Although its exact date of arrival on the local market has yet to be confirmed, the Toyota Hilux will soon receive a facelift. This is what the next iteration of South Africa's top-selling bakkie looks likeand, apart from benefitting from cosmetic and equipment upgrades, the 2.8-litre GD-6 turbodiesel's outputs have been bumped up from 130 kW/420 Nm to 150 kW/500 Nm.

Thanks to images from a product presentation being leaked in April, we've had a good idea of what the updated Hilux wouldlook like– and, earlier this week, Fernando Alonso put a disguised pre-production version of the newcomer through its paces. Toyota Australia has now confirmed that it will start selling the revised bakkie in August, but regarding a possible arrival time in South Africa, Toyota SA recently told us:"We will be getting those models, but not immediately.Our timing is quite different to Australia;they don’t source their vehicles from SA. Unique-to-SA derivatives such asthe Legend 50 and Dakar bridge the gap and extend the life of our current Hilux offerings." When pushed for a date, it was suggested that Australia would likely receive this facelifted Hilux in August with South Africa's units following "months" later.

Also read: take a look at the Fortuner details here, it was released in tandem with the Hilux.

The Hilux's tail lamps are the same shape as before, but they have a revised lighting signature.

Apart from the large trapezoidal grille with thicker crossbars (grille surrounds differ by spec;we assume the high-spec derivatives will feature the contrasting grey finish), thenewly-designed headlights are smaller and slimmer and includedistinctive LEDelements on higher derivatives. Toyota says the revised exterior styling "delivers a tough, robust on-road presence" that is "more in keeping with the global Toyota bakkie/pick-up truckfamily."

The updated instrument cluster now features a4.2-inch multi-infodisplay between the speedometer and rev counter (it apparently incorporates a digital speed readout) and higher-spec derivatives will feature an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with enhanced voice recognition functionality, as well as Apple CarPlayand Android Auto compatibility. We assume a reverse-view camera and satellite navigation will feature too.

Hilux buyers can look forward to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility on the revised touchscreen infotainment system.

Toyota engines have, at times, been criticised for offering workmanlike- (as opposed to sparking) performance in the interests of superior reliability. While the other engine's remain unchanged, the range-topping 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine has, however, been upgraded with "multiple new components (as well as)enhanced cooling", the Japanese firm says.

As a result, the motor's maximum power output hasbeen increased to 150 kW, while peak torque (on the automatic derivative) has been bumped up to hearty 500 Nm. What's more, the motor's fuel consumption is claimed to have been improved "by up to 11%"while "tuned accelerator response delivers greater driver control".

Toyota SA mentioned that the 2.4-litre turbodiesel would remain unchanged in the facelifted version.

The larger, chunkier grille design gives the Hilux a bit of a "US pick-up truck" front-end look.

Meanwhile, the suspension has been revised through the implementation of tweaked shock-absorber tuning, new bushings and an improved leaf-spring design,which is said toimprove ride comfort on rough roads when carryinglow loads.

In 4×4 derivatives equipped with downhill-assist control, an additional traction control feature reroutes torque to assist grip in 2H mode. Lastly, the braked-trailer towing capacity ofautomatic 4×4 derivatives has been upgraded to a maximum of 3 500 kg and, on 4×2 variants, all diesel-poweredautomaticHiluxes are rated at 2 800 kg (an increase of up to 300 kg). Toyota South Africa does its own, localised tow rating calculations, so whether these increases in tow capabilities will be realised locally will only be seen closer to local launch.

We will update this story when more local information becomes available…

Further Reading:

Facelifted Toyota Hilux Teased

Toyota Hilux Facelift Due Soon

Toyota GR Hilux to Pack V6 Power?

Toyota Hilux by Wald is a Boss

Toyota Hilux Aces Stricter Safety Test