Toyota has unveiled the ninth generation of its iconic Hilux bakkie in Thailand, and this time, a full electric version joins the line-up.
Details on when it will reach South African shores and what the local model range will include have not yet been confirmed, although speculation suggests it could arrive sometime next year.
Indications are that the 150kW, 500Nm 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel will continue, alongside the smaller 2.4-litre turbo-diesel (110kW and 400Nm) and the all-rounder 2.7-litre petrol engine (122kW and 245Nm).
The full electric version, which will complement rather than replace the hybrid, features dual electric motors (one on each axle) producing a combined output of 144 kW. It draws power from a 59kWh battery, offering a claimed range of around 315 km.
Milestones in the Toyota Hilux’s South African history:
There is no doubt that Toyota South Africa Motors’ Prospecton facility in KwaZulu-Natal will continue to play a key role in the Hilux’s evolution.
The latest version reportedly shares its platform with the current range but gains significant technical and cosmetic updates. A new honeycomb grille and slimmer headlights echo the Corolla Cross’s styling, while a more sculpted rear end enhances its modern look.
Inside, the cabin takes inspiration from the new Land Cruiser Prado, offering a fresh, contemporary design focused on driver and passenger comfort.
With a solid foundation in the parts division of a dealership, and having worked his way up through the ranks across several departments, Hyde Park Toyota's new Dealer Principal says he is ready for the challenge ahead.
Mitsubishi Motors has revived the Pajero name with the launch of the fifth generation Pajero Cross Country. The new model does not simply replace the previous Pajero that disappeared from the market in 2021. Its relationship with the Pajero Sport is equally important, particularly for markets such as South Africa.
Range Rover, long regarded as the original luxury SUV, has introduced its first electric model. The vehicle is built at the Solihull plant in the UK, where Range Rover production has taken place since 1970.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Mitsubishi Motors has revived the Pajero name with the launch of the fifth generation Pajero Cross Country. The new model does not simply replace the previous Pajero that disappeared from the market in 2021. Its relationship with the Pajero Sport is equally important, particularly for markets such as South Africa.
Audi South Africa has introduced the new Q5 range, comprising the third-generation Q5 SUV, second-generation Q5 Sportback, and the performance-focused SQ5 SUV and SQ5 Sportback. The range is built on Audi's Premium Platform Combustion and brings a new generation of petrol and diesel engines to the nameplate.
Geely Auto South Africa (GASA) has introduced Riddara, Geely Auto Group's new energy bakkie brand, to the South African market.
