GD-6 2,8 4x4 Raider D/Cab Manual : The Good and the Bad
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2017 8:42 am
Guys - I have started a Thread on 4x4 Community on my impressions, Plusses and Negatives, on the new 2,8 4x4 Raider DC. I got mine last Friday.
I'm really only doing this for the sake of trying to add value to this Forum. I'm no motoring journo, and also do'nt intend to become one.
This may just be of help to a prospective Raider GD-6 4x4 Buyer.
My impressions are completely straight forward and as unbiased as possible.
If you think such a thread is silly/unnecessary/out of line, PLEASE shout, no problem!!
COPIED FROM 4X4 COMMUNITY:
Negatives First........and I'm really REALLY nitty gritty Guys, so this may sound like I bought a complete lemon at times......believe me, I did'nt.
OK - odo stands on 50 today. I just returned from the plasie, VERY wet in Bethlehem, and I'm quite gatvol for my new Hilux now being a two-tone khaki colour
Negatives First........and I'm really REALLY nitty gritty Guys, so this may sound like I bought a complete lemon at times......believe me, I did'nt.
THE BAD
1) The ride was extremely hard when I just got it. Checked the tyres, and saw that they inflated it to 2,5 Bar. I deflated to 2,1 Bar, with my pals telling me they deflate to 1,8 Bar. Ride is GREAT now - not soft, but "solid".
2) Exterior styling is subjective, I know, so I'm not gonna say much about it. But to me a very attractive vehicle. One thing I just HATE though is that horrible rear chrome bumpers. But I'm getting an Onca rear bumper/towbar unit, so that will be sorted soon.
3) The rear safety belts rattle on bad roads against the door pillars. Not a train smash I guess, I will do something about it - maybe some sponsie or something.SEE POST 22 BELOW ON HOW TO SORT THIS - THANKS KENNY
4) The rear storage holes under the rear seats are great. But the seat behind the driver (the "40" split), if you lift up that seat, you cannot open the lid of the storage underneath it, you have to walk around and lift the "60 split" seat, too. Not a deal breaker, but ja. I'll just pack all my not-so-often-used stuff, like the toolkit/tyre kit/ etc under that seat, and my more "easy to reach" stuff like binocs/GPS/etc under the "larger" back seat.
5) The black cloth in the door panels and on the center console will get dirty very quickly. I have ordered Escape seat covers that also have the cover for the center console, so that's sort of sorted.
6) The silver finishes on the dash of the Raider looks classy for some I guess.......but I'm not sure how well these will wear after some time. This is actually an unfair "Negative", I may be completely wrong. But yes, most "silver satin" finishes do'nt wear well.
7) The 4x4 dial knob and the plastic levers for the seat adjustments feel - well - very plastic.
The black shiny bits around the flatscreen and around the clock on the dash looks VERY shiny. I would've liked something more "matt".
9) The hooks of the rear seats, that you use to pull up the seat and hook it around the headrests, are not retracting completely into the seat when not in use. They sort of just lie around. Something tidier would have been nicer I think.
10) That key alarm will drive me to Kommando Brannewyn and Taiwanese she-males within a week. It's loud. Apparently there is some fix for this........I'll be the 1st one to do it.
11) The "Power" and "Eco" modes are all good and lekker. But why the "Eco" mode?? Why not just a "Normal" and "Power" mode?? This thing feels like a snail in "Eco" versus "Power" mode. Nit really a "Negative" though.........you do'nt HAVE to use " Eco " mode I know.
12) I also do'nt really like, and will never use, that "iMT" mode. Basically, if you gear down, the revs climb and you have a smoother downshift. Very gimmicky I think. Once again not a "Negative", it's there IF you wanna use it. Maybe I will even start using this, and post this as a "Positive" in future. But, for now, I think sommer a gimmick.
13) I would've loved it if the back uprights could also fold down....does'nt seem like it though. I love a canvas "behind seat" storage bag to keep things organised.
