Just in case you might have forgotten, the Toyota Hilux is a respected bakkie in the motoring world.

For more than fifty years, this Japanese icon has enchanted and convinced buyers of its prowess and capability. Perhaps more than any other bakkie on the planet.

It can't die

A good few years ago, Jeremy Clarkson (when he still worked on Top Gear), took an old-spec Hilux and tried destroying it. Yes, he tried to destroy it. What it came down to was him driving the bakkie against trees, scraping it against walls, and even sinking it to the depths of the ocean. Okay, that last one is a push, but it did happen.

After every 'big test', Clarkson would attempt starting the bakkie again, hoping that it would not start. Sadly for the presenter, the Hilux kept coming back. The engine would fire to life after every painstaking test. Clarkson and his fellow presenters, James May and Richard Hammond, all gave it a go at breaking the Hilux's spirit, but no luck.

Watch the video below: 

SA's favourite son

In South Africa, it’s been the number one selling vehicle for decades and it has no intent of slowing down. The Hilux, if we’re blatantly honest, is an institution in this country and the first choice in motoring, regardless of your needs or demands.

Locally, the bakkie is sold with a 2.7-litre petrol engine (122kW/245Nm), and two diesel engines: a 2.4-litre (110kW/400Nm) and a 2.8-litre (130kW/420Nm; but 450Nm for the auto version). A 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine is also available. It produces 175kW and 376Nm.

From a sales perspective, the Hilux bests rivals in the form of the Ford Ranger, and Volkswagen Polo and Polo Vivo. With a starting price of R275 800 for the single cab models and R417 600 for the double cab, the Hilux aims to offer everything for every pocket. Hence its huge popularity.

The top-of-the-range V6 Legend 50 will set you back R740 900.