HILUX, KGALAGADI FARMERS’ MOST PREFERRED PICK-UP TRUCK
Africa is a continent of hard labour by default, and that calls for a perfect workhorse. In addition, the climate and the terrain of this great continent require a car that is made for just such elements.
For over many years trucks have gained popularity and great admiration from American farmers let alone car enthusiasts. The same can be said about Toyota which have cemented their dominance in Kgalagadi and Hilux is no exception. This Japan series of compact pick-up trucks have gained great popularity and admiration within Kgalagadi farmers throughout years.
To put its popularity into perspective, all Hilux models exist in the Kgalagadi region. Believe it or not, the third generation of Hilux (1978 RN 10) is still making a striking presence in the Kgalagadi roads. Known to many Bakgalagadi as Nare, this 1.8L Hilux can almost be seen in almost every village across Kgalagadi.
Like its sibling Toyota Land Cruiser, The tough, time proven, no nonsense Hilux is preferred in Kgalagadi due to its very low maintenance costs and perfect aerodynamics. But a lot of Hilux’s winning factor lies in its seemingly indestructible off-road ability. Despite the rough terrain that formed most of our routes out in Kgalagadi, the Hilux simply shrugged off the various farm terrain challenges it’s often subjected to with ease.
Despite tough competition from the pick-up arch-rivals like Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50, Isuzu KB, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan pick-up trucks and recently launched Mercedes Benz X-Class, Hilux continue enjoys a massive dominance in Kgalagadi. The Fourth generation of 2.2 and 2.4 Litre model is most prevalent in our land.
By virtue of their dominance, it seems like they have won Bakgalagadi hearts and needless to say I have great admiration for these beasts. This legendary Hilux, a truly dominant 4WD vehicle has been routinely taming the rugged terrains of Kgalagadi for many many years. In the process it has become an essential part of the lives of a wide variety of people around Kgalagadi, from farmers to retailers.
I asked one fellow who owns the legendary Hilux in Kang to explain to me why he loves the car. Lesego Mokale, who owns the 1988 Hilux 1.8 SR simply said “Hilux ke Pabhala”, meaning Hilux is a tough car. He said if you want to see the car in its element, you should just load it up with anything heavy such as livestock.
By the virtue of its reasonable fuel efficiency, good durability and impressive low to mid-range torque this workhorse is still loved by Kgalagadi car enthusiasts. It has actually become pretty rare and expensive car of its generation.
The latest seventh edition which comes with 2.0 GD, 2.7SRX, 2.4GD-6, 2.8 GD, 4.0 L V6, powertrains have already cemented t dominance in Kgalagadi. Like their predecessors, this Hilux has conquered the desert and it’s stylish enough to turn the heads in the process.
It’s phenomenal built-quality and unbreakable reputation in Kgalagadi stems from the sophistication and quality of its engineering. Detractors can scoff at the Hilux and its predecessors, but it’s not just Bakgalagadi driving sales. At the risk of sounding like I have been paid up the hype, the modern ute really is two vehicles in one these days: a work truck through the week and a family car on weekends, thanks to added creature comforts and safety features. I still believe that an array of advance features ensures that every Hilux is built to last and that it will remain unchallenged as Kgalagadi’s most popular and durable ute.
On the Photo:
The third generation Hilux is still making it’s presence felt in the Kgalagadi roads
Photo by: motoring.iafrica.com/
