- Close to a hundred crews, eight dune tasks.
- Held Saturday, 3 October, near Atlantis.
- Media drove all-new Hilux Legend 4×4.
- 2008 Hilux took overall victory.
- Toyotas filled four of top six places.
The 2026 Toyota Atlantis 4×4 Fun Day took place on Saturday, 3 October, with close to a hundred four-wheel-drive crews tackling eight tasks on the white dunes of the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve outside Atlantis in the Western Cape. For South African buyers, the event gave motoring media an early look at how the all-new Toyota Hilux handles soft sand, while an 18-year-old Hilux took overall victory.
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) was again the main sponsor of the event, which is organised by the Four-Wheel Drive Club of Southern Africa, Western Cape, and is held on the first weekend of October each year.
Conditions and Toyota entries at Atlantis
A cool, cloudy start gave way to sunny and mild conditions, although a strong wind blew across the dunes for the entire day. Toyota products made up more than half of the entry list, ranging from a 1983 Hilux to current-generation models. Rola Toyota, Bidvest McCarthy, NMI Toyota Kuilsrivier and CFAO Toyota Cape Town each supported one of the tasks.
All-new Toyota Hilux in media hands
TSAM gave the motoring media time in the all-new Hilux in Legend 4×4 guise. The media cars were stock standard apart from new Dunlop Grandtrek A/T tyres, fitted for their off-road performance. Brendon Staniforth (Maroela Media), Justin Ford (Wheels24), Chad Luckhoff (AutoTrader) and Oliver Keohane (CAR Magazine) completed all eight tasks, with Staniforth, partnered by his wife Leonora, the best-placed of the four. TSAM’s Riaan Esterhuysen also competed.
Esterhuysen said the event brings families and friends together and shows what the vehicles are built to do. “Seeing the all-new Hilux take on the dunes alongside Hiluxes that are 20, 30 and even 40 years old was a highlight for us,” he said.
Atlantis 4×4 Fun Day results
Willem and Karla van Schalkwyk won in a 2008 Toyota Hilux with 203.75 points, more than 11 points clear of the field. Josia Frick and Franco Smit were second in a 2013 Toyota Prado on 192.375 points, narrowly ahead of Tristan von Weichardt and Luzaan Lucas on 192 points.
Conrie and Marisa Conradie placed fourth in a 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser, while Abri and Janene van der Merwe were sixth in a 2007 Toyota Hilux. As is tradition, most prizes were handed out by lucky draw, thanks to the event’s sponsors. The fun day returns on the first weekend of October.
Supplied by MotorPress (Mzo Witbooi, Manager: Product Communication, Toyota South Africa)
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