The 2.8-litre GD-6 diesel engine, which is the main powertrain in the current generation Toyota Hilux and which was recently updated, will now replace the 3-litre engine. The new engine adds 20 kW of power and 50 Nm for a total of 150 kW and 500 Nm.

Toyota says the increased power is available over a wider spread of the engine range. It has also replaced the six-speed autobox with a new unit.

In its new guise, the latest generation 2.8 GD-6 engine has received a raft of upgrades. This includes a new ball-bearing turbocharger with a larger turbine and impeller with improved engine rigidity and cooling. Better fuel economy is achieved through optimised pistons and piston rings, changes to the cylinder block and head, higher fuel-injection flow rate and the adoption of high-performance materials for the exhaust manifold.

Toyota says despite the substantially stronger power outputs, fuel consumption improves to 7.9 litres/100 km and CO₂ emissions are down to 209 g/km. Fuel capacity is 150 litres with an 87-litre main tank and 63-litre sub tank. Maximum braked towing capacity has increased to 3 000 kg on 2.8 models that will make towing even more comfortable with the new version.

While updating the engine and gearbox, Toyota also fitted a new infotainment system across the range. The new system now incorporates a larger 9-inch touchscreen display, enhanced voice recognition and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the use of mobile-phone-services like Google Maps on the new system.

Good news for petrol heads is that the 4-litre V6 petrol version remains part of the range and also benefits from the new infotainment upgrade. The petrol engine delivers 202 kW and 381 Nm.

The new version of the Prado will go head to head with the likes of the Mitsubishi Pajero and Land Rover Discovery.

Model Line-Up & Pricing:

2.8L Diesel TX (R939 900), 4.0L Petrol VX (R1 029 000), 2.8L Diesel VX (R1 060 600), 4.0L Petrol VX-L (R1 072 600) and the 2.8L Diesel VX-L (R1 105 800).