Hilux auto diesel worth the wait

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The two new models are the Hilux 3.0D-4D Raised Body Raider A/T with a 4x2 drive-train and the Hilux 3.0D-4D 4x4 Raider A/T.

These two diesel automatics are the first in double cab format from Toyota - something the market has been clamouring for over the past few years.

Also new to the range is a 4.0-litre V6 petrol raised Body double cab Raider with five-speed automatic transmission.

Toyota now offers a choice of 18 Hilux derivatives which range from tough workhorses through to serious off-roaders that are moving into SUV/MPV territory in terms of safety, luxury and looks.

Ten of the new models are single cab bakkies (from R145,800 for the entry level 2.0-litre VVTi to R283,600 for the 3.0-litre D-4D 4x4 raider)and eight are double cabs (from R280,500 for the 2.5-litre D-4D Raised Body Raider to R356,200 for the flagship 3.0-litre D-4D 4x4 Raider Double Cab auto).

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The new range extends beyond just giving the bakkies a more macho-aggro face with a restyled bumper and grille. Except for the two entry level models, all models now have ABS brakes, high-mounted brake lights, additional airbags and, on the fancier models, an onboard computer, cruise control and the choice of four or five-speed automatic transmission.

Because the pick-up market is moving closer to the SUV market in terms of customer demands for versatility and day-to-day usage, plus looks and comfort, Toyota now also offers a wider range of accessories and new body colours.

To introduce the new range to the motoring Media, Toyota opted for one of the most scenic and challenging 4x4 venues in Southern Africa.

Klipbokkop, which is home to 60 kilometres of seriously tough off-road routes, is located in the spectacular mountain range between Worcester and Villiersdorp.

Only about 150km from Cape Town it offers a range of activities, lots of birdlife and animals from small Cape antelope to baboons, dassies, bat-eared foxes and porcupines (and even the occasional leopard track!).

The lodge sleeps 38 guests and with a lovely pool, stunning views, a cosy pub and delicious country food it's perfect weekend mountain escape.

And it is Nirvana for anybody who enjoys challenging nature in a 4x4.

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Narrow and steep boulder-strewn inclines lead to heights of 1,200 metres and more, and crawling descends offer not only spooky sheer drops but stunning views of the farmlands below, the Brandvlei Dam and Worcester in the hazy distance.

But it's not all dassie and klipbok territory because resort owner Gerhard Groenewald also owns a sand-trail which has become immensely popular since the ban on beach driving was introduced.

This mini-Namib Desert is quite a tester for both driver and vehicle.

Both venues are a bit beyond the capabilities of first-timers or drivers who don't have much experience of either mountain or sand-driving.

I drove a few variants for some distance on tar, gravel, on the mountain-side and in thick sand and it's not difficult to understand why Hilux out-sells everything else in this class.

Other than being a little firm and bouncy on the tar I couldn't fault any of derivatives I drove. Besides, one should hardly expect a German-saloon car ride in a vehicle that was built to conquer Africa....

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The impressive thing about Hilux has always been its easy-driving and the effortless way in which it copes with hairy and scary obstacles.

I got my chance to play with the new 3.0-litre double cab diesel automatic once we hit the “beach-and-desert” route and I was blown away. What a lovable torque-rich vehicle this is with all of 343 Nm on tap from as low down as 1 400 revs.

In low-range, with the diff locked and the auto slotted into 2nd this oil-burner will go where Army tanks will battle to progress.

Many off-road drivers prefer manual boxes to auto, particularly in the sand, because they like to plan their progress through and over obstacles in a gear of their choice.

With an auto shift there is always that niggle at the back of your head that the auto box will shift at a crucial stage when it's either too late or too early so that you either run out of steam or dig in.

Not so with this beaut. The mapping of its four-speed set-up is as near to perfect as one can get.

For instance, if you floor it at the bottom of a steep dune it kicks off very briefly in first, then almost unnoticeably it zips through into second (or even into third as it senses what your right foot wants it to do) and without even breathing hard it will power its way to the top of the dune.

I'm not much of an off-road or bumping-through-the-veld-in-a- bakkie fan, but if I ever have to choose a vehicle to take on the plains of Botswana or the dunes of the Namib Dessert, I know what my choice would be.

Of all the pick-ups I have driven, this new 3.0-litre diesel automatic Hilux out-ranks them all by far.

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In spite of the belt-tightening economy I have absolutely no doubt that Hilux will continue to out-pace the opposition, particularly now that it has the extra punch of the two new diesel automatics.

Hilux overview:

• Hilux came to South Africa in 1969 and up until October 2008, 898,305 units have been sold
  
• South Africa's most popular vehicle with 25,206 sales year to date October 2008-11-28
  
• South Africa's top selling pick-up for 35 out of the past 39 years
  
• Between mid 2005 and October 2008 176,459 locally made Hilux models were exported
  
• Hilux global sales are approaching the 14-million mark
  
• Hilux holds 89 South African speed and distance records