Rugged Toyota Hilux GR-S III Arrives In South Africa
The Toyota Hilux lineup has grown to accommodate the new GR-S III. This muscular-looking bakkie blends a powerful turbodiesel engine with rugged looks and GR-exclusive interior touches. The Hilux has always been one of South Africa’s most loved bakkies; this desirable iteration will undoubtedly cement that further.
Under the bonnet, you’ll find a powerful yet frugal 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that develops a substantial 165 kW and 550 N.m of torque. Power is sent to the drive wheels via a slick-shifting automatic transmission. Toyota has made several changes to the GR-S, with stronger brakes than lesser models. The front and rear brake discs now measure 17 and 15 inches, increasing stopping performance.
The imposing stance comes courtesy of a 20 mm boost in the ride height, which has improved the off-road abilities. The approach angle has increased from 29 to 30 degrees. There’s a 140 mm tread increase at the front and 155 mm at the rear, resulting in the Hilux’s athletic appearance. Toyota says the suspension now provides a “smoother and more stable” ride quality. New black-painted 17-inch wheels are wrapped in all-terrain tires to improve grip when venturing off-road.
Toyota’s Hilux GR-S is perfect for adventurous types. The bakkie can tow up to 3,500 kg while the payload capacity is limited to 1,000 kg. Building on the handsome looks of the standard Hilix, the GR-S takes things to the next level with its flared wheel arches and model-specific styling touches. This includes a black-painted G mesh grille with the classic ‘Toyota’ name logo, a silver underguard protector, a black rear bumper, and GR logos.
And it doesn’t stop there. Climb aboard the Hilux GR-S, and you’ll find that the cabin has also been littered with an array of special touches. Toyota has chosen a black monochromatic interior theme with red accents to underscore the sporty persona of the new Hilux variant. Other racy details include red-coloured seatbelts, silver stitching, and perforation for the suede/leather-trimmed sports seats. Speaking of the seats, Toyota says they provide optimal grip and comfort - just what you want when venturing off-road.
Equipment levels are high. An eight-inch touchscreen display controls the vehicle’s multimedia features, which include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audiophiles will be delighted to know that the GR-S ships standard with a JBL sound system. For that added sporting touch, the leather-covered sports steering wheel receives paddle shifters for the automatic gearbox, providing the driver with manual control over the transmission.
As for cost, you can expect to pay R999,000 for the Hilux GR-S. That price includes a three-year/100,000 km warranty and a nine-service/90,000 km service plan.
