By Otsile Kadiege

Toyota South Africa Motors hosts an annual motoring event called the State of Motoring Industry or SOMI in short. At this event, the automaker’s local arm reflects on how the brand performed last year, they also touch on the challenges faced throughout the year and how they’ve address them, they also share their current and future plans, and also showcase new cars which will be launched in South Africa throughout the financial year. Here’s a list of five cars to expect from TSAM:

1) Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V coming March 2024

The popular Hilux nameplate will soon get a 48V hybrid system that makes use of a self-charging (during deceleration) lithium-ion battery which should help reduce fuel-consumption and increase the power and torque figures, although not by much. The battery weighs 7.6 kg and is located underneath the rear seats. Once charged up, the battery sends up to 12 kW of power and 65 Nm of torque through the motor generator to the 150kW and 500 Nm 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine to enhance acceleration, power and efficiency.

2) Toyota Fortuner Hybrid 48V TBC

The Hilux-based adventure SUV (Fortuner) will also get a similar 48V hybrid setup we mentioned above but Toyota South Africa is yet to announce local launch dates. That said, we we should expect it to be launched alongside the Hilux or shortly after.

3) Toyota Hilux GR-S coming March 2024

We asked, they listened. Another new Toyota vehicle to look forward to this year is the wide-body derivative of the Hilux GR-S boasting a meaner and wider look with matching 17-inch wheels wrapped with BF Goodrich All-Terrain tyres and a tuned suspension to name a few. It’s still powered by a 2.8l turbodiesel GD-6 engine making 165kW and 550Nm.

4) Toyota Land Cruiser Prado coming April 2024

Toyota’s much-anticipated and all-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado also made its first public debut at this year’s SOMI. The box-shaped new Prado ushers in a modernised retro, box-shaped design, new technologies, many premium amenities, and enhanced safety. The newcomer is based on the brand’s Land Cruiser 300 and is powered by the tried and tested 2.8-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine developing the same power and torque as the Hilux – 150kW and 500Nm.

5) Toyota bZ4X coming early 2025

Lastly, arriving on our shores in early 2025 is the all-electric Toyota bZ4X, built on a new battery-electric vehicle dedicated platform, boasting a bold exterior design and a “home-like” interior. Toyota promises an SUV with exceptional performance, ample range, and short charging times. The range-topping AWD model comes fitted with a high-density lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 71.4 kWh, which Toyota claims is good for more than 450 km. An 80% charge can be achieved in around 30 minutes with a 150 kW fast-charging system.

Toyota South Africa Motors have an interesting line-up of vehicles this year. We will report back with a launch article or a full review once we get our hands on the new vehicles.