Toyota Hilux Pick-Up Range : A LIFE OF HILUXURY

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Toyota's Hilux pick-up has been improved with a series of styling, technical and equipment upgrades. Matt Low reports

With its bold styling, well-equipped cabin and rugged off-roadability, the latest Toyota Hilux looks quite a package. It should appeal to commercial vehicle drivers who want to make a big impact and travel in style.

The pick-up may have been hijacked by the lifestyle brigade who use it as a facilitator for their wholesome outdoorsy activities but let's not forget that it was a salt-of-the-earth working vehicle first. Long before pick-ups began to frequent beach fronts and beauty spots packed with camping equipment, surf boards and mountain bikes, they were to be found in less picturesque locations, undertaking hard graft on behalf of their owners. Commercial use remains very much part of the pick-up's remit in this country and Toyota demonstrate that they haven't forgotten this with their latest Hilux range. The UK pick-up sector has been through a fairly dramatic reorientation in recent times with manufacturers doing their utmost to secure as big a slice as possible of the lifestyle market pie. Car-like levels of comfort and specification, improvements in ride and handling, headline-grabbing special edition models; it's all been tried in a bid to woo private buyers, company car users or business people who may want a crossover vehicle for work and domestic use. Two direct injection common-rail diesel engines are on offer with Toyota's latest pick-up, a 2.5-litre D-4D engine and a 3.0-litre D-4D unit. The 3.0-litre effort produces 171bhp and a maximum torque of 343Nm tall the way through from 1,400rpm to 3,400rpm. The 0-62mph dash is reached in 12 seconds on the way to a top speed of around 106mph. CO2 emissions are 219g/km and it will return 34mpg on the combined cycle. The 120bhp, 2.5-litre unit can go from zero to 62mph in 13.5 seconds, has a top speed of 103mph and a maximum torque of 325Nm at 2,000rpm. This engine achieves the same fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emission figures. All models have 4x4 except the Single Cab variant which is also available in two-wheel drive.

"The Toyota Hilux will appeal to commercial vehicle users who want to travel in something more stylish â€¦"

The latest Hilux has a five-speed manual transmission with the Extra Cab model having the option of a four-speed automatic and the 3.0-litre Double Cab having an optional five-speed automatic. The latest Hilux has had adjustments made to the suspension to ensure a smoother, more reliable drive. This has been achieved through new double-row roller-type rear axle bearings and more a responsive valve structure on the front shock absorbers. The latest Hilux line-up has redesigned exterior styling with a trapezoidal grille and grey plate bar at the front and a larger bumper with a wider opening that gives the impression of a lower centre of gravity. Strong lines flow from the front of the vehicle to the back giving the Hilux a determined and purposeful look about it. Inside, the vehicle gives an impressive amount of driver and passenger comfort and at times it's easy to forget you're in a commercial vehicle. The instrument cluster and controls for the wipers and lights have been tweaked to suit the driver and improved ergonomic design has been added for the gear console in the models with a manual transmission. The main body panels are crafted from high-tensile for extra strength and durability and this aids passenger protection in the event of an accident. Safety has also been enhanced through larger brake discs being fitted on all the models. The cabin in all the Hilux models is spacious and passengers will never feel cramped, especially in the Double Cab model which seats five. Company drivers who use a commercial vehicle like the Hilux for relevant businesses pay tax at a flat rate rather than on a portion of the list price, and this makes them much cheaper to run than an equivalent-priced car. Alternatively, if you're a VAT-registered trader, you can claim back the VAT. Maintenance and fuel bills are also competitive so owning one of these should be fairly easy on your wallet. In terms of practicality, it should also appeal to tradesmen as its rear load area gives easier access to equipment and is easily hosed down when the times comes to clean it. A respectable fuel consumption figure of 34mpg on the combined cycle means fuel costs shouldn't go sky high. Three body styles are available in the current range; Single Cab, Extra Cab, which has two occasional extra seats, and the five-seater Double Cab, along with three trim levels, HL2, HL3 and Invincible. Single Cab, Extra Cab and Double Cab HL2 all come with manual air conditioning, electric windows, an alarm, remote central locking, driver and passenger airbags and ABS as standard. Double Cab HL3 adds a four-spoke steering wheel with mounted audio controls, headlamp cleaners, a leather steering wheel and gearstick, automatic air conditioning, sports front seats, dark-tinted rear privacy glass, 15-inch alloy wheels and front, side and curtain airbags. The Double Cab Invincible model benefits from all these features plus upgraded 17-inch alloy wheels, vehicle stability control and leather seats. Extra and Double cabs are now conveniently fitted with a lockable tailgate for use when the vehicle is fitted with a hardtop and the Single and Extra Cab models have exterior lashing hooks for securing loads down. Two colours are available, Island Blue and Graphite Grey and dark-tinted rear privacy glass is now provided as standard on Double Cab HL3 models and above. The Toyota Hilux will appeal to commercial vehicle users who want to travel in something more stylish and comfortable than a traditional van and need somewhere to throw their dirty equipment with ease. It will also appeal to lifestyle drivers who need a vehicle with good hauling capabilities and easy access to transport their sporty equipment. With three different body styles and three trim levels to choose from, there should be a variation in the range to suit most on and off-road requirements. It offers excellent levels of comfort and equipment for a commercial vehicle and is relatively cheap to run.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Toyota Hilux - range
PERFORMANCE: (3.0D-4D) 0-60mph 12s /Max Speed 105mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (3.0D-4D) (combined) 34.0 mpg WHEELBASE: 3,085mm