Mbabane – NTT Toyota Eswatini on Saturday officially launched three new vehicles at its branches in Mbabane and Manzini, unveiling the ninth-generation Toyota Hilux, the all-new RAV4 and the Land Cruiser FJ to the Swazi market.
The event, held from 9:30am to 3pm, gave buyers across the country their first opportunity to see the new models in person.
The ninth-generation Hilux arrives as the most significant update the popular double cab has received in years. Despite retaining the IMV platform from the outgoing model, the bakkie comes with a redesigned exterior, a heavily upgraded cabin and a range of mechanical improvements. 
Up front, the new Hilux features slimmer LED headlamps, a wider grille and stronger visual proportions. At the rear, a redesigned tailgate with new LED light clusters and integrated side steps on the rear bumper make loading easier. Two new colours, Desert Gold Metallic and Ash Grey, join the existing palette.
Inside, the cabin shares its design with the Land Cruiser Prado and represents a major departure from the dated eighth-generation interior. Top-end models come with a 12.3-inch infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Base models receive an 8-inch infotainment screen and a 7-inch analog display.
The carried-over 2.8-litre GD-6 turbodiesel produces 150kW and 500Nm, paired with a remapped six-speed automatic gearbox. The flagship Legend retains the 48-volt mild hybrid system, which adds an 8.5kW electric motor generator, lithium-ion battery and DC/DC converter to the 2.8-litre engine.
Electric power steering is offered for the first time on the Hilux. The suspension has also been retuned with new shock absorbers and reworked engine mountings, delivering a noticeably smoother and less bouncy ride than its predecessor.
Toyota Safety Sense 3 on selected grades brings Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Safe Exit Assist to the Hilux for the first time. Seven airbags and Vehicle Stability Control are standard across the range. The Toyota Remote and MyToyota apps also make their debut on the model, allowing owners to locate their vehicle and lock doors remotely.
For buyers in Eswatini, the Land Cruiser FJ is available at NTT Mbabane and Manzini at special launch prices. The GX 4×4 6AT is priced at E714,000 inclusive of VAT, while the VX 4×4 6AT is listed at E761,400, with both prices including licence and registration fees.
The all-new RAV4 is also on offer at special pricing, with the 2.5 HEV GX starting at E770,500 and the 2.0 VX at E799,900, both inclusive of VAT and including licence and registration fees.
For enquiries, buyers can contact NTT Mbabane on 2404 3536 or NTT Manzini on 2505 3635.
