Toyota Hilux facelift: updated bakkie previewed in fresh renders…

A digital artist from Brazil has released a handful of renders showing what the facelifted Toyota Hilux bakkie could look like.

Renato Aspromonte created the renderings for @overboostbr, clearly drawing inspiration from seemingly leaked images published online late in April 2020.

Like the revised Hilux that appeared in those images, Aspromonte’s interpretation sees the bakkie gain a thoroughly updated front end similar to those of its Tacoma and Tundra cousins over in North America.

While the first render shows the popular double-cab bakkie with a chrome-effect grille surround and a new LED signature, the second image gives us an idea what a lower-spec version of the facelifted eighth-generation Hilux would look like with black trim, halogen headlamps and deleted foglamps.

Another render, meanwhile, shows the rear of the bakkie, complete with a fresh taillamp design (again, inspired by those “leaked” images).

Earlier reports suggested the Hilux’s mid-cycle update would also include a power hike for the 2,8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which is likely to gain enough extra oomph to match the Ford Ranger’s 3,2-litre five-cylinder for torque.

The bakkie is furthermore expected to gain minor revisions to its cabin, including an upgraded infotainment system complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Hilux, of course, is produced at Toyota South Africa Motors’ Prospecton plant in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and holds the title of the country’s best-selling vehicle (and best-selling double-cab). An upgraded version of the bakkie hit the local market in May 2018 in the form of the limited-edition Dakar, before the updated face was rolled out to other derivatives.