The story of the Toyota Hilux began in 1968 when Toyota set out to make a car for the commercial sector, one that was to be reliable, durable and comfortable.
The first Hilux was a humble 1,5-litre petrol engine with a top speed of 130km/h and it continued to develop, offering its first four-wheel-drive a decade later even as demand for more power and versatility grew.
Over the next eight generations of Hilux, Toyota has not looked back, offering class-leading, powerful, practical, durable, versatile and sporty bakkies. The newest name on the line-up is the Hilux Legend 50, and we were privileged to drive one from Pupkewitz Toyota in Windhoek.
We also had a brush with a 2019 Hilux GR (Gazoo Racing) edition in the last few days and found it to be a no-mess runner with racing manners. We’ll profile it further in weeks to come.
When we drove the Hilux Dakar some months ago, we thought Toyota had sealed its collection for the next year or more, but few months down the line, we are on to an even better bakkie. I have come to learn in recent times whenever there is a major anniversary, there is going to be a car, especially for Toyota.
Also looking at what’s happening in the market, I see Toyota galvanising its top spot position against the likes of the new Isuzu D Max, a major threat to the Hilux, especially in southern Africa. The Hilux has been the default choice when it comes to bakkies in southern Africa for 50 years and this inspired the Legend 50 as a celebration of Hilux exploits.
Based on the Raider models of the range, the Hilux Legend 50 is available in either extra cab or double cab configurations. Buyers can choose between a 2,8-litre turbo-diesel – which we drove – and a four-litre V6 petrol engine.
At first sight, it’s basically the eighth generation Hilux with a few touches to its design detail such as side markings, an all new gloss black shark-like snout, bolder and more aggressive lines and 18-inch wheels. The basic Hilux Raider itself is a marvel and the Legend 50 carries on the same winning formula we saw on the Dakar version, it just takes it a few notches up with tweaks and minor additions.
The Legend 50 also lands the Hilux a spot among the likes of the Ford Ranger Wildtrack and the Nissan Navara Stealth.
Climbing into the interior, the Hilux is a lot more refined compared to the Raider; it has scaled up to its Fortuner sibling thanks to serious attention to detail, giving it a premium feel. Screaming even louder is its Dakar Rally DNA. I also felt that it has a Lexus touch to it, deadening noise vibration and harshness while deliberately allowing a fine tuned amount in for a more engaging drive.
It comes with an onboard trip computer, white racing-like dials and orange needles, and a Legend graphic on start up.
The Hilux Legend lacks almost nothing as it hosts features such as climate control, cruise control and a reverse view camera. For infotainment, it has a centrally mounted screen with Bluetooth and SD-card-based satellite navigation.
The 2,8-litre turbo-diesel engine is quite explosive; it produces an output of 130kW and 420Nm torque via an enjoyable six-front manual. The four-litre petrol version gives out 175kw and 376Nm. The newer upscale Hilux range has also gained a good reputation for being less thirsty at the pump, consuming only 8,5 litres every 100km.
It’s a Hilux tradition to pack a strong and vigorous engine and I find them easier to drive off in second gear because in first, they’re ever jumping for the road ahead – reminiscent of a vicious dog on a leash, yearning to snap it.
Talking safety, the Legend scores five stars under the Euro NCAP thanks to Toyota’s safety sense package. It includes emergency braking, lane departure warning and road sign recognition, which reads and relays signage on the dashboard screen.
Basic safety features include seven airbags, traction control and hill-start assistance.
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