Bucket Seat: Toyota SOMI 2024

Yesterday's State Of Motoring Industry held at the iconic Kyalami racetrack saw Toyota South Africa go through the numbers of new vehicles sales in the country as well as analyse their own market share. Being one of the countries best selling brands for the better part of the last two decades, the Japanese manufacture is a leader in motoring in the country. Their plant in Prospecton Durban which now produces the Corolla Cross, among other models has also also adapted their production line to assemble hybrid cars. This segment has enjoyed a steady growth over the years but with full electric cars slowly coming into the market, it would be interesting to see what plans Toyota SA had to introduce their very own EV models to the market and they did not disappoint. 

Toyota took this opportunity to display some of their new models that would be hitting out shores during 2024 and 2025. Lets take a closer look at the models and their anticipated local launch dates:

Land Cruiser 70 Series

A legend in the off roading world and one that comes with the age old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" but it did need an upgrade so Toyota have tinkered with the 70 Series to upgrade to the engine which is now the 2.8 GD-6, with a new 6-speed auto, a first for the model, updated cabin with infotainment system. The model will be launching in February. 

Land Cruiser Prado

Probably one of the most anticipated models worldwide hits our shores in April this year. The new Land Cruiser Prado has a modular design and square silhouette.  Based on the LC300 platform the car is big, and is powered by the same 2.8 GD-6 engine and 8-speed auto gearbox. The Prado will debut in three variants, being the First Edition and then followed by the TX and VX-R models. 

Toyota Hilux 48V

A game changer for one of South Africa's most loved bakkies see's the introduction of a mild hybrid model which launches in March this year. the 48V volt mild-hybrid electric package offers an additional 12kW and 65Nm of torque through the motor generator to the engine, it has regenerative braking, advanced stop/ start all to aid in fuel saving. There have been adjustments made to make the car more fuel efficient such as reducing the idle speed to 600rpm and improved acceleration which is assisted by the electric motor. The 48V will be available on all Hilux 2.8 Auto Raider, Legend as well as Fortuner 2.8 models. 

Toyota bZ4X

Toyota have confirmed the introduction of their first full electric model, the bZ4X, based on Toyota's eTNGA platform, a dedicated BEV platform. . It has striking styling, lots of angles, features dark contrast fenders for visual drama. The car which will be offered in FWD and Dual -Motor AWD with specs still to be confirmed. The car will have a 400km range in eco mode. 

Toyota GRS III

This model had huge traction online when launched globally with many locally asking if we would see it in SA, well brace yourself as its set to land on our shores in March this year! It's a menacing looking bakkie with the face grafted from the iconic Tundra with customised Dakar-bred styling. Wide-Tred body and bespoke GR interior make this one stand out from the crowd. Performance is boosted over the regular Hilux 2.8 GD-6 with power now at 165kW and 550Nm of toque. 

Lexus RZ

Another first see's Lexus introduce their first EV also coming in 2025, this model offered exclusively with dual motor AWD has  powerful motor that produce 150W to the wheels and kW to the rear. Lexus pioneered advanced Steer by Wire tech which gives you better control with the handling. The range varies between 375km and 450km.

Bucket Seat: Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6

There's no real surprise as to why the Toyota Fortuner is one of South Africa's most sold SUV's. It's essentially based of one of the most loved bakkies in the country, that is the Hilux but instead of a cab and bin, it has a luxury cabin with 7-seats! This year saw Toyota reveal an update to the Fortuner that has included a host of new elements both in design and technology, while it still is powered by that famous work-horse of an engine that has expanded in its model offering, the power and economy figures have been tweaked to give the driver better results. I spent some time with the new Fortuner a while back and this is how much time went with the SUV.

