The Hilux bakkie needs no introduction. It’s one of the most popular selling vehicles on our roads and does duty in almost every terrain. So to celebrate one of South Africa’s most iconic vehicles, Hilux has introduced a Legend 45 edition, building on the brand’s 45-year history that has undergone a few epic adventures in its lifespan, including visits to the Arctic tundra and the sweltering hot Kalahari desert.
It’s a product that’s built a sound reputation and continues to evolve as the bakkie forges a new way for the brand. There’s no denying its ability and hardworking attitude but the level of comfort has become a factor when purchasing this type of vehicle and while VW might own it in the segment, in terms of touch and feel with its Amarok, the Hilux certainly isn’t lacking in the comfort and quality department.
→ So what’s new?
From the outset, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any massive changes to the Hilux but the new Legend 45 nameplate will be applied to all Raider (high spec) production models. This value-for-money, special edition 45 package is available in 4x2 Raised Body and 4x4 form across all variants - Single Cab, Xtra Cab and Double Cab. In total there are 13 different Legend 45 model variants.
Setting this model apart from the rest, includes new headlamp and front fog lamp design with black-out detail, while a steel front nudge bar also makes an appearance at the front. Moving to the rear, you’ll find new smoked taillights and a towbar as standard and a stainless rear step bumper, along with Legend 45 badging on the tailgate and side decals as well as on the nudge bar.
The matte black side steps and colour-coded door handles with chrome finish mirrors give the Hilux a more planted stance, which is complemented by the multi-spoke 17-inch anthracite alloy wheels.
→ Inside bits
Moving into the cabin, a full black interior and leather seats with silver contrast stitching on the seats, door panels, steering wheel and shift lever boot (manual) make an appearance. While the reverse camera now added to Xtra Cab Legend 45 models as well as 2.5 D-4D and 2.7 VVTi Legend 45 models (standard on all other Double Cab Legend 45 models) is a nice touch, particularly when trying to park its bulky physique into a modern-day shopping mall’s parking bay.
→ On the road again
So, as I’m sure you can tell, the changes are mostly cosmetic as Toyota gives the Hilux one last refresh before the all-new model arrives. And there’s nothing wrong with a little nip ‘n tuck to keep the most popular bakkie… well… popular.
The engine line-up remains unchanged and the 2.5 D-4D, 2.7 VVTi and the 3.0 D-4D all do duty in the Legend 45 along with the hefty 4.0-litre V6.
The drive quality and handling is exactly what we’ve come to expect from the Hilux and remains unchanged.
→ Pricing:
Legend 45 Single Cab
2.7 VVTi 4x2 Raised Body R300 200
3.0 D-4D4x2 RB R345 100
3.0 D-4D 4x4 R401 200
Legend 45 Xtra Cab
3.0 D-4D 4x2 RB R374 100
3.0 D-4D 4x4 R430 400
Legend 45 Double Cab
2.5 D-4D 4x2 RB R411 900
2.7 VVTi 4x2 RB R377 900
3.0 D-4D 4x2 RB R438 300
3.0 D-4D 4x2 RB auto R452 000
3.0 D-4D 4x4 R495 500
3.0 D-4D 4x4 auto R509 300
4.0 V6 4x2 RB auto R451 200
4.0V6 4x4 auto R533 900
