Toyota HiLux SR5 Turbo-Diesel

When Toyota released the current-shape HiLux in 2005 the company opened the door to a whole new philosophy in one-tonne utes. Toyota cemented the inexorable move towards more passenger car-like levels of comfort and features in the recreational dual-cab ute market.

So it is still surprising to see just how car-like this ute had become. Its cabin could easily be mistaken for one you'd find in a medium-sized sedan and it was comfortably plush inside. And while the new 3lt diesel engine was a welcome addition, with the softening of the looks came some softening of the HiLux's legendary toughness.

For off-roading, the HiLux lost some of its under-body strength and its 15-inch wheels weren't welcomed by some off-roaders, because it limited off-road tyre sizes. But this has been improved. Ground clearance wasn't helped either.

Despite its lesser off-road ability and bush-touring strengths, its sales have not been hurt one bit. The HiLux remains Australia's top-selling commercial 4WD and it sits among the top-10 selling vehicles in the country.

The manufacturer's price for this model is $51,980 (not including taxes, registration fees or dealer delivery).

While introduced as an all-new model in 2005, the HiLux was revised last October. Exterior changes in the update include a new grille following the new design theme of Toyota's SUVs set by the current-generation Kluger. On the SR5 this consists of a chrome/grey grille treatment rather than the previous body-coloured grille. There are also new headlights that feature clear lenses for the front indicators as well as a new front bumper. This model also featured a new 15-inch alloy wheel design.

Inside, the SR5 models now have audio and multi-information display controls on the four-spoke leather-bound steering wheel, as well as standard cruise control. A new metallic colour called Tidal Blue has also been taken from the Kluger-colour range.

INTERIOR
The upgraded HiLux has a cover on the front passenger vanity mirror while the centre console has been raised by approximately 30mm to enhance the vehicle's appearance. The headlight control wand and the wiper control wand have both been improved for easier use.

Other standard equipment on the SR5 Double Cab includes power windows and doors, MP3 compatible AM/FM radio with six in-dash CD player, air-conditioning, leather steering wheel, tilt-adjustable steering column, trip computer, ABS brakes and dual front airbags. Side steps and a rear bumper step are also part of the package.

Like many competing dual-cabs, the HiLux is not available with side or side-curtain airbags, traction control or stability control. The centre rear seatbelt is also a lap-only design.

The HiLux has a comfortable, roomy interior with clever touches like illuminated backlit instrument dials, a feature that is only now becoming common in the car market (admittedly Lexus and others have used this feature for more than 10 years).

For looks, quality materials and colours have been used to good effect. For example, the two-tone dashboard was a nice contrast and helped make the interior feel more like a passenger car and less like a commercial vehicle. Fit and finish was excellent.

The seats are comfortable and while some may find them too soft, they offer reasonable support. Vision was very good and all instruments were well marked.

However, its automatic transmission is not exactly state-of-the-art. While it's not the only four-speed unit on the market, other models (including the V6 petrol HiLux) are using more efficient five-speed transmissions. At least the four-speed has a good spread of ratios and has smooth, decisive changes.

If there's one thing that the HiLux definitely doesn't do as well as its predecessors, it has to be off-roading. The vehicle lacks ground clearance, despite the healthy number quoted by Toyota, and under-body protection could be stronger. The rear bumper and side steps are also easily damaged when off-road. Even so, the HiLux's good wheel travel and low-range gearing still make it as competitive as ever.

During the test we achieved an average of 14.8lt/100km towing a 1900kg tandem-axle caravan. It achieved a best figure of 8.1lt/100km when cruising solo.

Our test boat, with its 146kg tow-ball download, dropped the rear of the ute only marginally when hitched up.

On our test hill, the HiLux steamed up with no problem, barely dropping speed as the incline became steeper. Coming down hills, engine braking was more acceptable than remarkable. Top gear cruising saw the tacho sitting on around 2000rpm, but the transmission preferred to downshift and sat at 2800rpm on even a slight incline.

We used accessory towing mirrors but the broad HiLux mirrors were so good we were tempted to rely on them alone.

Visit www.Toyota.com.au for more information about the Toyota HiLux.