This week Nicholas reviews the Toyota Hilux. Read Nicholas’ other reviews. Ed
This is the Toyota Hilux, a commercial vehicle from the world’s largest car manufacturer. It found fame after Top Gear declared it indestructible, and this £24,950 3-litre twin turbo diesel model is certainly imposing.
Remarkably hushed
Out on the road the level of civility is startling. Road and wind noise is remarkably hushed, on a par with an executive saloon. Engine noise is less controlled, although the sound speaks of big volumes and many cylinders and carries across a gruff character.
Body control over bumps is so-so but the combination of a light back-end over-stiff leaf spring suspension causes a tendency to fidget. Stick it hard into a corner and it is surprisingly balanced, but powering out of tighter bends causes the traction control to spring into life before the torque nukes a rear tyre.
Huge amounts of space
It has huge amounts of space in the front and back, high equipment levels and the automatic box is smooth to change gear.
So judged by its abilities as a passenger car, the Hilux has plenty of character, but the flawed ride and fuel economy of around 30 mpg may irritate.
Enough torque to tow anything
The 170 bhp and 360 nm/ft of torque is enough to tow anything and you can bet your life that the post apocalyptic cockroaches will be driving these tough Hilux’s around for many years, such is the indestructible build quality.
The Hilux is primarily a commercial vehicle, bought for its trailer capacity and load space. It can take a ton in the back and has enough ground clearance and four wheel-drive grip to traverse any building site. It’s inability to tip may limit its use, but it is easily the best working pick up on the market.
But it’s the notion of running the Hilux as a large practical car that we are most interested in. You could certainly do it, but only if you could swallow the huge fuel and tax bills.
Summary
The rewards are there, but its not for everyone. 6/10
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