The wide-bodied, mean-looking Hilux GR-Sport III rolled in to accompany us for a trip up to Elandskloof Farm, in Helderstroom. We take a look at what makes the sporty off-roader – which is just under one year old in the South African market – special.
The latest Gazoo Racing interpretation of the Toyota Hilux, despite retaining the same engine and output as the previous generation, makes a lot more sense than its fairly tame predecessor. The previous GR-S differentiated itself with an up-tuned engine, GR-specific suspension, some Dakar-inspired decals and red and black detailing, but the current GR-S III built on those foundations to present as a comprehensive performance-inspired off-road package. The GR-S III hits the road with a striking widebody kit, an uprated suspension (an improvement on the previous system) and factory-standard 265/65 R17 BF-Goodrich all-terrain footwear. While the changes seem slight, the difference is notable.
Related: Dune-Bashing in the Toyota Hilux GR-S III
While the double-cab had to lie in wait for a few days (taking up a bit too much space up and down Kloof Street with its flared wheel arches and widened track), a four-hour round-trip to a weekend festival near Greyton gave a good feel for how the latest GR-S drives, both on the road and through gravel stretches. Toyota’s distinguished 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel was up-rated for the previous GR-Sport and is still turning around in the GR-S III, delivering a crisp 165 kW and meaty 550 kW N.m. The standard Hilux puts out 150kW and 500 N.m, and it is the extra torque that was most notable to me in the GR-S III. The double-cab just seems to get stronger on inclines, leaving other vehicles in its wake thanks to the extra low-end grunt, but still moving smoothly through the six gears of the automatic box. While the GR-S’ robust drivetrain is a welcome feature in an off-road-oriented bakkie, it makes overtaking on the open road a highlight of the driving experience too.
While the previous GR-S had the same powertrain, the current model benefits from coupling the well-tuned engine and transmission to a suspension and chassis that is far more comfortable, confident and stable on and off the road. The wider track and improved monotube suspension make for a much more anchored drive, especially noticeable when taking corners, bracing for body roll, and feeling none at all. I found the sturdiness of the drive to be the highlight of the new GR-S and among the best in its segment. The last stretch to the Elandskloof Farm is a long, winding gravel road with lots of loose rock. We switched to four-wheel-high (4H) and comfortably navigated the dirt road, maintaining a decent speed but losing nothing in terms of stability or grip.
With just over 250 km covered by the time we got back to Cape Town, the drivetrain proved it’s worth not only in performance but economy too, with consumption sitting at 10.1 L/100 km. Not bad for a bakkie full of camping gear and a decent amount of gravel driving and time spent in 4H.
The GR-S III launched in South Africa in May 2024, and while official sales figures are yet to be disclosed, it is most probably doing its bit to keep the Toyota Hilux at the top of bakkie sales in South Africa. Priced at R999 000, The GR-S III makes a strong case for itself among competitors in the same price bracket, with beautiful styling, comprehensive off-road ability and fine-tuned, engaging performance.
Check out CAR Mag’s official road test of the GR-Sport (appeared in the August issue of 2024) here.
Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III Fast Facts
- Price: R999 000
- 0-100 km/h: 9.81 seconds
- Top speed: 175 km/h
- Power: 165 kW
- Torque: 550 N.m
- Consumption: 10.1 L/100 km
Images @Oliver_Driven
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