Everything keeps going right, Toyota!
Introduction: From the early 70s to the early 2000’s Toyota’s catch slogan was “Everything keeps going right, Toyota.” The one liner and catchy tune on the TV advert spanned for 60% of my life and to this day, whenever I see a Toyota single or double cab, I am transported back to childhood memories of the amazing 80’s and of course the legendary Toyota 2.4 diesel bakkie. South Africa’s name for a pick-up truck, is a bakkie, which is a diminutive of Afrikaans, that has for years become the only way to describe such a vehicle. Interestingly the term for a bakkie/ bowl or container comes from Japan where they are known as a Pikkuapputorakku. In America, a bakkie is a truck, India a Pickup and down under, a Ute (utility vehicle). It is without a doubt the following hallmarks that have kept the Hilux as the leader of all bakkie sales to date, namely, Reliability, durability, capability, parts availability, gearbox, engine, dealer network, resale value, torque and its tried and tested throughout Africa. These are a few very valid reasons as to why Toyota bakkies have had the major success all over the world. They are sold in over 140 countries and with nearly half of Toyota’s sales in November coming from Hilux’s there seems to be little stopping their grip on their current market share. With all the strong rivalry and stiff competition in today’s modern era of globalization and shared resources, I look forward to seeing how the incredible Team of the mighty Toyota Hilux, bring Toyota bakkies and equivalents into 2025, while continuing to keep the ever so loyal Toyota brand ambassadors happy for decades to come.
Engine/ Economy/ Drive/ Comfort: For the first time, Toyota introduces a 48 Volt Lithium battery which weighs only 7.6 kilograms and is located underneath the rear seats. This battery, which is charged up by decelerating through braking, further enhances the braking capability and improves acceleration, enhances performance and provides a greater fuel efficiency than the standard variant. A fully charged battery will send up to 12kW of power and 65Nm of torque through the motor generator to the engine, and when adding the phenomenal Euro 6d-compliant, 2.8-litre diesel engine which generates 150kW and 500Nm, the combined result is a powerful 162 kW and 565 Nm of torque. Toyota claim an 8.1 Liter per 100 kilometres combined fuel economy, but I approached the 9.9 Liter mark after giving the bakkie a proper run for its money around gorgeous Durban, my city of choice and every holiday makers dream destination. The 6-speed automatic transmission worked seamlessly through the gears, and I found the overall driving experience to be fantastic. The Raider was comfortable with good support from the leather upholstery and enough legroom in the front and rear. My daughters said that they felt it to be more comfortable than they previously remembered whilst in another brands bakkie. Thanks to the Raiders incredible braking power, I was able to miss hitting a pedestrian whilst driving at 100 km/ hr on the M13, who suddenly decided that it was an excellent idea to cross the road on a corner. Needless to say, I was suitably impressed that we managed to brake, swerve, and miss the ignorant culprit and we all survived yet another day in beautiful KZN!
Features: Standard Features include; Toyota connect, Brake assist, Stability control, EBD, Curtain airbags, ABS, Traction control, Passenger airbag, Driver airbag, Airbag quantity 7, Front side airbags, Driver knee airbag, Bluetooth, multi-function steering wheel, auto lights, climate control air conditioning, xenon lights, keyless entry, start/ stop switch, speedo cruise, on board trip computer, daytime driving running lights, high level rear brake light, Steering column adjustment (rake / tilt / height / up / down), electric folding mirrors, PDC front and rear and a Rear parking camera.
Interior/ Exterior/ Boot: The interior is typical Hilux with all that you need with a durable and solid dashboard, which is set out ergonomically and is functional. The Blue tooth connectivity is one of the fastest to connect to my Spotify, so that I could play and crank up those popular local and lekker treffers through the 6-speaker system. The Raider boasts black side mirrors and door handles, black bull bars and comes with a large, trapezoidal front grille, new honeycomb fog lamp bezels and an integrated bumper guard, giving it a somewhat feisty appeal, whilst still keeping that prowling Hilux look and presence. With a hugely impressive ground clearance of 286 mms, (one of the best in the wonderful world of the 4x4), a 790-kilogram payload and with a safe wading depth of 700 mms, you are all set to find and book that adventure that you have longed to take.
Price/ Warranty/ Service Plan/ Service intervals: R876600, All Hilux models are covered by the three-year/100 000 km warranty and a 9-services/90 000 km service plan. Service intervals are set at 10 000 km, and customers can purchase a variety of service plan and warranty extensions from their nearest Toyota dealer (220 countrywide).
In Summary: If you are looking to buy a vehicle that personifies everything tough, rugged and dependable, then you must have a proper look at South Africa’s favourite brand of bakkie, the Toyota Hilux. My neighbour of 13 years, and previous MD of Toyota Manufacturing SA, sums it up beautifully. My 4x4, from another brand, would not start one morning, so I ordered a flatbed. Harry Coetzee had for years questioned my ridiculous and clearly uneducated decision to not own a Toyota, despite having owned two, previously. The thought of Harry seeing this on his security cameras made me a tad anxious whist I waited with anticipation to hear his electric gate open to come and investigate the problem. The inevitable happened and Harry happened upon me, and my 4x4 being winched onto the flatbed. Harry, very calmly said with admirable authority and a quiet confidence, “Anthony, it’s not a Toyota!” and casually sauntered back to his property! After that, I promised Harry that I would own a Toyota 4x4 again, one day!
*This article is written in my opinion only. For detailed information on the specs, please contact Toyota SA*
