Johannesburg - Given that so many bakkies are used as urban runabouts these days, we're surprised that that there haven't been more offerings with unitary construction, particularly in mid to large size categories.
Fiat is chipping away at that status quo with its new Toro, which was revealed in Brazil last month and which will be heading to South Africa during the first half of next year.
Fiat SA has just announced that “a yet-to-be-named one-ton pickup, to be offered in single or double cab variants and powered by petrol or diesel engines, will be introduced during the first half of 2016”. Despite the naming secrecy, we can't picture this offering being anything other than the Toro.
So far Fiat has released just one picture of the rather unconventional-looking Toro, and full details have yet to be made available but we do know that engine choices include a 103kW 1.8-litre normally aspirated petrol and 127kW 2-litre Multijet diesel.
Overseas models are available in a wide range of derivatives, including front-wheel drive and 4x4 options, and top models are fitted with some high-end features, including Fiat's UConnect touch-screen infotainment system with satnav.
Being significantly bigger and more upmarket that Fiat's previous unibody bakkie, the Strada, and offering a payload of up to one ton, the Toro is likely to be positioned as an alternative to the traditional ladder-frame offerings like Ranger and Hilux.
But would you buy this over one of the traditional favourites? Send your comment to jason.woosey@inl.co.za and we'll consider it for publication.
IOL