years invested in the development for better models each time they upgrade.
There is no truck that has sold more units than the Toyota Hilux in Southern Africa.
This pick-up has been put through its paces over hills and dales, from the desert to the top of snow-capped mountains . . . and everything in between but it still comes out tops.
When I visited Toyota Zimbabwe recently to test-drive this truck, the sales and admin manager, Gift Dzingiso, said their aim is to ensure that the Hilux remains the truck of choice for any occasion.
Statistics have shown that in Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and even here in Zimbabwe, the Hilux is the most preferred truck.
The new Toyota Hilux has received some facelift that includes a refreshing appearance boasting of a new front end and interior, added extra specifications and — significantly — shuffled the model line-up with important inclusions.
In the interior of the new model there are a few changes. First up you will notice the new, sporty four-spoke steering wheel (unfortunately still only adjustable for rake) and new seat and door trim material in selected models.
The upper dashboard is a new design with a horizontal layout for the instrument cluster, which is intended to enhance the feeling of width for front row occupants.
The darker, more practical grey and black interior trim isn’t as offensive, while the cloth trim and stitching in the SRX variants has also been improved.
In addition to the Optitron instrumentation, USB jack and iPod connectivity, the Raider models now feature Bluetooth, a touch screen information display and CD sound system with six speakers and steering mounted controls. While the new information unit can accommodate satellite navigation
Exterior styling improvements for the new Toyota Hilux can be easily summarised — everything forward of the A-pillar is new.
That means a new bonnet (with a re-positioned cool-air intake for turbo-diesels), with extra creases, new radiator grille, new headlights and new front bumper.
One can also distinguish the new Hilux from the previous model from the rear.
The new model has new tail light design as well as a high mounted brake light at the top of the tailgate.
The tailgate is now also lockable as standard across the range. While this does not sound like a lot, but in the metal, the new Toyota Hilux is distinctly different.
It impressed me with its all-round prowess. The Hilux runs a leaf-sprung rear end (favoured by many truck manufacturers) and a coil-spring double-wishbone front (new calibration is included in the new model upgrades) and cornering balance and grip levels are impressive.
I enjoyed the extra rubber on the 17-inch alloy wheels. Being a Lannie chic with so much power on my right leg in this vehicle I felt so at home and didn’t even feel the bumps of our bad roads.
Its main competition, the Amarok from VW, the new Ford Ranger, the new Mazda BT50 will have to step up if they want to squash Toyota sales.
The new Hilux also boasts upgraded towing ratings on several models, ranging between 1 510kg on the 2,5 D-4D 4×4 SRX and 2 000kg on the 3,0 D-4D raised body Raider.
Thankfully low range, is still activated manually via the transverse lever not electronically for better mechanical peace of mind off the beaten track, while market feedback has also seen the introduction of a practical rear sliding window as standard on the Raider model and optional on the SRX.
The 3,0 D-4D and 4,0 V6 powertrains remain unchanged and in double cab derivatives boast the following driver aids: Brake Assist (BA); EBD; Vehicle stability control (VSC) and Automatic headlamps. Fuel consumption on the highway averages between 7,3 litres per 100km to about 9,2litres per 100km depending on the engine spec. All these show off its proven reliability and street credit.
The original powertrains, suspension and chassis ensure the Hilux still sets the benchmark on and off the road.
There you have it folks, for your farm, your mining project or just to add onto your fleet.
The model I drove comes had a 3.0 diesel engine and one can choose between a 4×2 and 4×4. The 4×2 is US$49 361.
However, the Hilux range also comes with a 2.5 litre diesel engine and a 4.0 litre petrol V6 for single and double cab and they are priced from US$27 528 to US$63 764 depending on the specifics.
Have a safe weekend, ciao.
l Fact D. Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows, rallies and has written for various publications in the region for the last decade. She can be contacted via email on [email protected] & facebook:- torque with fact jeke
Online Reporter