With massive sales figures throughout Europe and here at home in South Africa, the Toyota Hilux sets the benchmark that other bakkies in the segment aim for. With the release of the new Toyota Hilux model for 2012 things have gone from good to better, with a number of improvements to the interior, the styling of the bakkie as well as performance and a reduction in fuel consumption.

A whole new Toyota Hilux experience

The interior of the new Toyota Hilux has been revised; there is a new upper dashboard design with a horizontal centre instrument cluster, which increases the space in the cabin. This centre instrument panel now comes with the Toyota Touch 6.1 inch full colour touch screen multimedia unit. The finishes have been made darker and the ornamentation now comes in silver.

Regarding the styling of the new Toyota Hilux bakkie; the front has been completely redesigned from the A pillar forwards. The bonnet has been redesigned, as well as the radiator grille, headlamps and front bumper. The front and rear wings have also gone under the knife, along with the door mirrors and redesigned 15” and 17” steel and alloy wheels.

More options, more power

The new Toyota Hilux aims to cater for a wide customer base, with a large number of models and body types available. The new DLX+ grade will be available in 2WD or 4WD 2.5 D-4D powertrains, with a manual transmission as a single cab, extra cab and double cab. The 4WD 3.0 D-4D option also comes with a manual transmission and is only available as a double cab.

The power has been increased by 24 hp in the 2012 2WD 2.5 D-4D models thanks to the variable nozzle turbocharger. The power now clocks in at 144 hp at 3600 rpm and 343Nm of torque at 2000rpm. Not to be overlooked, the fuel economy of the 2012 Hilux bakkie has also been improved, the combined cycle fuel consumption now clocks in at 7.3 litres/100km, a reduction of 1.0 litres/100km. CO2 emissions have also been reduced to a total of 193 g/km.

Lastly the 2WD models are now equipped with a more robust chassis design that has improved the bakkies ground clearance as well as it’s towing capacity, which now sits at 2.5 tons. Look for the latest update to one of South Africa’s favourite bakkies coming soon.