Toyota has taken the wraps off its much-anticipated updated Hilux and, while the bones remain familiar, almost everything else has been given a proper once-over. The bakkie keeps its existing ladder-frame chassis, but both the nose and rear sections have been reshaped. Inside, the cabin sees the biggest change, with a completely redesigned dashboard.
Depending on which model you go for, there is now a floating infotainment screen in either seven or 12,3 inches. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have finally made their way in, along with a digital instrument cluster and an electronic parking brake.
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Under the bonnet, the 2,8-litre GD-six turbo-diesel carries on, pushing out 150 kW and 500 Nm of torque. There is no clarity yet on whether the smaller 2,4-litre GD-six will join the range later.
Toyota has also fettled with the Hilux’s chassis and suspension setup. A new Toyota app now lets owners preset the air-conditioning, track the vehicle’s location and, most notably for a high-risk bakkie, an anti-theft feature sends an alert if someone meddles with the car.
bZ4X
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The company also showed off its first full battery-electric vehicle for the local market, called the bZ4X. Built on Toyota’s dedicated e-TNGA platform, it will come in single-motor front-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive versions. Outputs range from 123 kW to 150 kW for the front-driver, while the all-wheel-drive model makes 252 kW.
Battery choices are expected to be a 57,7 or a 73.1 kilowatt-hour pack, with Toyota claiming a driving range of up to 500 kilometres.
The exterior design follows Toyota’s latest EV language, featuring a closed-off hammerhead nose, slim LED headlamps, black wheel arch cladding, a sloping rear roofline, a split roof spoiler and a full-width LED light bar. Inside, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster sits behind the steering wheel, while a large 12,3-inch infotainment screen takes centre stage.
FJ Cruiser
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Another new arrival is the Land Cruiser FJ. Based on the same IMV ladder-frame platform as the Hilux and Fortuner, it is powered by a 2,7-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that makes 120 kW and 246 Nm. A six-speed automatic gearbox and part-time four-wheel-drive system with low range and a rear diff lock send power to the wheels.
Two trim levels will be available, the GX and VX. The exterior is boxy with flared wheel arches and 245 millimetres of ground clearance. VX models get LED headlamps and black 18-inch alloy wheels. Removable bumper corners mean owners can swap out damaged sections or fit aftermarket gear more easily.
Inside, the dashboard borrows from the latest Prado. Toyota has kept physical controls for off-road duties, including a rotary dial for H2, H4, and low range, plus switches for traction control and the rear diff lock. A digital driver display and touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. VX adds leather seats and dual-zone climate control.
Local pricing has been confirmed. The Land Cruiser FJ two point seven GX automatic goes for R714 000, and the VX costs R761 ,400.
RAV4
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Toyota also gave a sneak peek of the next-generation RAV4, which will go fully electrified with hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. The hybrid pairs a 2,5-litre petrol engine with Toyota’s latest system, producing between 135 kW and 141 kW depending on the setup.
The plug-in hybrid pushes combined output to a claimed 223 kW and offers up to 150 kilometres of driving range on the WLTP cycle, with both AC and DC charging.
The exterior has grown more angular and aggressive, with a redesigned hexagonal grille and slim LED headlamps. GR Sport models get a wider track, 20-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, and red brake calipers, while the plug-in hybrid features unique styling details and two-tone paint.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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