Toyota's new Hilux Legend 55 launched in SA - starting at R728,300

CapeTalk's Sara-Jayne Makwala King is joined by motoring journalist Melinda Ferguson for Car Talk on Weekend Breakfast.

'It's not a bakkie, it's the new Hilux Legend 55' - that's how Toyota is marketing the new Legend 55, which continues the legacy of South Africa's favourite bakkie.

As the name suggests, this new iteration celebrates 55 years of Hilux in our country, sporting several exclusive styling and feature upgrades to mark the occasion.

"Launched in South Africa in 1969 (globally in 1968), the Hilux has managed to take the bakkie-loving public by storm for 55 years... The sales figures show that they sell 2,500 to 3,000 a month."

Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist

The Legend 55 is powered by the familiar 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which delivers 150 kW and 500 Nm via a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Standout features which Ferguson highlights are the roller shutter, bespoke alloys and bashplate.

She also loves the colour range, which include the Dark Green Mica Metallic - 'a beautiful forest green', and the return of Sand Beige, which she predicts will be especially popular.

"The Legend 55 is also covered with lots of badges... and I love that when you open your driver door there are courtesy Legend 55 graphics that at night will shine on the ground."

Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist

The safety features make you feel very protected, Ferguson says, with seven airbags and very high ground clearance.

She also loved the ease and comfort of the drive.

"You just sail over any uneven parts of the road; that 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine is very powerful."

Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist

All four iterations of the Legend 55 come in at under R1 million.

The starting price is R728,300  for the Hilux 2.8GD-6 Xtra Cab 4×2 6AT, up to the top-of-the-range 8GD-6 Double Cab 4×4 6AT Legend 55 at R935,900.

Ferguson gives the Hilux Legend 55 a stellar 9/10 rating.

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Scroll up to the audio player to listen to Ferguson's review