By Aurelia Mbokazi
South Africans know how to love things loudly. Amapiano comes with dance moves, rugby and soccer stir households, and bunny chow, kota and a braai need little excuse.
Then there is the Toyota Hilux.
South Africa's favourite bakkie has returned, now with striking style, everyday comfort and a more connected way of living.
Our attachment to this bakkie runs so deep that owners gathered at NAMPO in May to attempt a world record for the most Hilux vehicles assembled in one place. The ninth-generation model made its debut this year, yet spotting one on the road still feels like an event.
When I spent a week with it, the Hilux became a conversation starter wherever I went. Even police officers stopped to ask, Which Legend is this now?
That curiosity says more than sales figures ever could. South Africans from all walks of life have voted with their wallets, making the Hilux the country's best-selling vehicle. But numbers alone do not explain the affection.
A legend refreshed
The Hilux has long outgrown the idea that a bakkie belongs only on a farm, at a mine or on a construction site. The new model looked perfectly at home outside a Sandton shopping centre, turning heads with the confidence of something far sportier.
It also changed my weekend habits. I found myself volunteering for grocery runs simply to spend more time behind the wheel. Then, completely out of character, I offered to visit a friend on the West Rand on a Saturday afternoon. Me, the person who guards weekends jealously and happily becomes a hermit.
That is the pull of this Hilux. From its elevated driving position, I felt in control, with a clear view of the road. Its bold new face gives it presence, yet it remains unmistakably Hilux, ready for work, but polished enough for a restaurant, a road trip or a weekend escape.
Easy company
What surprised me most was how quickly it stopped feeling like a big bakkie. In city traffic, it was easy to place and uncomplicated to drive. On the open road towards the West Rand, it settled into the journey with the calm, comfortable character of a refined SUV.
That matters because Hilux owners do not live only on farms or building sites. This is also the vehicle doing the school run, carrying a family away for a long weekend and covering long distances between towns. The cabin feels spacious and polished, but not so precious that muddy shoes, luggage or the cheerful mess of family travel would ruin the experience.
Connected to life
The technology makes the most sense when it quietly improves everyday life. Through the MyToyota app, selected models let owners prepare the cabin temperature remotely, lock or unlock the doors, and receive vehicle and security alerts.
On a cold Johannesburg morning, warming the cabin before leaving home is not technology for show. It is the kind of small luxury that quickly becomes part of the routine. Being able to check on or locate the vehicle adds another layer of reassurance.
Still our Hilux
Perhaps that is why the Hilux keeps winning South Africans over. It has not abandoned the toughness and dependability that built its reputation. It has simply made room for the rest of its owner's life.
Perhaps that is why the Hilux keeps winning South Africans over. It has not abandoned the toughness and dependability that built its reputation. It has simply made room for the rest of its owner's life.
Pricing
The new Toyota Hilux Double Cab range starts from R658 500 for the SRX 4x2, making it the entry point into the new generation for lifestyle and family buyers. At the other end of the range, the flagship Legend MHEV 4x4 is priced at R999 900. With several derivatives positioned between the two, buyers can choose a Hilux that suits their needs, whether the priority is everyday driving, adventure or serious 4x4 capability.
