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Style & Muscle
The New Toyota Hilux
By Don Booker MBE
 Don Booker MBE drives a vehicle that will go anywhere and do anything
Driving through the Sinai desert, the only sign of life came from the Bedouin tribes living in tents that have not changed in centuries. They appeared poor, but alongside their canvas homes were Toyota off-road vehicles.
If you watch television news programmes about Middle East trouble spots, watch for the tough Toyota off-roaders. If there is a president about, he will be in and escorted by, Toyota Land Cruisers. At one time it was always Land Rovers.
When I stopped to meet the tribesmen, I noticed that their transport was either a camel or a Toyota Hilux. They liked the latter because the open back deck could accommodate two camels.
They have a method of fastening their legs for a safe and comfortable journey to market.
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Over the rugged roads the camels could not have a more comfortable ride, for the Hilux in its three body styles, including a spacious double cab five-seater, is equal to any luxurious saloon – even on the heavily pot-holed country roads near Barnsley.
In addition to the double cab, the Hilux comes in the form of an extra cab and single cab which offers buyers a wide range of use. The Invincible 200 I tested offered luxury for the family with three seats and lots of space behind the driver and front passenger, and plenty of carrying space in the rear for any business or commercial work.
My vehicle had a three-litre diesel engine which developed 197bhp, had a combined consumption of 34mpg and on school runs or about town, 28mpg. Top speed is 105mph with the manual gearbox and slightly higher in automatic form, but it accelerates well and a close watch had to be kept on the speedo to match restrictions.
Also available in the Hilux range is a 2.5-litre diesel developing 120bhp and offering 102mph and combined consumption of nearly 38mpg.
Both engines have turbos and for such a size of vehicle delivers a smooth operation. Even the smaller unit can manage heavy loads and can deal with a braked trailer with a weight of 2250 kg.
It is big, but not ugly, and once inside it is very much car-like with excellent driving position and comfortable seating. Instrumentation is not overdone and everything is easy to operate.
The Invincible 200 does offer a bit more style and muscle. There is a special grille in stainless steel which seems to be a popular addition these days, black metallic paint and special leather interior.
I have not been a great lover of leather interior trim on off-roaders because one’s backside slides about. But Toyota seem to have developed a non-slip seat.
What an eye-catcher. There are 15-inch alloys, stainless steel side running bars that can be used as a step, front fog lights, power windows and special dials that reduce eye strain.
A visual highlight is the hi-over bar which can be fitted just behind the cab to create a personal touch. Although they see very few other people, the Bedouins love them and it gives them a bit of pride.
The steering was equal to a car in lightness, and off-road the Hilux through its separate lever can handle steep slopes and slippery surfaces. The Invincible had a slip differential that optimises torque balance between wheels and improves stability during cornering.
My time with the Hilux included negotiating flood conditions. There was no problem, and it can take water up to 700mm high. Yes, it is a true all-terrain vehicle, just as much as it is happy in town or city.
The Hilux range price starts at £11,495, plus VAT and licence which is £180. My test vehicle carried a tag of £20,795, plus VAT and licence.
If you want a vehicle with a rear deck bed, then Toyota offer many options to meet your needs.
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