All new Toyota Hilux debuts

This year, Toyota will celebrate a million units sold in South Africa alone. The eighth-generation Toyota Hilux was officially unveiled in Bangkok recently and is completely redesigned from the inside out. It also 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.

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 truly understand what their customers expect from them and the challenges they face on a daily basis, the Toyota development teams travelled the globe from Caracas to Kommetjie getting direct feedback from customers and driving on a wide variety of different roads to get a feel for different usage conditions.

The development process also reflected invaluable feedback received directly from Hilux drivers. Some wished they could make long transcontinental trips without worrying about running out of fuel. Others described how hard it is to stay alert and drive safely during gruelling long-distance journeys with extended stretches of rough driving. Yet another, who uses his Hilux for forest maintenance work and frequently speaks via radio to the police and fire department, explained how a quiet cabin is essential for communication.

This led the development team to conclude the new Hilux should not only be tougher, but also reduce stress as much as possible. Above and beyond conventional ideas of toughness, the eighth-generation Hilux boasts ride comfort that makes long, tough drives less gruelling, a quiet cabin that allows communication in any conditions and an enhanced cruising range, thanks to improved fuel efficiency.

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 the Hilux was the number one-selling vehicle, as well as the number one “bakkie” in South Africa in 2014.

The new Toyota Hilux. Picture: Supplied.

The current model continues to top the bestseller list – and it’s worth noting why. The seventh generation has been refined over the years and now offers a high standard of refinement, coupled with exceptional value for money. It is still very much a competent package and will continue to remain a very relevant player in this market until the arrival of its successor.

Calvyn Hamman, senior vice-president of sales and marketing for Toyota SA, says: “It’s instantly recognisable as a Hilux, it feels like a Hilux, it drives like a Hilux – only better.

“Successfully melding innovation, sophistication and extrovert design with fanatical reliability, the all-new Hilux will be the benchmark. The legend is set to continue”.