Toyota Australia has partnered up with toy truck maker Tonka to create this one-off Hilux concept bakkie and it looks epic. We want one!

Just look at it! This Toyota Hilux Tonka Concept bakkie looks like something that every bakkie owner can only dream of. Toyota Australia claims it is "a full-size dream toy for adults", which says it all really. The project originated in Australia and the vehicle was assembled and tested by Toyota Australia's team from product planning and development.

Product design chief Nicolas Hogios is enthusiastic about the project. "We have taken Tonka out of the sand pit and reinvented Hilux from top to bottom and from nose to tail. Inspired by the Tonka trucks that kids play with in their backyards, the Hilux Tonka Concept goes way beyond the already hugely capable abilities of Hilux to traverse rocks andrugged terrain. The Hilux Tonka Concept is dramatic evidence that our local team loves to have fun, we're keen to explore new ideas and we're always looking to push the boundaries of what's possible".

Toyota Hilux Tonka concept modifications

Such an incredible-looking Toyota Hilux! We'd love to have this in our garage.

There's no denying the immense capability of the Toyota Hilux, but this concept really pushes the envelope. The list of modifications is extensive and incorporates a 150 mm increase in ride height (already substantial at 286 mm), ahigh-riding axle, heavy-duty suspension and 35-inch diameter tyres. In terms of cosmetics, there's a carbon-fibre skin bonnet, with air scoops and power bulge. High performance LED lights have been fitted in the bar and on the roof, as well as an all-new tailgate that includes a spoiler and vents.

To protect the vehicle's underbody, a 6mm-thick alloy bash plate has been fitted and that covers critical components such as the sump. The load bayfeatures a removable frame that will hold items such as diesel fuel cans and there's storage for your hardcore recovery gear. A fire extinguisher, axe, shovel and high-lift jack are thrown in too. Interestingly, the only thing that has been left untouched is the 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine.

Can you buy one?

Sadly not, as Toyota Australia is quite adamant that its Hilux Tonka Concept will not make it to dealerships, but it will be touring around Australia on promotion. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel for South African bakkie fanatics:the modifications are easily attainable at dedicated 4×4 shops. We chatted to ex-4×4 journalist turned travel writer Gerhard Horn, who reckons the biggest issue around thesemodifications is the actual size of the vehicle. He questions the stability at national speed limit and wonders how easy it would be to park.

Big tyres, ground clearance, LED spotlights and armour-plating make this Tonka-branded Toyota Hilux look formidable

The turning circle would be insane, too. Despite these technical hurdles, modified 4×4 bakkies look epic, but if you take the mods too far, you render the car useless, so take it easy when speccing up your bakkie. Slightly increasing the ground clearance and fitting underbody protection is a great idea, but ultimately you need to decide whether you're building a car for show or a bakkie that is truly capable. Given how good the standard Toyota Hilux is, you don't need to do much to it to make it stand out in a crowd.

Watch Toyota Hilux Tonka concept in action:

Further Reading

Mitsubishi Triton (2017) First Drive

Most fuel-efficient Double-Cabs in South Africa (2016)

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