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Out-sparking its rivals – the New Toyota Hilux 48V

Out-sparking its rivals – the New Toyota Hilux 48V
The new Hilux 48V, with its mild hybrid tech, is a far cry from its earlier predecessors. (Photo: TSAM)
Melinda Ferguson
By Melinda Ferguson
3 Jul 2024
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In the ongoing battle of the bakkies, Toyota has added some spark to the highly competitive local segment, with the introduction of the first new energy-assisted double cab in SA – the Hilux Raider 48V.

The Hilux has consistently been the local market leader in bakkies ever since it debuted here in 1969. That’s unless you count a few times in the 1990s when Isuzu took its crown. 

Last year saw one of those rare times when the Ford Ranger managed to steal the Hilux’s mantle in the double cab segment, although Toyota still managed to retain its “bestselling bakkie” crown when single cab sales were included.

It also must be said that the present 8th generation Hilux has been around since 2015, while Ford’s new Ranger was introduced to the market in late 2022, accompanied by a massive marketing campaign and huge fanfare. And while there is much speculation on when the 9th generation Hilux will be unveiled, Japanese-owned Toyota, renowned for fiercely guarding trade secrets, has yet to announce an ETA.

History of the Hilux


hilux generations A few of the early-generation Hiluxes. (Photo: Toyota SA Facebook page)



When it debuted in March 1968, the Hilux (derived from the words “high” and “luxury”) was a far cry from what we see on the roads today. 

Underpinned by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, and a 4-speed manual gearbox with a column shifter, the first generation only had space for three passengers and a paltry payload capacity of 1,000kg.

In late 1969, when it first appeared on local soil, Toyota SA managed to sell a grand total of 386 units at R1,525 apiece. The following year saw local sales rocket to 7,380 units – and so began the Hilux’s dominant march. 

Just four years after its debut, the second-generation Japanese pickup landed in both long- and short-wheelbase guise. The petrol-only engines had increased in power, with a 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre four-cylinder on offer. The year 1975 was a stellar one for the Hilux in SA, selling a then record-breaking 13,500 units. 

When it came to comfort, there were significant differences in the 3rd generation Hilux which debuted in 1978; the most standout being that it now came with a diesel engine – and 4x4 capabilities were introduced. 

Back then, brand ambassadors were not the buzzwords they are today, but Toyota in Saudi Arabia managed to get huge media exposure when Muhammad Ali spearheaded a Hilux sales campaign in the Middle East. 

The 1983 fourth generation was a groundbreaker in that it was the first bakkie to come in double cab guise. By 1986, four million Hiluxes had sold globally. 

In SA, we skipped out on getting the 5th generation, but by the time the 6th generation landed in 1998, 500,000 new Hiluxes had found homes in SA. This generation had grown substantially in power, with either a 2.7-litre petrol or 3.0-litre diesel engine on offer. It had also upped its stakes in comfort and safety. 

Not long after the 7th generation Hilux was up for grabs in 2004, Toyota announced that its KZN manufacturing plant, Prospecton, would start producing Hiluxes for local and export purposes.

In 2015, an all-new 8th-gen Hilux landed with a marketing tagline “redefining toughness”. It had the comfort of a luxury sedan while improving on its legendary ruggedness and off-road capabilities.

The mild hybrid 48V Raider


Toyota Hilux 48V spark The recently launched Toyota Hilux Raider 48V. (Photo: TSAM)



On a recent trip to the KZN Midlands, I got to test drive Toyota’s latest Hilux offering, the 2.8 GD-6 48V Raider, offering mild hybrid assistance – a first when it comes to new energy vehicle tech in the local bakkie market. 

Just to be clear, the “new” 48V Raider is not a full hybrid, which traditionally can propel a vehicle on electric power alone at limited speeds. While there have been no changes to its engine, what is on offer is a 48V lightweight lithium-ion battery that’s strategically placed under the back seats to take up as little room as possible. The 7.6kg battery is made up of 13 cells, offering a total of 207 Watts of stored energy.

Toyota Hilux 48V The Hilux 48V can be differentiated by its logo on the driver’s door. (Photo: TSAM)



Technically speaking, the mild hybrid tech is primarily aimed at improving efficiency by capturing energy that would usually be lost during braking and deceleration. This, according to Toyota, results in improved fuel economy of between 7-11%. 

There’s also a boost in performance with an increase of 12 kW of power and 65 Nm of torque, which takes the 2.8 litre 48V Raider to 162 kW and 565 Nm. (On a side note, the 48V hybrid tech is also available in the Hilux top-of-the-range Legend as well as in the Fortuner.)

The drive


On launch from Durban to the KZN Midlands at the foothills of the chilly Drakensberg, our 2.8 GD-6 48V Hilux Raiders created quite a stir when we stopped for coffee breaks. The fleet stood out more than usual because it brandished some of Toyota's recently launched accessories range. 

“My” Raider made me look like a proper farm girl with its crossbars. Others had huge rooftop tents, bike carriers and fridges.

The Hilux was in its element on a mixed bag of surfaces, from highways to gravel to pothole-destroyed asphalt. Acceleration was brisk; in fact, it was hard to keep the Raider below the national limit in speed camera-heavy KZN. 

The 48V battery assistance added to its power and torque and worked seamlessly with its diesel engine, especially when stop/starting. I was reminded of how good the suspension is in the Hilux as we sailed over some truly horrible surfaces that had been damaged by the recent tornado that did serious damage to parts of KZN in June.

Toyota Hilux 48V spark The new Hilux 48V, with its mild hybrid tech, is a far cry from its more distant predecessors. (Photo: TSAM)



While Toyota claims fuel consumption at 9l/100km in the 4x4 models, allowing for a range of around 1,000km, my numbers came in at just under 10l/100km which was pretty impressive, considering that I travelled much of the route in the more thirsty “Sport mode”. 

For those hardcore off-roaders who like to wade through rivers of up to 700mm deep in their Hiluxes, the 48V battery and converter on the Hilux (and Fortuner) has a waterproof casing.

Besides being known for its toughness and durability, the secret to the Hilux’s success in South Africa probably lies in its Toyota badge, associated with reliability, a reputation for good service and reasonable pricing. The fact that it’s locally produced also adds to its appeal. And there’s plenty of proof by way of sales figures that the Hilux has become SA’s favourite bakkie.

Over the past 55 years, it’s sold over 1.5 million units locally, outselling its main competitors year after year. Globally, the Hilux has sold more than 26 million units. 

The 8th generation is obviously on its run-out cycle so the new energy 48V tech will add a new spark to its relevance in this fiercely competitive segment. DM

Pricing:


Hilux Raider 2.8 GD-6 DC AT 48V — R785,400.
Hilux Raider 2.8 GD-6 4×4 DC AT 48V — R876,600.

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