How things have changed. When I was growing up, bakkies were consigned to plots, farms and manufacturing facilities. The idea of a utilitarian bakkie as a conventional passenger vehicle would have been sniffed at back then. Unsurprisingly, the sight of one on the streets of suburbia was rare.
Now they are a dime a dozen. And a lot swankier. The degree of comfort, technological prowess and convenience that these sophisticated workhorses afford their drivers and passengers is now on a par with most passenger vehicles.
But toughness has not been lost in the pursuit of sophistication. Remember that Top Gear episode featuring a bakkie that kept going despite being clobbered with a wrecking ball, crashed into a tree, having a caravan dropped on it, submerged in water and even set on fire? That was a Toyota Hilux.
While I was not about to resort to that type of torture in my testing of the Toyota Hilux Legend 2.8 GD-6 4x4 RS double-cab, I was keen to ascertain whether toughness endured in the new flagship. So, I made my way to true bakkie country and got my answer on the banks of the Vaal River.
Modern, bold expression
Aimed specifically at the leisure user, the Hilux Legend, Toyota’s new flagship-grade, comes with more presence. The design language still retains that Hilux ruggedness, albeit with a more modern appearance.
An imposing front façade features LED headlights and fog lamps, and a black outlined trapezoidal grille integrated with the front bumper, bonnet protector and skid plate.
Style improvements have produced a sportier profile too, courtesy of 18-inch alloy wheels, bold wheel arches and chunky footplate, while rear treatment includes a graphite rear bumper and Legend-specific tailgate garnish.
Improved comfort and functionality
This story is from the 4 February 2021 edition of Finweek English.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 4 February 2021 edition of Finweek English.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE HEALTH OF SA'S MEDICAL SCHEMES
As the Covid-19 pandemic abates, finweek takes a look at the financial performance of some of the largest players.
The effect of Gilbertson's departure
With Ntsimbintle Holdings now the major shareholder of Jupiter Mines, it could change SA’s manganese industry.
Making money from music
Why investors are increasingly drawn to the music industry.
Conviction is key
Sandy Rheeder plays a critical role in Mukuru’s mission to open up financial services to the emerging consumer market in Africa through tailor-made technology solutions and platforms.
The post-pandemic toolkit
How CFOs can use technology to support growth.
Big city living exodus
Mini cities like Waterfall City and Steyn City are redefining city-style apartment living.
Big compact, big value
Handsome, with a hefty level of standard specification, the roomy Haval Jolion compact crossover is a great value proposition.
On barriers to entry
There are various ways in which a company or sector can achieve competitive dominance. They usually make for good investments.
Fear and greed in one index
To buck the trend, when markets are hot or cold, is a tough thing to do. However, it can deliver solid returns.
Africa's largest data centre facility coming soon
Vantage Data Centers plans to invest over R15bn for its first African data centre facility in Attacq’s Waterfall City.
