Toyota has confirmed that a new Hilux GR Sport III is currently “under study” for a launch in South Africa. Here’s what we know about this widebody bakkie so far…
Toyota South Africa Motors has confirmed to Cars.co.za that a new Hilux GR Sport III double cab is currently “under study” for a possible local introduction.
Thus far, Mzansi has seen 2 versions of the Hilux GR Sport offered locally. The first came in mid-2019, with a revised iteration (replete with extra power and torque) hitting the local market in September 2022. While both the original and the current SA-spec model feature standard bodies, the Thailand-built Hilux GR Sport available in markets such as Australia boasts a widebody configuration.
Back in February 2023, Toyota SA Motors hinted to us that a widebody version of the Hilux GR Sport (or “GR-S”, for short) could eventually be sold here as well. And it seems such a launch remains very much on the cards.
Why? Well, Toyota’s division in the United Kingdom has just released fresh images and information on the new Euro-spec Hilux GR Sport (pictured here), which upgrades to the widebody configuration. Considering markets in Europe source their Hilux units from the Prospecton factory in KwaZulu-Natal, we asked Toyota SA Motors if the updated GR Sport was in line for a local introduction, too.
“Toyota UK and Europe’s product timing and model line-up differs quite substantially from our market. As such, they’ve also followed a different model and specification strategy we cannot comment on at this stage. However, I can confirm that Hilux GR-S III is under study for possible local introduction,” a spokesperson for the Japanese brand’s South African division told Cars.co.za.
It’s interesting to note the updated Prospecton-produced Hilux GR Sport is scheduled to hit the market in Europe only during the 2nd half of 2024. What this means for timing of a possible local introduction remains to be seen.
Like the Aussie version, the UK-spec model gains a wider track, increased by 140 mm fore (to 1 675 mm) and 155 mm aft (to 1 705 mm) compared to the standard Hilux, increasing the double-cab bakkie’s overall width to 2 020 mm. This, says the automaker, creates a “confidence-inspiring ride whatever the weather or road conditions”.
As a result, Toyota bills the latest GR Sport as the “best-driving Hilux yet, on and off-road”, thanks to the wider track and “significant improvements” in handling characteristics, including a reduced roll angle and “more precise” steering response. There is also ostensibly less noise and vibration, while the suspension and brakes (larger front discs and new rear discs in place of the previous drums) have furthermore been revised.
The bakkie’s approach angle improves from 29 to 30 degrees, while ride height grows by 20 mm (improving ground clearance to about 265 mm). New monotube dampers take the place of the previous twin-tube items, apparently providing “better performance and faster response in tough conditions”, while the lighter 17-inch wheels are again wrapped in all-terrain tyres.
Styling changes for the UK-spec Hilux GR Sport include red coil springs and coloured dampers (black at the front and red at the rear), plus chunky black overfenders and red brake callipers. There’s also a new black grille (complete with bold “Toyota” lettering), a silver front bashplate and an interesting “aero-styled sport bar and deck cover”.
Inside, you’ll find a smattering of red accents, along with paddle shifters, alloy pedals and crimson-hued seatbelts. The Hilux GR Sport’s front seats have been upholstered in a combination of black synthetic suede and leather, with silver stitching and perforations.
Though the model for the UK market sticks with the standard 150 kW/500 Nm tune for the 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine (which again drives all 4 wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission), we’d expect the SA-spec version – should it receive the green light, of course – to stick with the updated version of this motor, which churns out a healthier 165 kW and 550 Nm.
More details as and when we have them…
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