ADDED INFO.......................ON 13/01/2017
14) I would've liked another type of storage space between the seats, instead of ANOTHER cup holder. There are 2 cup holders already, one on each corner of the dash. A bigger, square storage space would've been nicer.
15) I've seen carpeted storage pockets in the Amarok's door panels. That is really a nice touch, it impressed me. Not really a Negative on the Raider, but still maybe something to think about. I'm REALLY nit picking here, I know.
16) There are cup holders in the rear central armrest.....but I would have liked them maybe behind the central console?? If the armrest is folded up, there are no cup holders for rear passengers.
17) Rear leg room is definitely not class leading. No issue for me - I won't be using this as a primary family vehicle, but most other Buyers probably will.
ADDED INFO ON 5/01/2017
1 You need to depress the clutch to start. No problem. BUT if you put a thicker rubber mat, you must depress the clutch a bit more to start. Not a trainsmash....but I ordered Escape rubber mats to put on top of the existing ones, AND I like having smaller Michelin mats on top of those (the Midas ones). So.....I'll very probably have to take out the OE ones (crappy ones too........dirt catchers).
ADDED INFO ON 19/01/2017
19) The RR leaf spring has a chiri chiri sound on it. Granted, I've used the DC in muddy terrain. But yes, the chiri chiri is still there.
UPDATED ON 02/02/2017 :
20) When I fill up, there's about 16-2o litres fuel still in the tank. But the Reserve light comes on VERY early, and the TC shows a range of only about 60 km.
I know maybe not a "BAD" for some, but definitely for me. I would have LOVED a TC that shows an accurate range.
But ja I guess I could live with that..........+- 15 - 20 litres of Diesel left in the tank when Reserve Light comes on. At he very very least another 120 - 160 km of driving, if calculated at an absolute worst case scenario of 8 km/litre.
THE GOOD
1) That engine is oh so smooth and powerful. Torque is loooow down, from as low as +- 1400 RPM, and goes to about 2400 RPM. The 2,4 is also a GEM of an engine.......but really, the 2,8 just has that low down torque at very low RPM's.
2) 4x4 Selection works actually GREAT.....and I'm gatvol for not having a lever. But really, that dial is wonderful. Engages within about 2/3 seconds , I did about 60 when I selected 4x4. Also disengages chop chop. NO issues here - and I was actually really worried about this (being used to the lever).
3) Roadholding on tar is as good as it gets I think. Nice solid feel, sits tightly around bends. For some reason, my Lux did not have that "jolt" that I felt in a 2,4 I drove last week. Dunno why.
I also dunno if I'm gonna be able to serve for that Brahman at night at 50 or 80 or 130.......but I'm more than happy with its roadholding. Brakes feel VERY strong yet balanced. All in all, the Hilux makes me feel completely in control, relaxed and safe at 130/140 - my cruising speed.
4) I have this notorious sinkplaat bend to the right en route to the Plaas......long story short : Only a VERY few cars make that bend without gooing its gat badly. Cars that have NOT qualified includes a 200 VX, Triton (yikes), Fortuner (double yikes), and an ML Benz (suicide). Cars that HAVE made it are a handful.........VW Amarok, old Patrol, VW Kombi (seriously yes.....best of them ALL), and, as of late, a 2,8 Revo Hilux (I was'nt in 4x4 around the bend).
The Revo is a HUGE improvement in the gravel road holding department over the Vigo. All those ASC/VSC/TSC/whateveryoucallits make a HUGE difference. Pity the 2,4 SRX does'nt have those stability aids - only the SR does, and the Raider. I have;nt tested the SRX in the same conditions though.
5) Driving at 60 km/h on a very wet gravel road was a pleasure. Rock steady, no issues. See also (2) above.
6) Rigidity......this thing feels like a tank, only it's rattle free too. Like in NOTHING. That Plaaspad is REALLY rough, especially after rains. This feels as rock solid as a new VX 200. Maybe even more. It's "taut", it's quiet, it's solid solid solid.