DESIGN

Not much has changed in-terms of the overall appearance of the Fortuner, it has some minor design enhancements such as revised headlamps and rear lights with more LED detailing that really give the car a striking appearance. A noticeable change on the front end is the new grill which has a larger profile design and a more prominent Toyota emblem in the middle. The sides of the grill have a wide border finished in chrome to accentuate the V shape and ties into the front headlamps beautifully. The lower part of the end has a significant change with larger air-intakes which house the fog lamps but below that is also day-time running LED's which could also serve as fog lamps, so one thing is for sure, this car is very visible in bad weather conditions. The number plate is mounted on the upper part of the front skid plate which is finished in brushed aluminum and adds to the rugged nature of the cars appearance. The Fortuner comes with new designed 18" alloy wheels which are great looking and tough for going off the beaten track with. Much of the overall design in the Fortuner remains unchanged from the previous model but still is a great looking car. 

PERFORMANCE

Powered by that famous 2.8L Diesel in-line 4 cylinder,  GD6 motor, you know the Fortuner has enough power to conquer just about any terrain with is. The powertrain is mated with the 6-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shift which works brilliantly at all speeds, maximizing the power output on each gear as it makes it way up the ratios. With various driving modes selectable from a touch of a button, the gearbox adapts well to when more power is required. With the motor delivering 150kW and 500Nm of torque, you won't be running short of power anytime during your journey. Off-road performance probably surprises you more than on the road performance, with the double wishbone suspension up front and the multilink four link suspension at the back, navigating through harsh terrain has never been easier, from loose gravel to sticky mud, the Fortuner performed exquisitely in all conditions.

COMFORT

While the interior remains virtually unchanged, the technology has been upped in the Fortuner with the infotainment system offering mobile car app connectivity now with the likes of Apple Car Play and Android Auto available via USB connection. The interior still remains plush and spacious with stylish crafted black seats (not sure if other colours are available), the cabin has satin finishes and high quality leather from the dash to the doors. All very soft to the touch and has an opulent feel to it, it really enhances the luxury aspect to the car. The front passenger and driver have dual-zone climate control with heated seats, the second row and foldable 3rd row seating have single zone climate control for themselves. While the second row seating is spacious, the 3rd row when folded down is slightly tight but still enough space for an adult to squeeze in there. I'm still not a fan of the fold to the side seating for the 3rd row, I found this problematic with the previous model but I see Toyota have improved on the locking mechanism of it when folded up. Previously I had the seat unlocking itself while I was driving which can be quite a fright if driving alone in the car. Other note-worthy enhancements are the electro chromatic rear view mirror with an auto-dimming function to reduce glare during the dark, keyless entry, folding mirrors and automatic tailgate. 

VERDICT

It's hard to find faults with the Fortuner and while they might be minor ones if you nitpick. they are too minor to even argue over. The pricing point of the car might seem steep at first but when compared to what you're getting in terms of car, performance, fuel economy and technology, not many come close. The sheer size of the vehicle along with that Toyota badge which means so much more than car manufacturer, it means great service, great reliability as well as great re-sale value, all of this makes it hard to look away at this model when in the market for a large family SUV that is capable of rolling in the dirt from time to time. It's not difficult to see what its built up such a cult fan base in the country and with the recipe Toyota have for it, long will it continue. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.8L Diesel
Gear Box	6-Automatic
Torque	500Nm
Power	150kW
Fuel Economy	7.9 per 100L
Price	R789,000

 

Bucket Seat: Toyota Hilux GR-Sport

In a bakkie obsessed nation, it was only a matter of time before manufacturers decided to take advantage of this segment by introducing enhanced performance variants to the market. While it still may be relatively new to South Africa, across the globe, especially in the US markets, this has been a much loved segment for over a decade now. Step in Toyota, fresh off celebrating their victory at this years Dakar with South African built Hilux models, it made sense for them to introduce their sporty variant of the Hilux to the country. The Hilux Gazoo Racing Sport first broke cover a few months ago, with Toyota SA later confirming that a limited number of models will be heading to our shores. While the engine still remained the same, there were mechanical upgrades done to the GR-Sport in the form up suspension upgrades, revised dampers and a change in wheels to make this a proper off-road menacing machine. 

