Summarize

The Toyota Hilux brand has become as synonymous a name as the Ford Model T.  An icon of note, the Hilux is a key to Toyota’s  global success and symbol of the auto giant’s profusion of popular models over the decades since the second world war. 

Paying particular homage and perhaps the ultimate accolade for the Hilux and celebrated successes over many years, the Dakar Edition has hit the South African market. Now bolder looking it features a number of tweaks and additions to its already high levels of finish and standard equipment, not least of all a new poodle-nosed grille.

Our white test Dakar double cab certainly attracted attention, the smart yet tough looking gloss-black grille with standout Dakar badge being the main attraction, with the new grille between those elongated and stylised LED headlights adding further visual impact.  

Yip, that grille certainly adds the necessary impact for a bakkie that almost turned the tough Dakar into a Toyota event. The new grille’s trapezoidal main attraction is the gloss-black-honeycomb treatment with two horizontal sections, while the inner grille is bordered by the metallic grey surround blends well into the headlights with a gloss-black accent strip completing the effect. 

Add standout trademark Dakar logos low on the front doors and the stylised nomad image on the tailgate. Other highlights include gloss-black exterior side-mirrors and door handles. 

The cabin interior includes an smart gloss-black-finished navigation system and touch-screen while the seats are covered in partial leather – they are extras priced at around R19 000.  

A surprising aspect of the Hilux Dakar is absence  mechanical improvements to improve performance, even of the most minimal amount.  Being basically a workhorse bakkie and not a saloon car, perhaps highlights Toyota’s take.

Talking performance, the Dakar’s overall performance on the road was satisfactory, the driving experience positive. In fact, during our recent Double Cab multi-way shootout of the Mitsubishi Triton 2.4, Merc X 250d,  Nissan Navara 2.3D,VW Amarok 2.0BiTDI and the Hilux 2.8GD-6 the latter surprised during the ubiquitous 0-100km/h test with the best time of 10.20 seconds.  It’s 7.6l/100km fuel consumption was also best.

The 2.8GD-6 Global Diesel mill employs advanced thermal combustion technology assisted by common rail, variable nozzle turbocharging and intercooler for fine engine response from around 1600rpm. 

For a 4x4, the Dakar is smooth on the road, with decent road holding and fine handling qualities, while steering feel is positive, quick rand responsive.  It’s also quiet in the cabin with almost no road noise, while off-road it’s a strong contender too. The Dakar comes with a touch-screen audio system with reverse camera, automatic climate control, cruise control, seven airbags, stability and traction control, and Trailer Sway Control.

Hilux still sports modern good bakkie looks and Dakar adds even more sparkle than usual this time round – it you want the new look, you have to go Dakar for now, but will the rest of the range follow? Time will tell! 

ROAD TEST  Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 Raider Dakar DC 4x4 

Engine:        2755cc turbodiesel 14

Power:        130kW @ 3400rpm

Torque:         420Nm @  1400-2600rpm

Power to Weight: 62kW/tonne

Specific Power: 47kW/litre

Drive: 6-speed manual 4x4

Payload:          850kg

Max Towing: 3500kg

ROAD TESTED:

0-60km/h: 4.04 sec

0-100km/h: 10.20 sec

0-120km/h: 14.82 sec

400m: 17.1 sec @ 129km/h

80-120km/h: 7.94 sec

CLAIMED:

Vmax 180km/h

Fuel: 11.7l/100km

CO2: 263g/km

ON THE ROAD

Warranty 3 years/100 000km

Service Plan 5 years/90 000km

List Price: R601 100