7) I just LOVE that fish finder I make so much fun about. Easy peasy to use. Sound quality is great. Connectivity great. I have read some Owners complain about the absence of a "dial knob" for volume, but no issue for me. Nice big screen. And actually very ergonomic......you do'nt really "notice" it after a while. But nice and easy to use.
Speedocruise is as nice as can be. Easy and intuitive.
9) That upper glove box is also just GREAT. Can also be used as a cooler box I think (looks like that). Nice and deep, and very practical.
10) Onboard Computer is very detailed, with different user preferences etc etc. I have'nt figured everything out, prolly never will, but it seems easy to use and read.
11) Steering is adjusted both ways (up/down and in/out). Nice.
12) Doors close with a solid "thud", and has a quality feel to it.
13) Nice touces, like the shopping bag hooks behind the front seats.
14) Allround visibility is good, with a nice view over the bonnet......feels like you're sitting in a SUV, not a Pickup.
15) Ride is very very VERY quiet..........Toyota has done a great job in stiffening up everything, and sound insulation is as good as I think it gets.
16) Then the Pudding......that gearbox. Smoooooth, looooong legs. You do 130 at 2000 RPM in 6th. A real mileage eater, this Hilux. First gear is short enough for easy High Range work, yet looooong enough for super-relaxed cruising - not just for you, but for that engine, too.
I am sure this will also tow VERY nicely, with the torque band spread over "towable" speeds. I guess most will tow in 5th gear, most of the time.
Die ding maak GAT SKOON in Power Mode, met daai manual gearbox. Gear changes are positive. Feels slick enough, but yet also "bakkie like" enough. I like it.
17) Steering wheel controls are logic, intuitive, and easy to use. Easy to access menus from the steering without fiddling around with your eyes off the road.
1 The cloth used on the seats seem hard wearing. I prefer cloth - so for me that's great.
ADDED INFO.............ON 13/01/2017
19) It's something to get used to, but I just LOVE the Daytime Running Lights. I believe it's a great safety feature. The sensor is also very sensitive - if the light changes just a wee bit, the headlights are switched on, and you can also have the fogs running along with it. GREAT stuff I think.
20) The rear camera is VERY clear, and the "eye" is situated out of the way, in the rear lid's handle. It also shouldn't easily get dirty with mud etc etc. Also easy to clean - sommer take your shirt and give it a wipe. I'm not sure if the alarm will sound if I reverse with a boat/caravan.....will see what's what if the time comes.
21) I want to specifically mention the VSC/ASC on the Raider again please. It's SOAKING wet on that gravel road to my house, and this Hilux goes around the bend on that very slippery gravel road as if on rails - not even being in 4x4. These "aids" are one of the main reasons I bought the Raider over the SRX, and I have benefitted from these already today ...... 4 times. I can see the light of that VSC flashing on those slippery slopes, working hard. And VERY well, keeping everything straight and nice.
22) Toyota has quite an impressive choice of accessories on the Hilux. Different choices of nudge bars, rear steps, canopies, interior and exterior stuff, etc etc etc. Different strokes for different folks - yes, sure. I also don't want many of those accessories. But they are on offer, and the menu is quite comprehensive.
23) The cup holders in front looks sturdy, and they're in front of the AC outlets, a la Hilux Vigo. Nice.
24) Another HUGE Plus......the 2,4 DC's tow rating are rated at 3200kg, and the 2,8 Raider DC at 3500. HUGE improvement over the previous model(s). Very few people will actually be towing 3,5 tons I think, but this rating just opens up so many more options for Buyers with larger boats, caravans and offroad trailers. As for me, for my specific use, I'm really happy about it. It happens maybe 2/3/4 times a year that I need to load an old Cruiser/classic/small tractor on a rented trailer and take it somewhere.
ADDED INFO........ON 15/01/2017
25) Sound silly, I know....but this vehicle washes extremely easy. I rinsed it of yesterday afternoon. Easy panels, the plastic running boards are especially easy to wipe off.
