Toyota is one of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world, frequently leading in sales in its respective segments.
The Toyota Motor Corporation is famously known for Toyota City, a city in Japan that was named after the company because it provided so much employment for local citizens. Toyota also boasts a world record for having one of the best-selling models– the Toyota Corolla, with millions sold internationally.
Toyota has also enjoyed success in international motorsport. Although their success in Formula One is limited, the brand holds a winning record in various other leading series such as Le Mans, the World Rally Championship, and the FIA Endurance Championship.
Toyota was started in 1933 as a division of the Toyoda Automatic Loom Works by Kiichiro Toyoda, who travelled through the United States and Europe during 1929 to investigate large-scale automotive production of gasoline-powered engines.
Due to economic strain in Japan after World War II, domestic vehicle production required heavy investments. The Japanese government motivated Toyoda to develop and produce its first model, the Model A1 passenger car in 1935.
Today, the Toyota Automotive Group is best known for its cars, although it still produces computerised electric sewing machines for the textile industry.
Toyota offers 26 models in its range, from light commercial vehicles to SUVs and hatchbacks. If you are looking to buy a Toyota, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Most of Toyota’s models are considered leaders in their segments, which is evident in their sales records; they often lead local sales and export figures.
Ranging from the Aygo and Etios in the budget segment, to the Corolla, Fortuner and RAV4 SUV, each model offers decent competition to other vehicles. Their leading model is the light commercial Hilux bakkie, selling thousands in South Africa and enjoying extensive exports.
Toyota South Africa has several dealerships across the country and you can find their models in various pre-owned dealerships, as they’re well-known for retaining their second-hand value.
Looking to buy another brand of vehicle? For information on other South African car manufacturers, visit our car buyers’ guide.
Often, you may find your Toyota car insurance is competitive and, because their models are considered to be among the most affordable and reliable on the market, it’s easy to understand why Toyota is a top seller.
However, be aware that some Toyota models may be considered to be high-risk for theft, as they are often sought-after for their parts.
Some of their models, such as the Corolla and Quantum Minibus, are frequently used as ridesharing cars and taxis. If you’re insuring your vehicle for these uses, know that your insurance risk may be different.
Toyota vehicles are among the most popular at car rental agencies. They offer excellent value for money for the agency and the customer because they’re seen as being reliable, affordable, and durable, while offering a range of specifications and features.
Many of their models have excellent fuel economy, whether you’re travelling on the open road or around the inner-city.
In South Africa, the Hilux is not only Toyota’s best-selling model, but it’s consistently in the top five best-selling bakkies. The entry-level Hilux model is the 2.0 VVTi 5MT and is often used in the construction, agricultural, and delivery industries. The 2.0L petrol engine delivers 102kW @ 5 600 r/min and 183Nm of torque @ 4 000 r/min, and the five-speed manual transmission transfers power to the rear-wheel drivetrain. This ensures a powerful towing capacity of 750 unbraked and 1 500 braked. It also boasts a large loading capacity, with a loading dimension of 2315 x 1575 x 480.
If you’re looking for a tough vehicle that can endure strenuous working conditions, coupled with a generous nine services/90 000 km service plan, the Hilux is a good choice.
The Toyota Hilux 2.0 VVTi 5MT retails from R254 500.
Read more about these Toyota models: Toyota Avanza, Toyota Yaris, Toyota Etios, Toyota Quantum, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Hilux, Toyota Rush, Toyota Rav4, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Toyota Starlet, Toyota Agya and Toyota Corolla Cross.
Prices quoted correct at the time of publishing this article. The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or medical advice
