Red Island is another name for Madagascar, and that is where a number of very fortunate motoring journalists spent two eventful days edging their way through thick jungle foliage in 16 new 2.7i and 3.0 KZ-TE Legend35 Hilux DC 4x4s.

The area has a rich and interesting history, especially to the north on a small but beautiful island, Nosi Be, where legendary pirates made their home.

Descendants of these pirates, with surnames like Maxwell, still live on the island. But, while we were there another "legend" was visiting the quaint port of Andoany on the southern tip of the island ? Prince Felipe of Spain, on honeymoon with and Letizia, aboard their royal yacht.

Toyota South Africa chose this idyllic area to introduce its special edition of South Africa's top selling Hilux pick-up to our lucky group of journos. The new edition, with its stylish added-value package, adds a little something to the already comprehensive Hilux Raider specification.

All seven of the Hilux Raider derivatives, four 2.7-litre petrol and three 3.0-litre turbo diesel models, are available with the Legend35 styling package.

Exterior

Visually the Hilux Legend 35 is distinguished through its Legend 35 striping and decals, in place of the regular Raider identity. All seven derivatives are fitted with alloy wheels, which replace the steel wheels normally used on the 4X2 Hilux Raider models. Tyres are Continental AI Trac that served us well on those lava-encrusted roads.

A stainless steel roll bar complements the stainless steel rear step bumper with its pre-wired tow-bar fitting and the stainless steel nudge bar at the front. The side steps on these models are also stainless steel with an appealing tubular design.

Interior

Interior fittings include full leather trim with the Legend 35 logo embossed in the headrests. A silver finish radio/CD player brings the exterior metallic look through to the interior of the vehicle.

The Hilux Legend 35 is available in all colours currently in the Hilux range.

Hilux regularly features among the top-three selling models in monthly sales returns. On occasion it even tops the market, underlining the legendary status of the Hilux as it celebrates its 35th anniversary in South Africa.

The Legend 35 package offers a unique package that adds significant value to the top-of-the-range Hilux Raider models without adding significant cost to the vehicle.

Prices as at July 5, 2004:

  • Hilux 2700i Raised Body Legend35 - R198 113
  • Hilux 2700i Raised Body Double Cab - R240 923
  • Hilux 2700i 4X4 - R250 449
  • Hilux 2700i 4X4 Double Cab - R323 527
  • Hilux 3.0 KZ-TE Raised Body - R221 463
  • Hilux 3.0 KZ-TE Raised Body Double Cab - R263 878
  • Hilux 3.0 KZ-TE 4X4 Double Cab - R329 302
  • All prices are inclusive of VAT.