26) A very small but handy "gadget" is the shopping hooks behind the front seats. VERY nice. You hook your plastic bag there, and it doesn't slide around. After use, you fold them away inside the seat's back.
ADDED INFO ON 19/01/2017
27) That iMT gearbox.....I really thought it was a gimmick. Seriously. But no its not, it's actually a GREAT addition. The gearbox basically matches engine speeds as you up - or - downshift. VERY smooth shifting.
It is VERY helpful in especially stop - go traffic.
I think offroad it would be better if it's switched off, so you can "feel" the throttle inputs better, Think so - havent tried it.
2 The Raider also has a "hill stop" function - it brakes for about 3 more seconds after you lifted your foot off the brake on an incline. GREAT in traffic, in driveway, and EXTRA great I think when stopping up an incline.
29) Fuel consumption figures are better than expected, and for me as good as it gets. R 770 of Diesel for 700km travelled is cheap enough - R 1,00 a km. - see below.
30) Guys ...... this thing idles up inclines without any throttle input. Without knoppies or nothing......., you just put in 4X4. I did this in 4x4 Low, 2nd gear first. Then 4x4 High, 1st gear. Then 4x4 High, 2nd gear. It's just unbelievable. It feels like it just won't stall, EVER. Actually feels too easy - you just keep the steering straight. It's not a massive incline, maybe 30 metres or so, maybe 20/25/30 degrees slope. But still, this is SO cool!!..
ADDED ON 02/02/2017 :
31) I loaded an old LC Pickup to deliver in Pretoria. Weight more than 2 tonnes, and it's a heavy trailer too. VERY smooth towing. I never did more than 100 km/h, but it really felt as if it can go much faster.
Towing a heavy load like this with the 2,8?? It works best in 4th gear, at +- 90-100 km/h your RPM are between about 2100 and 2400......VERY torquey. I sometimes hooked 5th, it then goes +- 2000 RPM at 100. But 4th is super strong, I NEVER canged down to 3d, in some strong winds.
The car felt stable and safe. Some may know the condition of the Reitz - Tweeling road - the Raider really did'nt ONCE made me feel uneasy or jittery.
I think this would be a GREAT towing vehicle with a 1000 - 1500 kg boat/caravan behind it. 4th and 5th are also spaced VERY nicely apart for towing.
Trip Computer showed 8,6 km/litre when towing - more than good enough for me.
FUEL CONSUMPTION STATS:
..............IN "NORMAL" MODE, Long Distance Tar, Empty (1/2 people inside, no luggage):
1) Tested on 16/01/2017........My wife went to Fourways with the car. Car was empty (no load), no tounneau cover/canopy yet. Speed was around 120-130. She did mention that she forgot to use 6th gear at times. She travelled 636 km, of which +- 50 was city traffic (heavy highway too).
Car was in "Normal" Mode, not Sport or Eco - the whole time.
I filled up tonight.
12.04 Km per Litre
2) Tested by myself on 19/01/2017.......Did 698 km, tar, empty, no tounneau cover/canopy, I set the Speedocruise at 130. Some city driving (maybe 50km or so), not really that much start/stop thing.
Car was in Normal mode the whole time.
11,5 Km per Litre
3) Tested on 24/01/2017........Took 3 drivers to collect cars in Kempton. Speed was 130km/h most of the way, but I did stretch its legs a little over the last 60km, did 140-145.
Rear bin is still open, no cover/canopy. I filled up that evening, actually expecting worse, as I was driving faster. Seems as if consumption is maybe dropping as things "loosen up".
717 km, 61 litres.
11,75 Km per Litre
...........IN "NORMAL" MODE, HEAVY TOWING (+- 2,5 TONNES, TRAILER INCLUDED), TAR, OPEN ROAD, BETWEEN 80 AND 100:
1) tESTED ON 01/02/2017............Load as above, heavy Cruiser on trailer, some head winds. I travelled 585 km, of which 145 were town driving (empty). The other 440 km was HEAVY towing.
