Not too long ago, we reported that Toyota South Africa Motors had plans to launch a new limited-edition Hilux Dakar variant, debuting the fresh face first seen on the updated model unveiled in Thailand late in 2017. And now the local arm of the Japanese automaker has done just that with its bakkie range.

The updated front end of the eighth-generation bakkie features a Tacoma-style hexagonal grille, along with a fresh front bumper and heavily revised foglamps.

CARmag.co.za understands that while this new face has been initially applied to the Dakar derivatives only, other selected models will follow from mid-June. Thereafter, roll-out plans for the remaining models will be announced. Interestingly, Toyota says the new face doesn't "compromise" the Hilux’s ground clearance, approach, departure or breakover angles.

The Dakar model will be offered in four colours: Glacier White, Chromium Silver, Graphite Grey Metallic and Inferno Metallic (the latter being a new orange hue, pictured below).
Toyota Hilux Dakar

The special-edition model wears a “Dakar” badge on its blacked-out grille as well as the obligatory “Dakar” decals running along the bottom of its front doors (and on its tailgate). Other changes include partial leather upholstery, the addition of a touchscreen navigation system and gloss-black treatment for the exterior door handles and side-mirror caps.

While our earlier report suggested that the new special-edition would be offered exclusively with the 2,8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, worth an unchanged 130 kW (in both rear-wheel drive and 4×4 configurations, with the six-speed manual version making 420 N.m and the six-speed automatic 450 N.m), we’ve since learnt that the V6 petrol engine offered in the double-cab range has also been given the Dakar treatment.

Check out pricing below (each Dakar double-cab derivative costs around R19 000 more than the variant on which it is based, bar the V6, which bears a smaller premium of R10 900) and Toyota SA's new television advert for the Hilux Dakar below that...

Pricing:
Toyota Hilux 2,8 GD-6 RB Dakar Double Cab: R535 000
Toyota Hilux 2,8 GD-6 RB Dakar Double Cab AT: R553 400
Toyota Hilux 2,8 GD-6 4x4 Dakar Double Cab: R601 100
Toyota Hilux 2,8 GD-6 4x4 Dakar Double Cab AT: R621 000
Toyota Hilux 4,0 V6 4x4 Dakar Double Cab AT: R662 700

Original article from Car