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.

MORE ATTRIBUTES
The SR5 Double Cab Pick-Up is the top specification in the HiLux 4X4 range and we tested the 3lt turbo-diesel four-speed automatic version. The turbo-diesel also comes as a five-speed manual and a 4lt V6 petrol engine is also available with five-speed manual, or auto transmission options.

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.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
The HiLux's 3lt turbo-diesel engine is smooth, flexible and powerful enough to keep the segment leaders honest in outright acceleration. This diesel is not as clattery as many others and it revs out with almost petrol engine eagerness. Turbo lag is not as bad as some competitors, with an easy transition from off-boost to boost.

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.

SUSPENSION
The HiLux has responsive, direct steering which, like all the utes, could have a better road feel. With a safe (if somewhat uninspiring) turn-in to corners, the HiLux also leans with a fair amount of body-roll when pushed hard and the tyres quickly resort to an unhappy squeal if pushed hard on bitumen surfaces. Ride quality on smoother roads is very good giving the HiLux a quiet, road car-like feel, although the ride quality can deteriorate quickly on chopped up or potholed roads.

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.

ECONOMY
Toyota says that the 3lt turbo-diesel teamed with the four-speed automatic will achieve 9.3lt/100km in combined urban/extra-urban use.

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.

TOWING
The HiLux has a 2250kg towing capacity with 225kg maximum on the ball. This trails the field in the segment, where the class-leading towing capacity is up there at 3000kg.

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.

CONCLUSION
Dual-cabs are becoming more popular because they retain some degree of off-road toughness while providing the features and appeal of modern SUV wagons. The HiLux is one of the best all-rounders around, although it doesn't have the elevated towing capacity of some of its competitors. Nonetheless, it has good performance and quality interior presentation coupled with comfort, decent off-road ability and good load-carrying capacity.

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

TOYOTA HiLUX DOUBLE CAB SR5 TURBO-DIESEL
Engine: In-line four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Max. power: 126kW at 3600rpm
Max. torque: 343Nm at 1400-3400rpm
Transmission: Four-speed auto
Length: 5255mm
Width: 1835mm
Height: 1820mm
Wheelbase: 3085mm
Ground clearance: 292mm
Kerb mass: 1900kg
Gross Vehicle Mass: 2780kg
Gross Combined Mass: 5030kg
Fuel: 76lt
Roof load: 50kg
Towing capacity: 750kg unbraked;
2250kg braked
TBM maximum: 225kg