HiLux 3.0 Invincible Auto
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There are few commercial vehicles that cross the business divide and gain recognition in the wider public psyche... and for good reason.
As much as it pains us to say, within the commercial world, the vehicles often lack an emotional connection that certain cars elicit, whether for performance-based or historical reasons all, that is, except for a select few, Ford's Transit is one such example. It leads the way in a mass movement of tradesman (and tools) that has become as much a part of the landscape as, say, the Premiership and chicken tikka masala.
Another member of this select hall of fame is Toyota's Hilux. Whether in this country, where it dates back to 1972, or abroad, where it has backed revolutions and saved lives.
The current version of the Hilux is far removed from the iconic `Tonka'-style design that defined it in previous years, but be assured, the softer, more progressive look that it is now sporting doesn't mean it's gone all soft and domesticated on us.
What we have here is the sixth-generation version, complete with 2009 facelift, which adds a restyled exterior, tweaked suspension and larger brakes, while the D-41) 3.0-litre version (producing 169hp) gets a five-speed transmission to replace the previous four-speeder.
Also available with a 2.5-litre engine and a manual gearbox, complete with 118hp, it comes in single, 'Extra' (cab-and-a-half) and doublecab forms, as well as three grades HL2, HL3 and the Invincible, which is only available on the 3,0-litre version double-cab version (our test vehicle).
There have also been a few spec changes. You now get automatic air-con, leather seats, new-design 17alloy wheels, front, side and curtain airbags, and vehicle stability control as standard on the Invincible.
The aforementioned goodies come in addition to a satnay system with a touch screen and a CD player, alarm, remote central locking, chrome adornments, headlamp cleaners, electric windows, mirrors.
Underneath, the Toyota boasts the obligatory selectable four-wheel drive arrangement, with low and high ratios, lift the figure from 30.1mpg to 31mpg for a laden run, while unladen, it crept up to 35mpg from 34.5mpg.
For the record, Mitsubishi's L200, in top-rated Diamond guise, came in at 30.1mpg, while Nissan's Navara and Ford's Ranger Vs'ildtrak achieved 29.6mpg and 30,8mpg respectively all were for laden runs.
In the rear, a payload of 1,075kg stands up well, while the loadbecl dimensions work out at lm.'. You also get a load lining as standard, as well as a lockable tailgate (ideal for use with truck tops).
The design also stands up well, with high side walls and reduced intrusion from the rear wheel arches, To secure the load, there are four tie-down points found at the inner corners of the load area.
Cab comfort
If the cavalcade of extras help to raise the interior's profile, look past the sat-nay and air-con and the Hilux provides arguably the best cabin in the class From the driving position, which is commanding without being overbearing, to the clarity of the control layout, the Hilux avoids any pickup clichés It offers a more considered, passenger-car-style set-up that's easy to become accustomed to, There's also the bright colour scheme and curved central dash design to help boost it into the realms of attractiveness, with the former contributing to a feeling of spaciousness.
The sat-nay was easy to use, while storage was well planned and generous we particularly liked the positioning of the cup holders and the central cubbies.
What we can also attest to is the pickup's level of build quality. Whether it is on the mad, where it cruises at high speed with confidence, or while off-roading, the Hilux really does feel 'bombproof'. There's no shakes or rattling from the cabin, even when tackling edgier terrain, and this inspires confidence when you are pushing on.
I lowever, those sat in the rear will not be thanking you over longer journeys That said, there is a generous amount of headroom, which partly compensates for this, while the rear seat folds upwards to provide extra storage.
On the road
While the suspension tweaks have been modest -designed to provide a quieter and more comfortable ride we have to say that the end result is impressive, and it is possibly the most confident of its type, especially when you are riding the black-top. The Hilux certainly gives Nissan's all-conquering Navara a real run for its money.
While there is the obvious compliancy due to its offroad ambitions, it doesn't wallow or float, and neither does it feel overly stiff, translating to a secure ride that's backed by excellent build quality.
We also like the steering, which matches the chassis' dynamics, and gives positive feedback through the corners, where it behaves securely.
Switching to off-road and four-wheel drive, the Hilux demonstrates all the composure and guile you'd expect for a vehicle that's achieved legendary status.
No matter what conditions arc thrown its way, it remains unruffled, digging in with confidence, while the suspension does a good job of soaking up peaks and troughs without transferring the action into the cabin.
Contributing to this effectiveness is the 3.0-litre engine, Full of torque and urgency, it offers more than enough power to clamber up any gradient without stress, allowing you to concentrate on staying on track.
But this begs the question, do you really need it?
Well, no. Having muscle to spare is reassuring, but unless you tow or carry passengers and kit reguarly, it might seem a little excessive. No matter, we enjoyed it, but then again, we didn't have to pay for it... •