1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190 
The 1 lilux has decent carrying ability with a maximum
Page 44
Page 45
Page 46
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
payload of 1,055kg, while cargo can be secured by four lashing points at each corner.The load area works out at 6.3m2, and in the rear of the cabin the passenger bench lifts up at the pull of a catch to allow greater floor space for storing kit.
On the road
As you would expect,this test concentrates on the new engine's performance, but let's first look at the other elements.
Built on a ladder chassis with strengthened cross-member joints for increased rigidity, the Hilux's party piece has always been the way it copes with off-road conditions— and this attribute is still very much present.
There is real functionality to the suspension's action, which cuts over off-road paths with confidence, absorbing bumps and undulations without fuss. Steering is a sound mix of accuracy and assistance.
But this is just a taster of what the Hilux is all about. Switch to low-ratio 4WD and press on over steep inclines and severe terrain and the Toyota digs in without complaint, displaying excellent traction and composure.
That increased engine capacity is evident from take-oft. There is a strong degree of torque available from the bottom of the rev range, which builds progressively as it winds it up.
This allows you to press on with confidence without having to wring the engine for all it's worth: whether powering up hillsides with a full load or making swift progress along roads, the Hilux has all the power you are ever likely to need.
Mated to the engine is a four-speed auto that feels a little archaic compared to the rest of the O. vehicle. It's a little sluggish in changing up, while off-road it is not particularly sharp in guessing which ratio you need next best to opt for the five-speed manual unless you really need only two pedals.
On the road, the Hilux has stepped up from its previous incarnation in terms of driveability.
However, the excellent off-road ability that the suspension offers means it feels slightly compromised on the blacktop when compared to some of its rivals. It is not a handful by any means, riding well in a straight line, but it feels looser in the corners with more pronounced body roll.
Cab comfort To enter the Invincible's cab is to enter a world of dullness, where 1990s' saloon car fabrics and grey plastics abound.
It is light and spacious enough, with the driving position and seat adding up to a comfortable arrangement-but save for a strip of metal here and a leather steering wheel there, it provides no indication that you are seated in a 3.0-litre beast that we assume gets its name from Top Gear's infamous Hilux destruction test.
The switchgear is clearly laid out and works with a satisfying solidity that is also evident in the overall fit and finish of the interior.And there are enough practical touches in terms of storage with door bins, central cubbies on the dash and transmission tunnel, and pop-out cup-holders.
In the rear there is space for three people. albeit for short journeys, though headroom is notably generous for this type of vehicle.
On the move the Hilux proves to be a refined runner with that sturdy chassis and impressive build quality contributing to a cossetting interior-whether cruising on the motorway or ploughing through muddy tracks, you feel soundly insulated from the outside.
There is also very little wind noise intrusion and the engine, though initially a little grumpy on start-up. settles into the background when warmed up..