Toyota Hilux Legend 45

WHILE WE PAY tribute to the Hilux by comparing it to its fiercest rivals on an 800 km round trip through the Tankwa Karoo, Toyota South Africa is celebrating 45 years of the Hilux’s legendary toughness in its own way. It’s fair to call the launch of every new Hilux a big deal and as with the Legend 35 and Legend 40 models introduced in the latter stages of the previous two iterations, Toyota has released a special edition Legend 45 nameplate.

While primarily intended to address the run out of the outgoing model before the all-new version (see opposite) is launched next year, high demand for these special editions has often resulted in an unexpected increase in production at Toyota’s Prospecton plant. The Legend 45 will be applied to all Raider (high spec) production models and is available in 4x2 Raised Body and 4x4 formats and across all three body styles Single Cab, Xtra Cab and Double Cab.

All 13 Legend 45 model variants can being easily distinguished from the rest of the Hilux range by exterior revisions and additions such as new head- and tail-lamp lamp designs with black detailing, stainless steel nudge bar and rear step bumper, towbar, matt black side steps, chrome finish mirrors, 17-inch anthracite alloys and specific Legend 45 decals and branding. The range of exterior colours includes Glacier White, Chromium Silver, Chilli Red, Pacific Blue Metallic, Graphite Grey, Attitude Black, Silky Gold and Dark Steel Mica. A tonneau cover and rear styling bar are available as a cost option (Raider Plus).

Legend 45 cabins also get treated to a black dashboard finish and black leather with silver detail stitching on the seats, door panels, steering wheel and shift lever boot (on manual models).

A reversing camera is standard on Xtra Cab 2. 5 D-4D and 2.7 VVTi Raider models as well as all other Raider Double Cabs While both the 3.0 D-4D and 4.0 V6 Double Cab Raider models include standard features such as automatic climate control, auto lights, multi-function steering wheel and display audio, six airbags and stability control.

Power plants, transmissions and drivetrains remain unchanged.

EIGHTH-GENERATION HILUX SPIED!
BASED ON SPY  photos of the vehicle currently testing in Southern Spain, this is the best visual representation of what we believe the eighth-generation Hilux will look like when it arrives toward the end of 2015/early 2016. While there are few details on engines or powertrains at this point we can tell you the Hilux’s towing capability will be vastly improved to at least match the likes of the Isuzu KB and Ford Ranger.

The Hilux prototype featured production head and tail-lights, with the 4wd mule wearing what looks to be a Toyota Genuine Accessories bull bars with added driving lights. The frontal styling of the new model looks to follow the muscular detailing of the new Toyota styling while also referencing the full-size Tundra truck (sold in the USA). A deeper

rear window can also be seen, together with rather awkwardly shaped quarter Lights on the side glass. The first spy shots also reveal that the new model looks to continue with the current model’s slanted tailgate design, with the upright tail-lights featuring similar detailing to the current Prado SUV. In the face of criticism of the current vehicle’s comparatively narrow interior, the newcomer is likely to be wider with a longer wheelbase to increase rear leg room and provide a more car-like driving position.

The suspension is also likely to be tailored more toward urban environments than in the past, which means greater comfort for those inside on the daily commute. Watch this space!

A recent shot from TopCar reader, Ahmed Desai, of what appears to be a heavily camouflaged Toyota Fortuner on the road between Amanzimtoti and the Prospecton plant in Durban. Toyota SA often test forthcoming models like the next Hilux using disguised current generation bodies for testing.