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.