Toyota recently celebrated 50 years of Hilux in SA with the introduction of the Legend 50 model.
It effectively replaces the Raider specification and will be the last bakkie to carry the “Legend” nomenclature in South Africa. So there won’t be a Legend 55 or Legend 60. We’ve no idea what Toyota is going to replace it with, but we’re told we can expect exciting things in the future.
As for the Legend 50, it’s the same Hilux you know and love. Still rugged, still capable off-road and only available with the 2.8-litre diesel and 4.0-litre V6 petrol in manual and automatic.
The exterior changes include full black-out treatment for the upper and lower front grille, new fog-lamp surrounds, silver lower bumper guard, Legend 50 badging and LED headlamps with daytime running lights.
From the side you’ll notice black side protective mouldings, chrome exterior mirrors and door handles and black side steps. At the rear is a customised styling bar, more Legend 50 badges, heavy-duty tonneau cover and satin-silver roof rails. The upgrades also include a black rear bumper, smoked taillamps and tailgate badging, complete the visual package. A low-profile towbar is fitted as standard.
The wheel and tyre package consists of Legend 50-specific two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels shod with 265-60-R18 all-terrain tyres.
On the inside the extended cab and double cab models get leather trim with blue stitching, a chrome accent strip across the dash and branded scuff plates and carpet set.
The infotainment system has also been upgraded, featuring an enlarged 8-inch display (now flush mounted and integrated into the dashboard) with additional rotary dials for volume and tune functions. The unit also features key-function shortcut buttons, touchscreen interface, on-board satellite navigation, DVD, USB, Bluetooth and Aux interfaces. Steering wheel operability and a reverse camera adds comfort and convenience.
Smart entry (keyless) and push-start ignition functionality now join the specification inventory on Xtra Cab and Double Cab Legend 50 models.
The premium over the outgoing Raider models is around R30 000, which isn’t all that bad considering the added kit.
Some might feel let down that Toyota hasn’t done more to celebrate this significant milestone, but why mess with a recipe when it’s already selling up a storm?
Last month Toyota sold more than 4700 units, most of them double cab.
The Legend 50 line-up is as follows:
Body Type | Model | Price |
Single Cab | Hilux SC 2.8 GD-6 RB Legend 50 MT | R 472 000 |
Hilux SC 2.8 GD-6 RB Legend 50 AT | R 491 100 | |
Hilux SC 2.8 GD-6 4X4 Legend 50 MT | R 537 700 | |
Hilux SC 2.8 GD-6 4X4 Legend 50 AT | R 557 100 | |
Xtra Cab | Hilux XC 2.8 GD-6 RB Legend 50 MT | R 511 100 |
Hilux XC 2.8 GD-6 RB Legend 50 AT | R 530 200 | |
Hilux XC 2.8 GD-6 4X4 Legend 50 MT | R 578 800 | |
Hilux XC 2.8 GD-6 4X4 Legend 50 AT | R 598 200 | |
Double Cab | Hilux DC 2.8 GD-6 RB Legend 50 MT | R 579 100 |
Hilux DC 2.8 GD-6 RB Legend 50 AT | R 598 500 | |
Hilux DC 2.8 GD-6 4X4 Legend 50 MT | R 647 600 | |
Hilux DC 2.8 GD-6 4X4 Legend 50 AT | R 668 800 | |
Hilux DC 4.0 V6 4X4 Legend 50 AT | R 712 100 |