Car was in "Normal"Mode the whole time.
9,06 Km per Litre (the TC showed 8,6 Km/Litre, when only towing).
I'm really only doing this for the sake of trying to add value to this Forum. I'm no motoring journo, and also do'nt intend to become one.
This may just be of help to a prospective Raider GD-6 4x4 Buyer.
My impressions are completely straight forward and as unbiased as possible.
If you think such a thread is silly/unnecessary/out of line, PLEASE shout, no problem!!
COPIED FROM 4X4 COMMUNITY:
Negatives First........and I'm really REALLY nitty gritty Guys, so this may sound like I bought a complete lemon at times......believe me, I did'nt.
OK - odo stands on 50 today. I just returned from the plasie, VERY wet in Bethlehem, and I'm quite gatvol for my new Hilux now being a two-tone khaki colour
Negatives First........and I'm really REALLY nitty gritty Guys, so this may sound like I bought a complete lemon at times......believe me, I did'nt.
THE BAD
1) The ride was extremely hard when I just got it. Checked the tyres, and saw that they inflated it to 2,5 Bar. I deflated to 2,1 Bar, with my pals telling me they deflate to 1,8 Bar. Ride is GREAT now - not soft, but "solid".
2) Exterior styling is subjective, I know, so I'm not gonna say much about it. But to me a very attractive vehicle. One thing I just HATE though is that horrible rear chrome bumpers. But I'm getting an Onca rear bumper/towbar unit, so that will be sorted soon.
3) The rear safety belts rattle on bad roads against the door pillars. Not a train smash I guess, I will do something about it - maybe some sponsie or something.SEE POST 22 BELOW ON HOW TO SORT THIS - THANKS KENNY
4) The rear storage holes under the rear seats are great. But the seat behind the driver (the "40" split), if you lift up that seat, you cannot open the lid of the storage underneath it, you have to walk around and lift the "60 split" seat, too. Not a deal breaker, but ja. I'll just pack all my not-so-often-used stuff, like the toolkit/tyre kit/ etc under that seat, and my more "easy to reach" stuff like binocs/GPS/etc under the "larger" back seat.
5) The black cloth in the door panels and on the center console will get dirty very quickly. I have ordered Escape seat covers that also have the cover for the center console, so that's sort of sorted.
6) The silver finishes on the dash of the Raider looks classy for some I guess.......but I'm not sure how well these will wear after some time. This is actually an unfair "Negative", I may be completely wrong. But yes, most "silver satin" finishes do'nt wear well.
7) The 4x4 dial knob and the plastic levers for the seat adjustments feel - well - very plastic.
The black shiny bits around the flatscreen and around the clock on the dash looks VERY shiny. I would've liked something more "matt".
9) The hooks of the rear seats, that you use to pull up the seat and hook it around the headrests, are not retracting completely into the seat when not in use. They sort of just lie around. Something tidier would have been nicer I think.
10) That key alarm will drive me to Kommando Brannewyn and Taiwanese she-males within a week. It's loud. Apparently there is some fix for this........I'll be the 1st one to do it.
11) The "Power" and "Eco" modes are all good and lekker. But why the "Eco" mode?? Why not just a "Normal" and "Power" mode?? This thing feels like a snail in "Eco" versus "Power" mode. Nit really a "Negative" though.........you do'nt HAVE to use " Eco " mode I know.
12) I also do'nt really like, and will never use, that "iMT" mode. Basically, if you gear down, the revs climb and you have a smoother downshift. Very gimmicky I think. Once again not a "Negative", it's there IF you wanna use it. Maybe I will even start using this, and post this as a "Positive" in future. But, for now, I think sommer a gimmick.
13) I would've loved it if the back uprights could also fold down....does'nt seem like it though. I love a canvas "behind seat" storage bag to keep things organised.
ADDED INFO.......................ON 13/01/2017
14) I would've liked another type of storage space between the seats, instead of ANOTHER cup holder. There are 2 cup holders already, one on each corner of the dash. A bigger, square storage space would've been nicer.
