It’s worth noting that, in terms of kit, the HiLux is one of the most generously equipped pick-ups on the market with all 3.0 D-4D and 4.0 V6 Double Cab models coming standard with a full suite of luxury and safety accoutrements ranging from automatic climate control, auto lights, multifunction steering wheel and display audio (with reverse camera) to six air bags and stability control. (For a full list of equipment, see the specifications sheet.)

 

This special anniversary model is available with a choice of tried-and-tested Toyota power plants, transmissions and drive types:

 

Legend 45 Single Cab
2.7 VVTi 4x2 Raised Body
3.0 D-4D 4x2 RB
3.0 D-4D 4x4
Legend 45 Xtra Cab
3.0 D-4D 4x2 RB
3.0 D-4D 4x4

 

Legend 45 Double Cab
2.5 D-4D 4x2 RB
2.7 VVTi 4x2 RB
3.0 D-4D 4x2 RB
3.0 D-4D 4x2 RB Auto
3.0 D-4D 4x4
3.0 D-4D 4x4 Auto
4.0 V6 4x2 RB Auto
4.0V6 4x4 Auto

 

The different power units driving the Legends are:

• 2.5 D-4D: 106 kW turbo-diesel engine delivering 343 Nm between 1 600 rpm and 2 800 rpm.

• 2.7 VVTi: 16-valve petrol power plant producing 118 kW at 5 200 rpm and maximum torque of 241 Nm at 3 800 rpm.

• 3.0 D-4D: 3.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-charged and intercooled engine with a 16-valve DOHC configuration delivering 120 kW of maximum power at 3 400 rpm. Peak torque of 343 Nm is delivered between 1 400 rpm and 3 200 rpm.

• 4.0 litre V6: Featuring a 24-valve DOHC configuration producing 175 kW at 5 200 rpm, with a torque rating of 376 Nm at 3 800 rpm.

 

Why the Toyota HiLux Is a Legend

• Its name is derived from the words ‘High’ and ‘Luxury’ – something it has lived up to till this day.

• As of 2014, the only countries in the world that do not sell the HiLux are Japan, the United States of America, Canada, North Korea and South Korea.

• It has been a market leader in South Africa for 43 years.

• As at September 2014, 969 933 units had been sold in South Africa.

• It currently has an average 34% share of the South African one-ton market (1994 to 2014).

• The HiLux has been the longest active model range of any vehicle in South Africa.

•  As a ‘Proudly South African’ vehicle, the HiLux is built at the Prospecton Plant in Durban. It also has a 50% local content.

• The HiLux currently offers the widest range of models to choose from – 21 in total.

 

The Raider has become a household name and has established a new benchmark for full-house specifications on a bakkie. Never before has a top-end sound system, electric windows, air conditioning, as well as the aforementioned safety kit been offered on a pick-up.
 

The seventh-generation HiLux debuted in 2005. What makes the latest HiLux unique is that it is based on Toyota’s IMV or International Multipurpose Vehicle platform which facilitates the building of four different models on what is essentially the same production line.
 

To really see what the HiLux has achieved, you need to go to the Toyota site and acquaint yourself with this great vehicle.

For everyday people such as us, the ‘proof of the pudding’ lies in our own use of the vehicle. Now that I have had the opportunity to get to know the HiLux 3.0 D-4D 4x4 six-speed manual, I, too, can discuss, and boast about, its capabilities and, of course, the ‘Toyota family feeling’ with certainty.

 

Travelling on the highways of our country is a pleasurable experience in the HiLux, although I found it to lose power on long inclines. The ride quality is typically that of a Double Cab LDV, but still at the top end. I was not impressed by its fuel consumption of 10l per 100 km at an average speed of 105 kph. Both the 3.2 litre Mitsubishi Pajero DiD (towing a six-foot trailer) and the TATA 2.2 Double Cab LDV gave much more impressive figures of 9.1l per100 km and 8.2l per 100 km respectively.
 

What really did impress me was driving in the dry Limpopo River bed in deep sand. It was as if the Legend came into its own and, try as much as I could, I could not get the Legend to get bogged down. The Legend just purred on and on through the sand and over obstacles – and did it in style, dust-free and in comfort. Yes, comfort. I was amazed at how comfortable the ride was off-road, and here it became evident why it is such a much-loved vehicle. It just boosts confidence and always feels surefooted. Travelling back, some idiot overtook on a blind rise and I had to hit the brakes very hard and had to swerve at the same time to prevent a nasty collision. But, again, the Legend handled the extreme measures and got us out of it all safely.
 

I look forward to the soon-to-be-seen new Toyota HiLux, which I believe will be popular due to its breeding. I don’t foresee any Legends becoming available due to the launch of the new HiLux, as they become part of one’s family.