Meet our latest project vehicle, a Toyota Hilux 2.4GD-6 4×4 SRX. The entry-level double cab Hilux was recently updated with a so-called wide-body – the same as the top 2.8GD-6 models. This is what’s on the menu for the Hilux.
The fight is well and truly on in the entry-level double cab segment. In recent times, Ford’s Ranger has reigned supreme in this market, with its base 2.2TDCi 4×2 models, which always seem to come with a ‘special deal’ of sorts, dominating the race. When Toyota introduced the all-new Hilux last year, the 2.4GD-6 was positioned to take the fight to the Ranger. But there was a hiccup: 2.4GD-6 double owners who wanted to upgrade the original SRX’s steel rims to populist alloys ended up with wheels that were too wide for the body. Some owners didn’t mind this stylistic challenge. Other potential clients saved a bit more for the 2.8GD-6, while others headed over to the Ford dealership and went the Ranger route. At the end of 2016, Toyota rectified the matter and introduced the enhanced SRX – with the 2.8GD-6’s wider body (55mm wider than the original SRX body) and alloy wheels.
For potential entry-level double cab clients who are not seduced by the R330 000 specials on entry-level Ford Ranger double cabs, the SRX now offers a more viable option, even if it still can’t compete with Ford’s specials (the list price for the cheapest Hilux 2.4GD-6 RB SRX is R442 700). The most affordable double cab Hilux is the 2.4GD-6 4×4 SR, which retails for R462 500 (with the previous narrow body and steel wheels). The SRX 4×4 model, like our project vehicle, sells for R468 800. Which brings us to project #SRS: our mission is to turn a run-of-the-mill SRX 4×4 into something infinitely more entertaining, fun and cool. It won’t be nearly as ‘wow!’ as Toyota’s own Hilux Rex from 2015, that model was fitted with a Lexus IS-F V8 engine (the same as used in the Toyota Gazoo Racing SA Dakar Hilux), and it cost far in excess of R1 million to build.
Our #SRS will follow a more Average Joe approach. In other words, the average Hilux owner can actually transform their own vehicle in a similar fashion without having to stage a cash-in-transit heist. This will include a performance exhaust and air filter, high-end OMP gear for the cabin, a ready-to-rally suspension system with rally wheels, tyres and discreet styling upgrades. In other words, a basic ‘motorsport’ upgrade that will cost a few pennies, but that will certainly not require the acquisition of a balaclava and an AK-47.