Toyota HI-LUX INVINCIBLE PICK-UP
Jonathan Crouch Checks Out The Flagship Version Of Toyotas Hilux Pick-Up Range, The Invincible
Pick-ups no longer sell only to builders and farmers. Only the contrary, any manufacturer making them who ignores the fact that an increasing number of buyers want nothing more than an extra dose of street presence is heading for trouble. Products like Toyotas Hilux Invincible are the result.
The Hilux is enjoying a honeymoon period of sales just at present, following the enormous amount of positive publicity generated by BBC TVs Top Gear programme and the presenters attempts to demolish Toyotas sturdy carry-all. In order to build on this momentum and offer a more lifestyle-orientated option for private pick-up buyers, we now have this plush flagship version, the Invincible. Based on the familiar VX Double Cab model, the Invincible adds a number of extra features. On the outside, there is a chrome rear step-bumper, chrome Invincible badging and the rear windows have dark-tinted privacy glass.
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On the inside, comfort levels are enhanced with full leather for the seats, steering wheel and gear knob. Premium quality carpet mats and brushed metal door scuff plates are also included and the sound system features both a dash-mounted CD autochanger and a cassette player. In common with the VX, the Invincible also offers ABS, power steering, alarm, electric front and rear windows and door mirrors, air conditioning and sports-style seats. Power comes from the more powerful of the two D4-D diesel engines available to Hilux customers, this unit developing 102bhp.
Many Invincible buyers will take the opportunity to trade up to the
Toyota-approved chip that increases that figure further to 126bhp. As for the price, expect to budget at around the £18,000 mark.
"Traditional pick-up values with a welcome dose of luxury."
On the road, most people will spot the aggressive frontal styling, the strong bumper lines and low valance panels giving the vehicle a purposeful stance. Since this is a 4WD Hilux, the styling is slightly more aggressive than with less leisure-oriented rear-wheel driven versions. The headlights are of the clear-lens jewel effect type that Toyota claim have a "state of the art wave design" but which was somewhat lost on us. The instrument cluster is tidier than in old Hilux models, featuring brilliant blue dials, ergonomically superior switches and instrumentation and an oil change warning indicator. Driver and passenger airbags are standard across the range these days and the seats have also been improved, with cup holders on hand for the inevitable McDonalds moment. Accessories like a Truckman hard top, a Tipmaster tail lift and a Bjerg Cap solid tonneau cover can also be specified when you order, whilst prospective Invincible customers may well covet the optional aluminium loadspace bed.
The key factor in the Hilux range resides under the bonnet. The D-4D common rail diesel architecture has been proven in Toyotas passenger car range and has for some time featured in the Hilux, offering better performance, low fuel consumption and better parts durability. This means a low cost of ownership with the not inconsequential benefit that this pick-up is now more responsive and fun to drive. An advanced oil management system means that you wont need to change your engine oil until 10,000 miles racks up on the odometer and service intervals are now matched to Toyota passenger cars an impressive 20,000 miles.
If you want to find any other pick up with that kind of service interval, the shortlist will be extremely short. Like, zero short. The 102bhp unit used in the Invincible is a flexible unit offering 188Ibft of torque. It was the worlds first common-rail engine in a pick up and buyers can expect to find the usual D-4D benefits low noise, quick starting and emission levels that wont plague your conscience.
These emissions are reduced still further by the use of a highly sophisticated drive by wire accelerator pedal. The pedal position is measured by an electronic sensor which passes this information to the engines brain, the ECU. This advanced throttle control results in better fuel economy, a crisp response when you plant the pedal and cleaner output. This latest version of the Hilux takes the traditional values of the pick-up to another stage.
To this, the plush Invincible version adds a welcome dose of luxury. By including much of the refinement of a car in a vehicle thats already a well-proven workhorse, Toyota is offering the best of both worlds to buyers - the practicality of a pick-up as well as the creature comforts of a car. Britain is already one of Europe's most significant markets for the Hilux. Looks like there'll be no change there then.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Toyota Hilux Invincible pick-up
PRICE: £17,995 [exc. Vat, delivery and OTR charges] ENGINE: 2.5-litre D-4D common rail diesel 102-126bhp
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