15) I've seen carpeted storage pockets in the Amarok's door panels. That is really a nice touch, it impressed me. Not really a Negative on the Raider, but still maybe something to think about. I'm REALLY nit picking here, I know.
16) There are cup holders in the rear central armrest.....but I would have liked them maybe behind the central console?? If the armrest is folded up, there are no cup holders for rear passengers.
17) Rear leg room is definitely not class leading. No issue for me - I won't be using this as a primary family vehicle, but most other Buyers probably will.
ADDED INFO ON 5/01/2017
1 You need to depress the clutch to start. No problem. BUT if you put a thicker rubber mat, you must depress the clutch a bit more to start. Not a trainsmash....but I ordered Escape rubber mats to put on top of the existing ones, AND I like having smaller Michelin mats on top of those (the Midas ones). So.....I'll very probably have to take out the OE ones (crappy ones too........dirt catchers).
ADDED INFO ON 19/01/2017
19) The RR leaf spring has a chiri chiri sound on it. Granted, I've used the DC in muddy terrain. But yes, the chiri chiri is still there.
UPDATED ON 02/02/2017 :
20) When I fill up, there's about 16-2o litres fuel still in the tank. But the Reserve light comes on VERY early, and the TC shows a range of only about 60 km.
I know maybe not a "BAD" for some, but definitely for me. I would have LOVED a TC that shows an accurate range.
But ja I guess I could live with that..........+- 15 - 20 litres of Diesel left in the tank when Reserve Light comes on. At he very very least another 120 - 160 km of driving, if calculated at an absolute worst case scenario of 8 km/litre.
THE GOOD
1) That engine is oh so smooth and powerful. Torque is loooow down, from as low as +- 1400 RPM, and goes to about 2400 RPM. The 2,4 is also a GEM of an engine.......but really, the 2,8 just has that low down torque at very low RPM's.
2) 4x4 Selection works actually GREAT.....and I'm gatvol for not having a lever. But really, that dial is wonderful. Engages within about 2/3 seconds , I did about 60 when I selected 4x4. Also disengages chop chop. NO issues here - and I was actually really worried about this (being used to the lever).
3) Roadholding on tar is as good as it gets I think. Nice solid feel, sits tightly around bends. For some reason, my Lux did not have that "jolt" that I felt in a 2,4 I drove last week. Dunno why.
I also dunno if I'm gonna be able to serve for that Brahman at night at 50 or 80 or 130.......but I'm more than happy with its roadholding. Brakes feel VERY strong yet balanced. All in all, the Hilux makes me feel completely in control, relaxed and safe at 130/140 - my cruising speed.
4) I have this notorious sinkplaat bend to the right en route to the Plaas......long story short : Only a VERY few cars make that bend without gooing its gat badly. Cars that have NOT qualified includes a 200 VX, Triton (yikes), Fortuner (double yikes), and an ML Benz (suicide). Cars that HAVE made it are a handful.........VW Amarok, old Patrol, VW Kombi (seriously yes.....best of them ALL), and, as of late, a 2,8 Revo Hilux (I was'nt in 4x4 around the bend).
The Revo is a HUGE improvement in the gravel road holding department over the Vigo. All those ASC/VSC/TSC/whateveryoucallits make a HUGE difference. Pity the 2,4 SRX does'nt have those stability aids - only the SR does, and the Raider. I have;nt tested the SRX in the same conditions though.
5) Driving at 60 km/h on a very wet gravel road was a pleasure. Rock steady, no issues. See also (2) above.
6) Rigidity......this thing feels like a tank, only it's rattle free too. Like in NOTHING. That Plaaspad is REALLY rough, especially after rains. This feels as rock solid as a new VX 200. Maybe even more. It's "taut", it's quiet, it's solid solid solid.
7) I just LOVE that fish finder I make so much fun about. Easy peasy to use. Sound quality is great. Connectivity great. I have read some Owners complain about the absence of a "dial knob" for volume, but no issue for me. Nice big screen. And actually very ergonomic......you do'nt really "notice" it after a while. But nice and easy to use.
