The latest Toyota Hilux/Vigo fitted with bull bars / nudge bars
Toyota Hilux Mk 6 Test / Review
DRIVING
Summary
Sixth-generation Hilux aims to double sales in the UK and take advantage of the growing number of customers who use double-cab pick-up trucks as their only vehicle. The new model offers standard air conditioning, alarm and remote central locking, while the top grade double cabs have rear privacy glass, an in-dash six-CD autochanger and 16-inch alloy wheels. Toyota promises lower running costs than its main rivals. Initially just a 101bhp 2.5-litre diesel was available, but was later upgraded to 120bhp and joined by a beefy 3.0-litre diesel with 171bhp.
Behind the Wheel
The Hilux has a robust feeling interior and a finish more typical of that found in one of its passenger cars. It might not have the type of upmarket materials as found in the Avensis, but it's built to the same standard, with sturdy feeling fixtures and narrow, uniform gaps between the separate panels. The cabin is roomier than before and offers easier access with wider opening doors and a higher seat position. Both double cab and single cab seating areas have greater shoulder room and headroom, and there are plenty of storage areas for bottles and other items. The audio system fitted to HL2 and HL3 models can play MP3 files recorded on CD. On the Invincible model there is an in-dash CD autochanger. When ordering your vehicle you can choose to exchange either of these packages for a system compatible with satellite navigation. The option will be installed before delivery and includes full European coverage through an LCD turn-by-turn system.
On the Road
Customers switching to a Hilux double-cab from a conventional car or 4x4 will probably be surprised with the apparent lack of power. When it was launched in 2005, it was available with a 101bhp 2.5-litre engine with and 192lb-ft (2WD models can only muster 148lb-ft). It means acceleration from this engine is leisurely at best and can sometimes struggle on faster roads when scaling hills. However, the engine is quiet for a pick-up truck and the Hilux is not unpleasant to drive. The issues of power were cleared-up when the engine was upgraded to 120bhp and later joined by a 3.0-litre diesel with 170bhp. Both of these engines carry Hilux's bulk much better.
PRACTICALITY
Cargo Capacity
Like most pick-up trucks, the Hilux will carry more than 1000kg in its load bay to ensure it is exempt from VAT for business users. The dimensions of the cargo area are greater than the outgoing Hilux and comparable with the new Nissan Navara. Deck length on the single cab is 2315mm (double cab: 1520mm), deck width is 1520mm (double cab: 1515mm) and deck height is 450mm. Three load covers are offered, one of which has a flat cover- the other two are the same height as the cab.
Safety and Security
As well as standard ABS, the Hilux has been designed with an energy-absorbing frame structure, a collapsible steering column and retractable brake pedal to minimise injuries in a crash. Twin airbags are standard across the range and the front seatbelts are fitted with pretensioner’s which tighten the belt at the moment of impact. They also incorporate force limiters and are height-adjustable. Brakes have been upgraded for this Hilux and the new headlamp design is more effective offering an illumination range of 175m on full beam.
Costs
Toyota has made great efforts in making the new Hilux significantly less expensive to run than its rivals. The key area where savings are made is in labour time during services. The Hilux should spend about one third of the amount of time in the garage over 60,000 than a Mitsubishi L200 and about half the time of a Ford Ranger. Toyota claims that an unladen Hilux should achieve about 34mpg, which is good for a relatively heavy 4x4.
Reliability
The Hilux has a reputation as being one of the most reliable vehicles on the road. This should continue with the new model.