DESIGN

While the overall design of the Hilux GR-Sport is pretty much the same as any other Hilux Double Cab, there are subtle changes to make you aware of this particular model. Those with a keen eye will notice that the Toyota sign on the front grille is spelled out and not just the emblem as on the other models, the bonnet on the GR-Sport is black, there are plenty of GR badges around the car as well as a bigger aluminium side step. The GR Sport also has graphic stickers on the side extending from the front door all way to the bin at the back. The wheels are different to other models as well, with it have blacked out 17" six spoke alloy wheels on all-terrain tyres which have a thicker profile, The car seems to be raised a bit more than normal, could be due to the revised front suspension, giving it that more sportier look. The wheel arches are blacked out and there are hints of carbon on the grille. Moving onto the inside, very much like a normal Hilux but colours and trims that make this one stand out a bit more. The dash made up of a combination of soft and hard touch leathers as well as high gloss finishes in black and red. There's red stitching to the seats and since this being a limited number production unit, a plate with the model number sits just below the gear selector. 

PERFORMANCE

While nothing much has changed under the hood, doesn't mean its not worth mentioning, the GR Sport comes with Toyota's bulletproof 2.8 GD-6 turbo diesel engine which features on popular Hilux models as well the Fortuner range. This engine produces 130kW and 450Nm of torque. While this particular GR Sport model did come with an automatic transmission, the car does have paddle shifts for manual mode. The automatic gearbox does produce 30Nm or torque more than the manual version, this is purely down to the smooth and easy self shifting box. On the road, the GR Sport feels and drives like a normal Hilux, it does feel a bit racy on take off but that could be down to the torque and gearbox. On the dirt, its loads of fun, with it sliding around corners and making dust. This is where you get a real good feel of that revised front suspension setup which consists of a monotube design and revised dampers in action. The GR Sport is a fully fledged 4x4 with all the bells and whistles, it even has a power mode which you can use to up the anti when driving. 

COMFORT

While this may be a bakkie and a performance one, it did feel a hell of a lot more luxurious than other bakkies I've been in. The quality of materials used in the interior are of a high standard, the same as what you'd find in the top of the range Fortuner. Leather dash, high gloss plastic finishes and soft touch leather coverings and steering make the cabin of the GR Sport a very comfortable place to be. The dials of the GR Sport are different to the other Hilux variants, more sportier and finished in white. The large screen infotainment system is easy to use and to sync with your device. The system is compatible with most mobile apps and recently Toyota SA launch an app of their own which is available in the app store of most devices. 

VERDICT

While the price might be a major talking point with the Toyota Hilux GR Sport, it still remains the second most expensive bakkie in the line-up. Also in terms of pricing in its segment, and the exclusivity of the bakkie with only 600 being made, you can see why it is priced that much. The product you getting from Toyota in general is always unquestionably good so this is none the different. Also in terms of the Gazoo Racing models, this is the first model being sold in South Africa, as we were not lucky enough to get any of the GRNM Yaris, but a few months later did get the new Supra. It's a bakkie for the enthusiasts or the thrill seeker, or maybe you just want a collectors edition bakkie, whomever it is, they sure are going to get a great product. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.8 Turbo Diesel
Gear Box	6 Speed Automatic
Torque	450Nm
Power	130kW
Consumption	8.5L/100km
Price	R 714 500

Pictures by @DBN_Spotter

Bucket Seat: 2018 Toyota Hilux Dakar Edition

Before I start this review, I'm going to level with you, I've never understood the fascination with owning a double-cab bakkie. There's no doubt its a popular segment because you see more and more of these things on the road, and more often than not, people who buy them rarely purchase them for the purpose they are made for, which is what boggles my mind even more! Why pay so much for something that you'd probably use 10 times maximum, for actual double cab work during the time you will have it? To start off with, you got a bin, which most people tend to not cover with a canopy for aesthetic purposes, so you get that tarpaulin type stretchy cover for it, some fancier ones come with an aluminium frame so water doesn't collect in it thereby making it a portable pool but to remove this frame and cover is a bitch! So while it has adequate storage, it's not the easiest to access. Then you get to the back seats, which have gotten bigger over the years but still not the most comfortable place to sit, for one, the door is narrow, secondly it's high and the seats are raised, so it isn't very easy to get in there, all of this is oblivious to the front passenger and driver since everything seems pretty normal to them. 