Speedocruise is as nice as can be. Easy and intuitive.
9) That upper glove box is also just GREAT. Can also be used as a cooler box I think (looks like that). Nice and deep, and very practical.
10) Onboard Computer is very detailed, with different user preferences etc etc. I have'nt figured everything out, prolly never will, but it seems easy to use and read.
11) Steering is adjusted both ways (up/down and in/out). Nice.
12) Doors close with a solid "thud", and has a quality feel to it.
13) Nice touces, like the shopping bag hooks behind the front seats.
14) Allround visibility is good, with a nice view over the bonnet......feels like you're sitting in a SUV, not a Pickup.
15) Ride is very very VERY quiet..........Toyota has done a great job in stiffening up everything, and sound insulation is as good as I think it gets.
16) Then the Pudding......that gearbox. Smoooooth, looooong legs. You do 130 at 2000 RPM in 6th. A real mileage eater, this Hilux. First gear is short enough for easy High Range work, yet looooong enough for super-relaxed cruising - not just for you, but for that engine, too.
I am sure this will also tow VERY nicely, with the torque band spread over "towable" speeds. I guess most will tow in 5th gear, most of the time.
Die ding maak GAT SKOON in Power Mode, met daai manual gearbox. Gear changes are positive. Feels slick enough, but yet also "bakkie like" enough. I like it.
17) Steering wheel controls are logic, intuitive, and easy to use. Easy to access menus from the steering without fiddling around with your eyes off the road.
1 The cloth used on the seats seem hard wearing. I prefer cloth - so for me that's great.
ADDED INFO.............ON 13/01/2017
19) It's something to get used to, but I just LOVE the Daytime Running Lights. I believe it's a great safety feature. The sensor is also very sensitive - if the light changes just a wee bit, the headlights are switched on, and you can also have the fogs running along with it. GREAT stuff I think.
20) The rear camera is VERY clear, and the "eye" is situated out of the way, in the rear lid's handle. It also shouldn't easily get dirty with mud etc etc. Also easy to clean - sommer take your shirt and give it a wipe. I'm not sure if the alarm will sound if I reverse with a boat/caravan.....will see what's what if the time comes.
21) I want to specifically mention the VSC/ASC on the Raider again please. It's SOAKING wet on that gravel road to my house, and this Hilux goes around the bend on that very slippery gravel road as if on rails - not even being in 4x4. These "aids" are one of the main reasons I bought the Raider over the SRX, and I have benefitted from these already today ...... 4 times. I can see the light of that VSC flashing on those slippery slopes, working hard. And VERY well, keeping everything straight and nice.
22) Toyota has quite an impressive choice of accessories on the Hilux. Different choices of nudge bars, rear steps, canopies, interior and exterior stuff, etc etc etc. Different strokes for different folks - yes, sure. I also don't want many of those accessories. But they are on offer, and the menu is quite comprehensive.
23) The cup holders in front looks sturdy, and they're in front of the AC outlets, a la Hilux Vigo. Nice.
24) Another HUGE Plus......the 2,4 DC's tow rating are rated at 3200kg, and the 2,8 Raider DC at 3500. HUGE improvement over the previous model(s). Very few people will actually be towing 3,5 tons I think, but this rating just opens up so many more options for Buyers with larger boats, caravans and offroad trailers. As for me, for my specific use, I'm really happy about it. It happens maybe 2/3/4 times a year that I need to load an old Cruiser/classic/small tractor on a rented trailer and take it somewhere.
ADDED INFO........ON 15/01/2017
25) Sound silly, I know....but this vehicle washes extremely easy. I rinsed it of yesterday afternoon. Easy panels, the plastic running boards are especially easy to wipe off.
26) A very small but handy "gadget" is the shopping hooks behind the front seats. VERY nice. You hook your plastic bag there, and it doesn't slide around. After use, you fold them away inside the seat's back.
