Tow Test: Toyota Hilux DC 2.8 GD-6 RB Raider

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If “location, location, location” is important when buying property, then surely “reputation, reputation, reputation” is equally important when buying a vehicle.

Toyota’s Hilux has been a top-selling bakkie since day one; and not only because of its sturdy workhorse ability, but also for it’s recreational use. It’s available in rear wheel drive or go-anywhere 4×4, with high and low gearing, in single cab or double cab, and in petrol or diesel configuration.

Over the years, I have been privileged to attend just about every Hilux launch since this model was introduced into South Africa. We have driven down Namibia’s treacherous coastline south of Walvis Bay, driven into the dormant volcano on Reunion island, competed in 4×4 driving competitions… it’s one tough bakkie: it’s a man’s bakkie!

Evolution, however, brings change. This can be a change for the better, or a change to make things cheaper – and sometimes the character changes. I believe the character has subtly changed on this latest Raider version and that this change has been brought about to fill a gap that not many other bakkie manufacturers have thought about: to make it equally appealing to women! The new Raider has a softer side. Make no mistake, it’s still as tough as nails, but the suspension has been tweaked for a softer ride when not carrying a load.

Ride comfort

The latest model tested here feels as if it has gone back to its grassroots heritage of a car converted to a bakkie, because this model feels more car-like than any other Raider I have driven. And top marks to Toyota for recognising this need.

The new Hilux also seems so much quieter to drive. The previous, clattery diesel engine now seems smoother, and road noise seems less; but what I like the most is the suspension and ride comfort. It still has leaf springs at the rear but these are progressive leaf springs that give a soft, car-like ride. That is, until you place a load in the vehicle, then the Hilux is back to its old capable self, riding on much heavier duty blades. Well done to Toyota for getting this right.

Inside the cab, it’s also more car-like than ever before – in its Raider specification, it’s probably too fancy for the hands-on farmer with his dusty, sweaty clothes on those smart, black-cloth covered seats. One imagines calloused fingers pressing the high gloss of the glass face of the digital command panel.

But for mom and the family on holiday, here is a good all-rounder, and with a decent canopy, this a vehicle one could grow old with, after having explored life.

As a towcar

Unlike sedans and SUVs, bakkies are governed by GCM (gross combined mass) when used as tow cars. This is because they are equipped with load-carrying bays, which in some instances can accommodate up to a ton. Imagine a fully-loaded bakkie towing a caravan, the weight would overload the brakes and other bits!

The GCM of this Raider is 5 850kg, so the total weight of the Raider, caravan and everything not supplied as standard or bolted-down items, must collectively be equal to, or less than, that. Winches, bullbars, extra fuel tanks, canopy, dual battery systems etc, all need to be deducted from available payload.

Toyota rate the maximum towing capacity of the Raider as 3 500kg. One must realise that this is their rating only, and not necessarily legal. The caravan (or what is being towed) cannot be heavier than the Tare of the bakkie (unless additional vacuum brakes are fitted to the caravan or trailer). Another technicality is that of the towbar, which has a maximum rating of 130kg down force.

As regards engine power, the 2.8 litre turbo diesel delivers 130kW at 3 400rpm and you will feel the 420Nm torque from a low 1 400rpm. At 2 000rmp, it accelerates well, even with the weight of the 1 450kg Sprite Tourer behind. At 100km/h in 5th gear, engine revs are still just 2 000rpm, and in 6th (top gear) engine revs drop to a low 1 500rpm – right in the torque band.

This combination will do zero to 60km/h in 4.73 seconds, or to 100km/h in 15.72 seconds, and it will return a fuel consumption of 12.98L/100km on the flat, open road.

As for stability, you can’t beat the length of the 3085mm wheelbase. It controls the Sprite Tourer SP well, though this is a fabulous towing caravan in itself. The ride comfort does harden up with the caravan hitched on and I would suggest placing any weighty items in the Raider’s load bay, to make the rear suspension work.

Gears and gadgets

The Raider has too many features to mention them all here. Some gadgetry, however, includes i-MT, Eco mode and Power mode buttons. When i-MT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) is activated, it makes gear-changing a breeze – it automatically lifts the engine revs to match changing down a gear so you don’t have to blip the engine, and so gives you a jerk-free gear change.

Dialling in 4×4 is also as simple as the turn of a knob. And, if you need more traction, there is another rocker button to select diff lock. Remember the bad old days of getting out of the vehicle and engaging free wheel hubs? Thumbs up to technology.

The 6-speed manual transmission gets the engine revs down for fuel economy, but it caught me out fairly often when going from reverse to first gear quickly. There is a gate to go into reverse and it requires a complete shift into neutral before going into first, otherwise it stays in reverse and instead of going forward you go backwards!

The central digital control panel has all the features one would ever want, bar a GPS. For caravanners and those who tow trailers, there is the ever-useful reverse camera, ideal for aligning the towball and great for shopping centre parking too. Other basic functions include audio, MP3 and Bluetooth cellphone connection.

Conclusion

The new Toyota Raider is more car-like in terms of comfort and appointment than ever before. Under all that paint, hi-tech gadgetry and plush upholstery, it is still that solid workhorse. The decision whether to buy a Raider with a load bay at the back or a Fortuner is a tough one. The raider is a mixture of both… tough call for a tough bakkie.

At the time of going to print, the Hilux DC2.8 GD-6 Raider starts at R478 700.