In the maelstrom of new models and concept cars at this year’s Johannesburg International Motor Show, one could be forgiven for not noticing the Heritage Editions of three of South Africa’s most loved vehicles – the Corolla, Hilux and Fortuner.
In terms of sales, however, these locally-produced models are unashamedly the sales leaders in their respective categories. They’re also proudly South African and to commemorate the company’s historic 50-year milestone in this country, Toyota is making these three models available in limited, 50-year Heritage Editions. What the Heritage Editions offer over their more ubiquitous stablemates is a significant increase in luxury and interior specifications, but without breaking the bank – in fact, offering more for less is one of the major selling points of these models (see accompanying price list).
Starting with the evergreen Toyota Corolla in either 74kW Optimal Drive 1.3 or 90kW 1.6 guise, Heritage Edition niceties over-and-above the standard Corolla 1.3 and 1.6 Advanced include full leather upholstery, a two-tone dashboard treatment, unique “Heritage Edition” badging and embroidered carpet sets. This rounds off an already high specification level that includes Optitron instrumentation, a powerful sound system with USB, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, remote steering wheel controls, electric windows, remote central locking and 16” alloy wheels.
The Fortuner 3.0 D-4D (120kW at 3400rpm and 343Nm at 1400rpm - 3200rpm) and 4.0 V6 (175kW at 5200rpm and 376Nm at 3800rpm) in both raised body and four-wheel drive variants are the next Heritage Edition beneficiaries. Extras include a stainless steel nudge bar with matching side steps, a tow bar, specific Heritage Edition 17” alloy wheels, Heritage badging and an embroidered carpet set. (Leather upholstery is a standard fitment across the Fortuner range.) These enhancements perfectly complement the new-look Fortuner with its re-designed front and rear end, most noticeable of which are the striking new bumpers, radiator grille, headlamps, tail lights, colour-coded exterior mirrors with integrated indicators, roof rails and rear spoiler with a high-mount brake light.
The recently upgraded Hilux in Raider Double Cab manual or auto guise is the final model to get the Heritage Edition treatment. Additional kit includes a stainless-steel nudge bar and matching side steps, a tow bar, 17” alloys, leather seats with matching leather door panels, an embroidered carpet set and a reverse parking camera. A choice of three engine variants power the Hilux Heritage Editions – the 2.7 VVT-i with outputs of 118kW at 5200rpm and 241Nm at 3800rpm; the 3.0 D-4D producing 120kW at 3400rpm and 343Nm at 1400rpm - 3200rpm; and the 4.0 V6 with 175 kW at 5200 rpm and 376 Nm at 3800 rpm on tap.
Kerry Roodt, General Manager: Marketing Communications, says: “With the focus on style, technology and comfort, the Heritage Editions add just that little bit of extra gloss to our stalwart, locally-built models. The fact that they represent true value for money and are a fitting celebration of Toyota’s 50th year in South Africa, is an added bonus.”
STORY BY TOYOTA
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