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Toyota's new 165kW Hilux GR Sport further reinforces the special edition lineage

Toyota has released another GR version of its all-conquering Hilux bakkie simply known as the GR Sport.

It is the second GR iteration of the Hilux, following the debut model that launched in 2019 and positions the Hilux GR-S as the hero model of the range. The GR Sport is priced at R865 400.

Starting on the outside, the Hilux GR-S boasts a black front grille, horizontal cross bar finished in a carbon-fibre pattern, and chrome Toyota lettering. It comes with LED headlights and integrated LED foglights.

The bumpers are based on the Raider model design that features wider black overfenders with contrasting inserts, along with black mirror caps, black door handles, graphite-coloured side steps and GR-branded rear styling bar.       

Arizona Red, Graphite Grey, Attitude Black and Glacier White are the body colours on offer and customers can further customise their bakkie with GR side decals on the doors that can be ordered and installed as an optional extra (depending on exterior colour chosen).

The interior is made distinctive with a new instrument cluster, a perforated leather-trim steering wheel with red contrast stitching and GR badging, aluminium pedals and a GR-branded Push Start button. A carbon-fibre trim with red accent trim, racing-inspired front seats with Alcantara inserts, GR badging on the headrests and red accent panels serve as the rest of interior bits.


Engine & Drivetrain

Under the bonnet is the familiar turbodiesel 2.8-litre 4-cylinder engine, though outputs have been increased to 165kW and 550Nm, up from 150kW and 500Nm, courtesy of a special ECU calibration. Only one drivetrain configuration is offered in the form of a 4x4 transaxle mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Auto LSD function and Aluminium paddle shifters thrown in the mix as well. Eco and Power are the drive modes on offer.

Toyota also tweaked the chassis with new monotube shock absorbers and stiffer coil springs that works together with the 17-inch alloy wheels.

In addition to the usual ABS, VSC, EBD, Hill Assist Control (HAC) systems, the bakkie comes with safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and Pre-Collision System (PCS). Added to that is keyless entry, retractable and power-adjustable side mirrors, automatic headlights, auto door lock, park distance control (PDC), reverse camera, dual-zone climate control, air-conditioned upper glove box, Multi-Information Display (MID), one-touch power windows, integrated power outlets (in 220 and 12-volt format) and a new panoramic surround camera.

The touchscreen infotainment system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, along with steering wheel switch integration, Bluetooth and USB inputs.

If you're not too clued up about the GR brand hierarchy, it comprises of four tiers as laid out below:

  • GR Parts (currently under investigation for SA) - allows customers to customise their standard model.
  • GR-Sport - offers cosmetic and dynamic handling enhancements, as seen in models like the Corolla Cross, Hilux, Land Cruiser 300.
  • GR performance - this represents fully-fledged performance models like the GR86, GR Yaris, GR Supra.
  • GRMN - represents the highest level of performance tuning.

All models are sold with a nine-services or 90 000km service plan, three-year or 100 000km mechanical warranty and come equipped with Toyota Connect, including a complimentary 15Gb in car Wi-Fi allocation.

Now that you’ve got the knowledge, it’s time to shop! Head to gumtree.co.za or your Gumtree app (click for Apple & Android) and don’t forget to use your location settings to find local automotive vehicle information close to home.