Okay, one thing I can agree is that most manufacturers are making some damn good looking double cabs and while they not only look good, they are brilliant vehicles in their own respect. Take for example the Hilux, which I am talking about today, apart from being one of the most trusted and reliable bakkies on the market, it also proved it's self in the worlds toughest rally's, the Dakar which is what this limited edition version is all about, it's to celebrate the achievements of their Gazoo Racing team in the 2018 Dakar Rally. The limited edition Dakar Hilux is available in two engine variants, which are the very popular 2.8 GD-6 Turbo-Diesel and the 4.0L Petrol V6, we had the Turbo-Diesel 4x4 on test and here's how it went down. 

DESIGN

Styling on the Hilux has been its main downfall when compared to its competition, while it didn't look particularly bad, the other bakkies on the market just looked better. However, Toyota realised this and with this model made some minor tweaks which did the vehicle a world of good. The Dakar comes with redesigned grille which will flow onto the rest of the Hilux range in due course but the Dakar's grille is blacked out. It adds so much more character to the Hilux, gives it more presence and goes more in line to the bigger vans offered by Toyota in the US. Toyota also threw some Dakar badges and stickers around the car which, isn't as in your face like some of those fake "Raptor" decals but definitely add to the aesthetic appeal. The Dakar also has revised head lamps which feature an LED row cluster of daytime running lights which flow into the new grille and they've upgraded the headlamps to LED. The Dakar Edition also has the exterior mirrors and door handles finished in high gloss black as well as some chrome finishing on the metal work. Overall, a very appealing package by Toyota and one that should reel in some sales for those who were opting to go for the other brands. 

PERFORMANCE

I can't speak highly enough about this 2.8L GD-6 engine from Toyota, I enjoyed it in the Fortuner and with the Hilux it feels more at home. The only gripe I might have is that it is quite loud, even when idling, but then again you have to remind yourself you are in a bakkie and not a luxury SUV. The power derived from the engine produces 130kW and 420Nm of torque, which translates to effort free driving on normal roads but where it shows its true strength is on the paths less traveled.  That torque comes really handy when you're off road, and while many people told me its impossible to get stuck with the Hilux, I did. But it entirely was my fault, I had it in the wrong settings while driving in soft sand. Toyota made the 4x4 controls really easy to use, it's basically like an aircon selector knob, to select what mode you want to be in. So I just switched the diff lock on, put it in low 4 and the bakkie practically got unstuck itself. I was amazed at how relatively easy it got unstuck, even with half the tyres buried in sand. 

COMFORT

Like I mentioned earlier, a double cab bakkie isn't really built for comfort, especially the second row of seating but I have to admit, the inside of the Dakar was really nice. The seats were covered in premium black leather with white stitching. The steering wheel also leather covered with high gloss bottom, and full multi-function controls for audio and vehicle status. The Dakar comes with a large touch screen infotainment center, and has satellite navigation standard on all Dakar models. The cab comes with climate control air-conditioning which I'm sure the guys on the rally would love but doubt they get those in the actual rally spec Hilux. Moving into the back, which features a full bench seat, also covered in that nice leather with the fancy stitching and to their credit, is much more spacious than some of the other double cab bakkies I've sat in before. 

VERDICT

While I did enjoy my time with the Hilux Dakar Edition, especially when scaring away slow drivers in the fast lane of the highway, it didn't change my perception of double cab bakkies in general. I do however have a better understanding of why people would buy these cars. The only problem I'd have if I owned one would be people I know calling me on the weekends asking me to help them transport stuff for them since I got a bakkie. While the competition in the segment might still be hotly contested and even with new manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz coming to the party, you cannot write-off the Hilux. It's been through it all and still remains one of the best on the market. Credit to Toyota for not resting on their heritage and laurels but also putting out a great product every time and sales figures just goes to prove that. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.8L GD-6 Turbo-Diesel
Gear Box	6 Speed Manual
Power	130kW
Torque	420Nm
Top Speed	180Kph
Economy	7.6 L/100km
Price	R601 100

Photography by Mavric Photo