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T his year we tested eight pickups and 4x4s. At entry
Page 44
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level in the pickup market, the Proton Jumbuck was the only petrol vehicle we tested, and it managed a respectable 31 .6mpg fully laden.But it wasn't an experience our tester really relished, despite the claim about Lotus engineering. However, it was the cheapest of the lot by some considerable way, at just £6,895 for the 1.5-litre GLS we tested,and it proved lobe a reliable no-nonsense workhorse.
Top of the fuel consumption league was the Toyota Hilux, which combined a creditable 36.3mpg on our Kent route with a smooth ride. We liked the car-like interior but, like most vehicles in its class,it was a far more relaxing ride when loaded. Unladen 4x4s can be twitchy, especially at speed. A Toyota Hilux: Top of the economy league Nissan's SUV-based 4x4, the Terrano, was tested for the first time with its new 3.0-litre engine. Once again we recorded an impressive fuel figure, of 35.2mpg.We liked the engine and roomy interior but were less impressed by a disappointing payload of 685kg and the near-side hinged rear door which might be restrictive for some operations.
The Hilux and the Terrano, both models of temperance, topped our fuel economy league round the Surrey and Kent test route. A fter the two top performers came a fair gap in fuel economy.
though the next four models managed around 30-32mpg:the Ford Ranger SuperCab,Isuzu Trooper. Nissan Navara and the Proton Jumbuck.
The Ranger. with its unusual rear-hinged rear doors, proved a hard worker with a higher payload than its rivals at 1,135kg.So, while its fuel figure might look a tad disappointing compared with its rivals, the extra 10% or so of payload it offers makes for a considerable improvement in the overall productivity equation.
The Trooper. like theTerrano, appeared for the first time with a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel under the bonnet. We wheelbase version, and reckoned it was worth a second look, even if it won't win any beauty contests with its plain-Jane exterior styling and utilitarian, rather Spartan interior.
The Nissan Navara, however, definitely scored in this department. We tested the eye-catching Outlaw version, which is firmly aimed at the "lifestyle" market —although with 131hp to call on it couldn't be called workshy. While the Outlaw might look more at home on California freeways than twisty Pennine roads, it delivered a relaxing drive helped by that responsive engine.And the word "Outlaw" on the side means you'll never be at risk of losing it in a car park...
The competitively-priced Mitsubishi L200, besides having the poorest fuel economy figure. also lost points for its excessive servicing demands (every 4,500 miles or six months) and marginal performance in wet conditions.
In fact, we couldn't find a single area where it stood out above its rivals. Which hasn't stopped Mitsubishi from doubling its sales in the past year. Go figure... •