Johannesburg - Toyota South Africa has introduced a restyled Hilux special edition called the Dakar.
The limited edition, now listed on the
, is set apart by a unique grille and bumper design that has been introduced as a facelift in certain overseas markets. The new design replaces the previous ‘stacked’ grille louvres with a more integrated trapezoidal treatment reminiscent of its Land Cruiser 200 big brother.
For now, however, the regular Raider and SRX models continue with the same frontal design as before.
In addition to the new front end, the Dakar Hiluxes are kitted out with gloss black exterior mirrors and door handles as well as Dakar logos. There’s a bespoke - and rather bright - Inferno Orange paint option too, in addition to the more sober Graphite Grey Metallic, Chromium Silver and Glacier White options that other Hilux buyers have.
Inside the features list is largely as per the range-topping Raider trim grade, except that the latter’s cloth seats make way for partial leather trim and the edition also gets standard satnav and some gloss black decorative trim.
For the record, all Raider and Dakar models come with a touchscreen audio system with reverse camera, automatic climate control, cruise control, seven airbags, stability and traction control, and Trailer Sway Control.
The Dakar is available in a wide range of configurations, essentially mirroring the Raider line-up, with engine options consisting of the familiar 2.8-litre GD-6 turbodiesel, with 130kW and 420-450Nm on tap, and the 4-litre normally aspirated V6 petrol (175kW/376Nm).
The Dakar diesel models command premiums of around R19 000 over the equivalent Raider models, while the V6 costs R11 000 extra.