Launched: Toyota Hilux Dakar
By khulekani / on July 13th, 2018 / in Car Reviews, featuredThe bakkie wars are tough and no one knows it more than the Hilux that has had to fend off fierce competition to stay at the top. The introduction of the Hilux Dakar which celebrates the success and immense abilities of the Hilux in the Dakar off-road race and off-roading generally will no doubt help the Hilux stay ahead of the bakkie wars.
Exterior
The Dakar limited edition now has an all new face, featuring a more prominent trapezoidal grille and ‘squared-off’ design. This “new face” is actually similar to that seen in the likes of Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra which are not sold in South Africa. The thing that will instantly grab your attention is the large gloss-black-honeycomb grille, which incorporates two horizontal sections. The inner grille area is bound by a metallic grey surround with three-dimensional appearance, which blends into the LED headlamps. There is a matching gloss-black accent strip on the bonnet and Dakar emblem attached to the grille, which ultimately completes the design.
The lower bumper also features a large honeycomb mesh pattern, extending to the sides of the vehicle. The new bumper design also includes intersecting horizontal and vertical fog lamp finishes decked out in matching gloss black. In addition, the exterior sports a number of distinctive touches such as gloss-black treatment for the door handles and power-retractable side mirrors. The rear bumper is in grey, to go with the front design.
Interior
The interior features all-black treatment, with a black roof headliner (versus light grey on normal Raider), metallic black trim accent panels (silver on Raider) and black leather upholstery with light grey contrast stitching (fabric on Raider) – creating a sporty, premium space for occupants.
The infotainment system has been upgraded to include Satellite Navigation, whilst the standard Bluetooth, USB and CD/DVD playback functionality is retained. The touch-screen system also includes an on-board trip computer and customizable home screen.
All Dakar models are based on Raider models meaning they employ either the proven 2.8 GD-6 powertrain or 4.0-litre V6 (double-cab only). The 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine produces 130 kW and 420 Nm in manual transmission guise. Automatic transmission-equipped variants receive a boost to 450 Nm. The V6 variant delivers a beastly 175 kW and 376 Nm. Fuel consumption varies between 7.6 and 8.5 litres per 100 kilometers dependent on drivetrain configuration.
The Hilux Dakar is available in four colours: Glacier White, Chromium Silver, Graphite Grey Metallic and Inferno Orange Metallic.
Pricing
Xtra Cab
Hilux XC 2.8GD6 Raised Body Dakar MT R470,300
Hilux XC 2.8GD6 Raised Body Dakar AT R488,300
Hilux XC 2.8GD6 4X4 Dakar MT R535,600
Hilux XC 2.8GD6 4X4 Dakar AT R553,800
Double Cab
Hilux DC 2.8GD6 Raised Body Dakar MT R535,000
Hilux DC 2.8GD6 Raised Body Dakar AT R553,400
Hilux DC 2.8GD6 4X4 Dakar MT R601,100
Hilux DC 2.8GD6 4X4 Dakar AT R621,000
Hilux DC 4.0 V6 4X4 Dakar AT R662,700
Toyota has now increased the service plan period on 2.8 GD-6 models from 5-year/90 000 kilometers to 9 services/90 000 kilometers, whilst the 4.0 V6 model receives an increase to a 6 services/90 000 kilometer period (previously 5 years).
The Warranty period is 3-year/100 000 kilometres and is available on all the Hilux versions.