The toughest has just become the gentlest
The eighth-generation Toyota Hilux was officially unveiled and, many would say it was worth the wait.
One of the world’s best-known and best-loved nameplates, Hilux first hit dealerships in 1968, selling over 16 million in more than 180 countries. This year we will celebrate a million units sold in South Africa alone.
Completely redesigned fro
m the inside out the all-new Hilux ushers in a radically luxurious interior wrapped in a sophisticated, chiselled new body, offering exceptional on-road performance and new technologies while remaining true to its core values of uncompromising off-road ability and, of course, legendary toughness.
But what does “tough” really mean? “We realised that toughness doesn’t just come from the vehicle; it comes from the people inside. Whether you’re battling your way up a muddy track or negotiating the rigours of the urban jungle, reducing the stress of driving is just as important as withstanding the elements. That’s why the new Hilux, while improving on the model’s characteristic ruggedness and performance, redefines toughness by being more occupant-focused and easier to drive than ever before.”
To gain inspiration for the eighth-generation Hilux, the development team drove in conditions ranging from rough, muddy forests to deserts with temperatures exceeding 50°C and flooded roads in the rainy season. Sometimes they came up against even harsher conditions than expected, which brought home the need to develop an even tougher Hilux.
While all new, the eighth-generation Hilux will build on the current model’s success story in terms of resale value and sheer desirability. Don’t forget that the Hilux was the number one selling vehicle as well as the number one “bakkie” in South Africa in 2014. Into 2015, the current model continues to chart at the top of the best-seller list and it’s worth noting why.
The message Toyota wants to deliver to customers is embodied in the slogan for the vehicle: ‘A New Era for the Pickup. Every Inch a Hilux.’”
Main features
• Newly developed frame and suspension
• Newly developed engines and transmissions
• Serviceability/maintenance
• Tough yet emotional design.
The interior is cutting-edge, offering luxurious features, including an audio system with electrostatic multi-touch control panel, electronic 4WD changeover switch and luxury seats. But for the rest says TSA: “Full local range and specs will be disclosed closer to launch time – early 2016.
