Toyota Hilux Invincible (From York Press)

Toyota Hilux Invincible

11:33am Friday 3rd February 2012 in Road Test By Steve Nelson

BEFORE SUVs were unofficially declared Mother Nature’s nemesis, there was a push from commercial pick-up manufacturers to publicise their vehicles as “lifestyle alternatives”.

Adding the likes of alloy wheels and additional exterior trim actually did a very good job of turning the more agricultural vehicles into acceptable forms of transport for adventurous types who like to carry muddy mountain bikes, surfboards and whatever else at the weekend, but also needed a useable vehicle for more mundane tasks in the week.

And the latest range of pick-up trucks is more stylish, refined and economical than ever before without sacrificing practicality and the ability to get the job done.

Only a tank commander could have grounds to accuse the Toyota Hilux of being a lightweight. A reputation as one of the toughest in the business has been forged through six generations.

Renowned for its rugged goanywhere performance, the Hilux – Europe and the UK’s best-selling pick-up – was the first car to be driven to both the South and Magnetic North Poles and has been tested in the world’s most extreme environments. More than 12 million have been sold since its introduction in the late 1960s.

Famed for its ultra-tough quality, it is much more than just a workhorse, although you will still most likely find it on a building site or the back of beyond. About 80 per cent of sales go to the commercial sector.

Sales in the UK were up by 43 per cent last year, and although there had been supply issues in the previous year, that dramatic leap further demonstrates just how popular this type of dual-role vehicle has become.

Today’s version of the Hilux combines traditional robustness and excellent load-carrying capacity with comfort, safety and equipment features to make it a vehicle that ably bridges the divide between work and everyday driving needs.

Only recently it took top honours in the pick-up category of the Total 4x4 awards.

Alan Kidd, the magazine’s editor, said: “Hilux has always stood out in what is a very fiercely-fought category. It’s incredibly capable in every area and comes at a very appealing price.

The updates Toyota has made to it are subtle, but they’re enough to nudge it back in front of the pack.

There’s a lot of talent in the pick-up market, but once again Hilux is the one to beat.”

The latest version of Hilux is available in three bodystyles, single, extra and double cab, with a choice of 2.5 or 3.0-litre D-4D turbo-diesel engines and three grades – HL2, HL3 and Invincible.

These grades reflect the vehicle’s ability to satisfy the needs of those owners focusing on work use and those looking for extra features that make it a strong performer as recreational or family transport. In other words, if you want all those creature comforts you associate with a well-specified car, then the Hilux will deliver on that front too.

The smaller of the two diesel engine options has benefited from a 20 per cent increase in output to 142bhp, and while the 3.0-litre version of the D-4D unit still holds a considerable power advantage, the 2.5-litre D-4D unit now boasts an identical peak torque figure of 253lb/ft.

The lack of serious grumble is instantly noticeable and a big bonus, as is the decent ride, which can be a little bouncy on some surfaces but in most situations is more likely to be composed.

At the wheel, there are no illusions about the Hilux competing with luxury SUVs, but it is not lacking in the comfort stakes. The dashboard and fascia itself is quite ordinary in appearance, but the easily-wipedclean plastics will prove beneficial.

The seats are comfortable, although I found the fixed seat height made for an awkward entry and exit, while the view from such a commanding height was excellent.

Despite the long gait, the gearchange remains precise. The transmission is rugged, thanks to its manually-selectable four-wheel drive, low-ratio gearing and a rear differential that can be locked for extracting the vehicle from the trickiest of situations, but it’s also intelligent, with the Automatic Disconnecting Differential ensuring refinement and fuel economy is maximised in two-wheel drive mode.

For a large vehicle, the Hilux is not particularly difficult for an experienced driver to manoeuvre in an urban environment, although there is no denying that you will need to give extra thought to parking up at the supermarket. What you will also find is that you suddenly gain a lot more respect from fellow road-users.

The boxy shape lends itself to lots of cabin space, and there is no shortage of room both front and rear in the double-cab model.

Privacy glass, cruise control, electric windows and mirrors, airconditioning and a six-disc CD player with radio and USB/aux input mean the specification is well up to scratch.

For those requiring a tough working vehicle with creature comforts, the Hilux is hard to beat.

fact file

Toyota Hilux Invincible

PRICE: £24,655 (reclaimable VAT: £4,065; CV price £20,590). Hilux range from £19,255 (CV £16,090) for HL2 2.5-litre single cab

ENGINE: 3.0-litre diesel unit developing 169bhp

TRANSMISSION: five-speed manual transmission with low ratio transfer box, driving rear or all four wheels

PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph in 12.1 seconds; top speed 106mph

ECONOMY: 36.7 mpg combined

CO2 RATING: 203g/km