HARDER- HITTING HILUX

In an effort to capture even more market share in the bustling leisure-bakkie segment, Toyota has launched its boldest and sportiest model yet. The 165 kW Hilux GR-S is the brand's second locally to feature the GR badge

- Damian Adams

As we flew over the Greater Kruger region, coming in to land at East gate Airport, where the spectacular Mirage fighter jet once paraded itself at what was then Air Force Base Hoedspruit, a growing buzz and excitement filled the cabin. We watched wide-eyed tourists from foreign countries and listened to them share our keenness and sentiments in different languages as we all anticipated the safari experience that lay ahead. Try as we might, nothing could have prepared us for the experience, and there was no better way to spend time with the box-fresh and highly anticipated Toyota Hilux GR-S.

We were warmly welcomed in sweltering 36-degree heat by our tour guides in a roofless Toyota Land Cruiser game-viewing vehicle before heading towards our accommodation at Kapama Private Game Lodge. Although the drive was short, it was certainly not lacking in goose-bump moments as we enjoyed several wildlife sightings. The highlight was just metres before the entrance gate, where the long-legged traffic officer of the wild, fondly known as Gerry the Giraffe by Grade R pupils, welcomed us. Gerry had been keeping watch over a fleet of formidable double-cabs waiting outside the reception area.

After meeting up with team Toyota and our fellow media colleagues, it was time for the product briefing and presentation, where the Hilux GR-S's pricing, specs, performance and other details were discussed with the brand's product planner Mthobisi Cele.

BUFF BAKKIE

At the front, the GR-S sports a commanding black grille featuring a horizontal crossbar and Toyota lettering complemented by LED headlamps, alongside vertically stacked air ducts with integrated LED fog lamps. This aggressive nose unashamedly announces its presence in the rear-view mirror of the traffic ahead.