Fiat’s Brazilian division has given its Toro double cab bakkie a midlife makeover and although it’s almost certainly not destined for South Africa, we can’t help but wonder what kind of market might exist for a little truck like this.
Unlike traditional one-tonners, the Toro is a compact-to-medium unibody bakkie that straddles the lines between a traditional bakkie and a modern crossover vehicle. Slotting above the Fiat Strada, which was sold in South Africa in its previous incarnation, the Toro will soon have to compete with new entrants like the upcoming Ford Maverick as well as the production version of the Tarok concept that Volkswagen is reportedly working on.
The Toro has been updated for 2021 with a host of exterior design changes as well as a fresh interior and a new turbo engine option. The bakkie is available in five flavours – Endurance, Freedom, Volcano, Ranch and Ultra – and the latter two receive a more comprehensive frontal facelift, which includes a bolder Ram-inspired grille. Incidentally, the Toro is sold as the Ram 1000 in certain South American markets.
On the engine front, Fiat is offering a new 1.3-litre turbopetrol option, which produces 138 kW when fuelled with ethanol and 134 kW when petrol is in the tank. More impressive, however, is the maximum torque figure of 270 N.m from 1750rpm. Buyers can also opt for a cheaper 1.8-litre normally aspirated engine or a 2-litre turbodiesel. As with the new turbopetrol unit, the diesel is offered with a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Fiat also offers a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, depending on the variant.
Fiat has redesigned the Toro’s cabin, which features a digital instrument cluster and new 25.6cm infotainment system, and according to Fiat the vehicle also features a class-leading array of connected services.
The Toro is currently not produced in right-hand drive format, but if it was – would you like to see it in South Africa?
