Some cars were built to last. Even just by looking at them you will get a sense of stability that can only be enhanced by the driving experience. Toyota Hilux is one of these vehicles: not only this versatile pickup can endure the trickiest of dirt roads, but it has also resisted the passing of time and boasts a history going all the way back to 1968.
Strength and reliability are all that brought Hilux through so many phases of the car market: the most recent seventh generation, whose production started in 2005, is bigger than the previous ones and is built around a diverse range of diesel and gasoline engines. Models commercialised in Australia from 2005 include the 2.7L Gasoline with 119 kW and 160 horsepower, the 3.0L Turbodiesel D-4D with 162 horsepower, the 4.0L gasoline VVT-I with 228 horsepower and, finally, the mightier 4.0L Supercharged 225 kW with 302 horsepower, an Australian exclusive introduced in 2008.
Based around the 2005 models, the latest 2011 upgrade relies on a completely
renovated design which also includes new bumper, taillights and three-bar grille. The interiors for this model are also more polished and the improved level of details adds a touch of quality to a pick-up that was, up until this version, renown more for its resistance rather than its looks.
Hilux’s attitude has also evolved with the latest upgrade, which has introduced a driving experience more similar to that of a SUV, mainly thanks to a few techie touches such as a parking camera and light controls and a different driver position. For this most recent reincarnation, the 3.0-litre diesel with automatic transmission is the best in terms of fuel consumption (32.8 mpg), while if you’re looking for performance you will more likely resort to the stronger six-cylinder 175 kW petrol engine with 343 Nm of maximum torque.
With so many options now on the market of new and used cars and a history as long, Hilux is certainly one of the most reliable and affordable options for your work days spent on the road and family weekends alike.
