Page 10 - Motoring Issue 1 2021

TEST REVIEW TOYOTA

DOUBLE CAB 4X4 LEGEND RS
DOUBLE CAB 4X4 LEGEND RS

TOYOTA HILUX 2.8GD-6
TOYOTA HILUX 2.8GD-6

he new version of the
Toyota Hilux was
Tlaunched two months
ago and we featured a video
showing just how capable it
is in off-road conditions at
the Gerotek test facility.
A month later, I received
the exact same vehicle for a
full test and the opportunity
to put it through its paces in
all conditions. This test
encompassed normal town driving, cruise control and autonomous emergency braking to the
an open-road trip to Herman already high levels that make modern double cab bakkies
Charles Bosman country (Groot equal to a luxury car inside the cab.
Marico), some very bad dirt roads, On the outside, the test vehicle had the RS package as
including some bad roads around well. This adds the sports bar plus the very interesting
the farm, and finally the trip home automated roller shutter over the load area. This is a great
with a 500kg load on the back. feature for securing loads, weatherproofing and dust-
The improvements and changes proofing, but it does compromise the load capacity. As
to the engine are immediately always, you must make your choices based on your
apparent, from the muted sound at needs. Take note that the RS package adds a
idle to the much quieter overall considerable R85 000 to the purchase price.
running hum. With top models now An interesting feature of the Hilux is the target fuel
having balancer shafts added, this consumption figure shown on the central screen. The
rates as one of the smoothest and figure is 10l/100km. After a full week and all the conditions
quietest diesel engines that I have as mentioned above, our final figure was 9.3l/100km which
encountered. Changes and I deem as highly satisfactory for this class of vehicle.
upgrades to the rear suspension The power upgrade to 150kW and 500Nm feels as if
also contribute to far smoother it’s an even bigger change from the previous version as it
travel in all conditions. Having said now delivers far more power in all conditions. The 6-speed
this, I must comment that the rear automatic transmission is always smooth and unflustered.
was slightly light and skittish on the The current price for the Legend with RS package is
dirt roads when travelling unladen. R851 000. This includes the first 9-services/90 000km
The 500kg load on the rear quickly service plan. n
solved this problem.
Overall, the top Legend spec Use this link to watch the video review:
level now adds items like active https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXH6xshTngM

MOTORING | Issue 1, 2021 | 8