Updates to South Africa's best-selling vehicle

Toyota upped the stakes in the ongoing “bakkie-war” with a power increase for its 2.8 litre models, a consolidation of its model range, a higher specification level across the board and some cosmetic changes.

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Headline news is certainly the power upgrade to the 2.8 litre GD-6 engine which now boasts a larger turbo charger and a new common-rail injection system. This pushes the rated power from 130 kW to 150 kW and from 420 Nm to 500 Nm for the auto version.

Toyota has also used the model refresh to merge the SRX and Raider versions, and in doing so deleting the SRX nameplate. The S and SR will continue with the 2.0- and the 2.7-petrol engines as well as the diesel 2.4 GD-6 engine with minor changes. Then follows the Raider with the 2.4 and 2.8 litre diesel mills, with the Legend flagship available just with the 2.8 litre diesel engine and the 4 litre, V6 petrol powerhouse.

With the merging of the SRX and Raider’s nameplates, the specs on the “new” Raider increase with the most visible change new slim-line headlamps flanking an all-new front-grille and bumper design. Raider models feature a large, trapezoidal front grille with broad chrome border and horizontally separated 3D grille elements, new boomerang-shaped fog lamp bezels and an integrated bumper guard. The 2.4 GD-6 models get four-bulb Halogen headlamps, while the 2.8 GD-6 Raider now boasts Bi-LED headlamps and LED turn-signals.

On the flagship Legend, the visual appearance is quite strong with a trapezoidal grille (outlined in black) integrated with the front bumper, bonnet protector and skid plate, creating an imposing front façade with dark-plated headlamp inserts and a centred chrome inlay with Toyota insignia.

You can also get an optional Legend ‘RS’ accessory package with a motorised roller shutter, graphite-coloured sportsbar, rubberised bedliner, assisted tailgate with central-locking function and a dust-defence kit.

Toyota engineers improved ride comfort with new spring rates, shock absorbers and suspension bushes, delivering more agile handling and improved ride comfort, particularly when unladen. At the same time, Hilux maintains its off-road performance, load-carrying capability, stability and body control.

The Raider and Legend models boast an all-new 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, allowing users to mirror applications off their mobile phone. Google Maps and Waze are included, and occupants can access their music libraries and streaming accounts via various online providers. Wireless telephony is supported via Bluetooth with a USB input for additional media options.

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The S-grade now features an emergency brake signal, and the SR-grade receives a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) and Variable Flow Control power steering.

Raider models maintain their generous specification level and in the case of 2.4 GD-6 variants (previously SRX), now also boast side and curtain airbags. LED fog lamps, an enlarged Multi-Information Display (MID) and Park Distance Control (PDC) are fitted across the board, with Bi-LED main beam headlamps and chrome front treatment also part of the 2.8 GD-6 Raider.

The Legend’s specification includes, among other things, leather interior trim, electrically adjustable front seats, a 9-speaker audio system with dash-mounted speakers, keyless entry and push-button start for the 4x4 versions.

For the first time on Hilux, the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS, a Pre-collision system, Lane Departure Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control) forms part of the standard inventory on Legend 4x4 models.

Prices for the single cabs (October 2020):

S:

2.7 VVTI RB 5MT (R386 700), 2.0 VVTi 5MT (R291 100), 2.0 VVTi A/C 5MT (R299 800), 2.4 GD 5MT (R328 400) and the 2.4 GD A/C 5MT (R337 200).

SR:

2.4 GD-6 RB 6MT (R414 500) and the 2.4 GD-6 4x4 6MT (R482 000).

RAIDER:

2.4 GD-6 RB 6MT (R447 800), 2.4 GD-6 RB 6AT (R466 100), 2.4 GD-6 4x4 6MT (R520 700), 2.4 GD-6 4x4 6AT (R540 900), 2.8 GD-6 RB 6AT (R532 300) and the 2.8 GD-6 4x4 6AT (R602 400).

Prices for the Xtra Cabs:

RAIDER:

2.4 GD-6 RB 6MT (R460 000) and the 2.4 GD 6 RB 6AT (R478 200).

LEGEND:

2.8 GD-6 RB 6MT (R550 000), 2.8 GD-6 RB 6AT (R574 900), 2.8 GD-6 4x4 6MT (R622 000, 2.8 GD-6 4x4 6AT (R647 300).

Prices for the Double Cabs:

S:

2.7 VVTi RB 5MT (R440 400)

SR:

2.4 GD-6 RB 6MT (R476 900) and the 2.4 GD-6 4x4 6MT (R549 200).

RAIDER:

2.4 GD-6 RB 6MT (R505 200), 2.4 GD-6 RB 6AT (R521 200), 2.4 GD-6 4x4 6MT (R583 700), 2.4 GD-6 4x4 6AT (R609 500), 2.8 GD-6 RB 6AT (R631 900) and the 2.8 GD-6 4x4 6AT (R706 400).

LEGEND:

2.8 GD-6 RB 6MT (TBC), 2.8 GD-6 RB 6AT (R696 200), 2.8 GD-6 4x4 6MT (R733 500), 2.8 GD-6 4x4 6AT (R765 600) and the 4.0 V6 4x4 6AT (R765 200).

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