The Toyota Stallion bakkie will run again

REMEMBER the boxy Toyota Stallion bakkie of the 1990s?

Well, CAR Magazine has revealed that it is set to make a comeback in South Africa.

Also known as the Rangga, IMV 0 Concept, and the Hilux Champ, CAR Magazine’s sources said this new compact utilitarian bakkie will arrive in 2024.

Following its official introduction at the Japan Mobility Show a month ago, the geometric Land Cruiser 70 Series-inspired model has been seen wearing several different names while undergoing testing in global markets outside of Japan.

With no frills and a configurable load bed, the original concept designation of International Multi-Purpose Vehicle 0 is expected to retain a great level of customisability depending on buyer needs.

This utilitarian companion will slot in beneath the Hilux, with industry sources claiming it will start from $10 000.

If this is true and it would be sold for a similar value in South Africa, it equates to just under R190 000.

It would rival the Suzuki Super Carry 1.2 at

R177 900, JAC X100 1.2 single cab dropside at

R199 900, and the Mahindra Bolero 2.5Di single cab Maxitruck Plus at

R204 999.

No confirmation on powertrains has been provided by Toyota, but the Stallion is expected to debut with the entry-level two litre, four-cylinder, petrol motor paired to a five-speed manual transmission.

There are rumours that the boxy bakkie will be fitted with a 2.4 litre diesel unit, although this is still speculation.

The joint engineering project between Daihatsu and Toyota (TDEM) has the body on frame bakkie measuring 5 300mm in length, 1 785mm in width, and 1 740mm in height.

While the standard cab accommodates two occupants, several configurations shared by Toyota appear capable of seating additional passengers.

For comparison, a current-generation double cab Hilux measures around 5 300mm in length, 1 855mm in width and 1 815mm in height depending on the model.