ADDED INFO ON 19/01/2017
27) That iMT gearbox.....I really thought it was a gimmick. Seriously. But no its not, it's actually a GREAT addition. The gearbox basically matches engine speeds as you up - or - downshift. VERY smooth shifting.
It is VERY helpful in especially stop - go traffic.
I think offroad it would be better if it's switched off, so you can "feel" the throttle inputs better, Think so - havent tried it.
2 The Raider also has a "hill stop" function - it brakes for about 3 more seconds after you lifted your foot off the brake on an incline. GREAT in traffic, in driveway, and EXTRA great I think when stopping up an incline.
29) Fuel consumption figures are better than expected, and for me as good as it gets. R 770 of Diesel for 700km travelled is cheap enough - R 1,00 a km. - see below.
30) Guys ...... this thing idles up inclines without any throttle input. Without knoppies or nothing......., you just put in 4X4. I did this in 4x4 Low, 2nd gear first. Then 4x4 High, 1st gear. Then 4x4 High, 2nd gear. It's just unbelievable. It feels like it just won't stall, EVER. Actually feels too easy - you just keep the steering straight. It's not a massive incline, maybe 30 metres or so, maybe 20/25/30 degrees slope. But still, this is SO cool!!..
ADDED ON 02/02/2017 :
31) I loaded an old LC Pickup to deliver in Pretoria. Weight more than 2 tonnes, and it's a heavy trailer too. VERY smooth towing. I never did more than 100 km/h, but it really felt as if it can go much faster.
Towing a heavy load like this with the 2,8?? It works best in 4th gear, at +- 90-100 km/h your RPM are between about 2100 and 2400......VERY torquey. I sometimes hooked 5th, it then goes +- 2000 RPM at 100. But 4th is super strong, I NEVER canged down to 3d, in some strong winds.
The car felt stable and safe. Some may know the condition of the Reitz - Tweeling road - the Raider really did'nt ONCE made me feel uneasy or jittery.
I think this would be a GREAT towing vehicle with a 1000 - 1500 kg boat/caravan behind it. 4th and 5th are also spaced VERY nicely apart for towing.
Trip Computer showed 8,6 km/litre when towing - more than good enough for me.
FUEL CONSUMPTION STATS:
..............IN "NORMAL" MODE, Long Distance Tar, Empty (1/2 people inside, no luggage):
1) Tested on 16/01/2017........My wife went to Fourways with the car. Car was empty (no load), no tounneau cover/canopy yet. Speed was around 120-130. She did mention that she forgot to use 6th gear at times. She travelled 636 km, of which +- 50 was city traffic (heavy highway too).
Car was in "Normal" Mode, not Sport or Eco - the whole time.
I filled up tonight.
12.04 Km per Litre
2) Tested by myself on 19/01/2017.......Did 698 km, tar, empty, no tounneau cover/canopy, I set the Speedocruise at 130. Some city driving (maybe 50km or so), not really that much start/stop thing.
Car was in Normal mode the whole time.
11,5 Km per Litre
3) Tested on 24/01/2017........Took 3 drivers to collect cars in Kempton. Speed was 130km/h most of the way, but I did stretch its legs a little over the last 60km, did 140-145.
Rear bin is still open, no cover/canopy. I filled up that evening, actually expecting worse, as I was driving faster. Seems as if consumption is maybe dropping as things "loosen up".
717 km, 61 litres.
11,75 Km per Litre
...........IN "NORMAL" MODE, HEAVY TOWING (+- 2,5 TONNES, TRAILER INCLUDED), TAR, OPEN ROAD, BETWEEN 80 AND 100:
1) tESTED ON 01/02/2017............Load as above, heavy Cruiser on trailer, some head winds. I travelled 585 km, of which 145 were town driving (empty). The other 440 km was HEAVY towing.
Car was in "Normal"Mode the whole time.
9,06 Km per Litre (the TC showed 8,6 Km/Litre, when only towing).