Toyota Hilux Vehicle Review
The African Grey ParrotsOver the years Hilux has built a reputation for never-say-die toughness, reliability and power. Now it’s got the looks to back it up. Wherever, whenever, whatever – the new Hilux’s appetite for work and fun will only be satisfied when you are.
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The Toyotas Hilux is available in an array of different bodystyles and trim levels. There are single cabs and double cabs. "Its got the imposing looks, the interior space and the build quality nailed down" Styling is far more important to the leisure-orientated pick-up buyer than it is to his commercial vehicle counterpart and the Hilux certainly has presence on the road. Today’s Hilux is substantially bigger than the model it replaced and this has given the designers scope to create a more user-friendly interior. A central factor for the Hilux double cabs target market is its ability to provide comfortable accommodation for |
the whole family.
The rear bench is impressively spacious, offering a higher seating position that will be far more agreeable on longer journeys. Seating three adults across the back is still going to be a squeeze but you could do it in an emergency and there’s plenty of space for a trio of children. A major problem with pick-ups of old was the absence of any meaningful secure storage space but the Hilux double cab addresses this with a rear bench that folds up when not in use to create a decent sized load area behind the driver.
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There are even storage bins below the floor. Build quality around the Hilux interior is now on a par with or superior to many family 4x4s. The layout is refreshingly simple and unfussy with good quality materials used. The three interlocking rings of the instrument cluster are a particularly nice touch. The driving position in the Hilux is excellent with the firm seats giving good support and both the steering and the gear-change will be a revelation to anyone accustomed to piloting a previous generation model. The rough edges that constantly grated with drivers of pick-ups past have been smoothed over. Double wishbone front suspension and a chassis that’s 45% stiffer help to eliminate much of the rolling and pitching from which pick-ups traditionally suffer. |
Bumps in the road can still provoke a bouncy reaction in the suspension but this is largely unavoidable in a vehicle capable of carrying over 1,000kg. The Hilux is powered by a 3.0-litre engine.
It is comfortable, practical, has the imposing looks, the interior space and the build quality nailed down. And being a Toyota, has a strong unit with outstandingly low ownership costs.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Toyota Hilux pick-up range ENGINE: 3.0-litre diesel 102bhp TOWING CAPACITY: 750kg
