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C oVe r 41.

15th July 2010, Page 38
15th July 2010
Page 38
Page 39
Page 38, 15th July 2010 — C oVe r 41.
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More operators are now maximising the lifestyle specification, off-road ability and versatility of a high-spec pickup with a cover or top for the loadspace. It aids security and load safety, but what's the cost and do they help save fuel? CM put four traditional pickup covers to the test.

Words: Kevin Swattow / Images: Nigel Spreadbury

To maximise the potential of a pickup, operators can add a cover for the loadspace to enhance security and load safety. A box on the back means the pickup doesn't have to he emptied of tools every night, or if it's parked up on site. it can be locked so the owner has some peace of mind about reducing the chances of theft.

'Me choices for adding a cover are straightforward. You can choose a soft cover or flat hardtop, or you can choose a top that offers headroom. However, does the benefit of an additional cover outweigh reduced net payload, and what is the subsequent effect on fuel economy?

When we tested the Toyota Hilux Invisible (CM 3 September 2009), it was done without any covers, and the laden fuel run returned 31mpg, while the unladen run returned 33mpg. During the six months we had the vehicle on test, with no cover and no payload, it returned between 275mpg and 30.2mpg when it was required to tramp up and down the motorway, while it produced figures above 33inpg when travelling on A-roads and through urban areas.

Top job

Auto Styling (UK), in Brierley Hill. West Midlands — a supplier of 4x4 accessories — brought four covers to bolt onto the Toyota Hilux for the test. The company was founded in 2002, and in 2008 it bought the 'Iruckman brand after it went into administration.

• For more information, go to www.autos-tyling.com or www.truckman.com. To see a video of the test, go to You-Tube and type in •AIII4•titylingLIK: •


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