THE 50-YEAR-OLD LEGEND

Sat, 24 Feb 2018 09:46:19 +0000

EVEN without looking at official statistics, one can reasonably deduce that the Toyota Hilux is one of the best-selling vehicles in the country.

You would be hard pressed to avoid one. If you are not driving one, your neighbour is, if not, the police are, if not, some construction works has it.

It is everywhere serving all kinds of purposes. It is so popular and has been in continuous production since 1968.

The current eighth generation is a leap from previous generation popularly dubbed “D4D.” The model has been on the market for nearly three years now and should be due for an early life update or facelift.

The car in the metal is a very handsome being. With the large headlamps and bold lines on the grill hosting the large Toyota emblem. LED appointments in the headlamps seem to continue onto the grill, a design feature seen in other Toyotas.

The sides are clean with slightly bulging wheel arches. The rear too is a neat affair with large tail lights. The most popular version of the vehicle is definitely the double-cab.

Other body styles include single-cab and extra-cab. Depending on market, these can be further had in various trim like Raider, SR, SRX and SR5.

Other variants that one is likely to see are The Vigo, Revo and Invincible. All these tick different options boxes and have different drive gear too. Completing the looks are 17’’ alloys or 18 in superior models.

Most noticeable change it the downsizing of the main engine from 3.0 to 2.8 (badged as GD6). The   2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine is good for 130kW and 450Nm. May seem low on power but the Torque is quite sufficient.  It is also offered with a smaller 2.4 turbo-diesel plus petrol 2.7-litre four-cylinder (122kW/245Nm) or 4.0-litre V6 (175kW/376Nm) engines. Contact the local supplier for the models available.

The inside is basic and accessible. The bias nowadays is to design double cabs like SUVS so as to appeal to more buyers and easily market them as family cars. Fair attempt here. The HiLux offers power windows and mirrors, air-conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking, a reversing camera, electrically-assisted steering (tilt/reach adjustable) and a 7.0-inch touch-screen audio system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The screen is somewhat misplaced on this dash, it doesn’t look well integrated into the car, and it is smaller in some models though. Seating is decent with manual adjustment and offers a well commanding view with large rear view mirrors. The rear seats have ISOFIX anchorage for those with infants.

The ‘Lux can be had in 4 X 4 and 4 X 2. It is a proper off road tool and can well handle most obstacles thrown it way. The 4 X 4 versions can be had in High and Low Range too. Other models are fitted with a rear differential lock for that traction when needed.  Transmitting the power is either an automatic or manual trans both with Six speeds. It boasts a strong line up even up to 30 in some markets so one is spoilt for choice in meeting one for their needs.

What it can be used for is a long list and is added to every day. It is revered for good reason. It can be applied in many industries and jobs. From the bank executive, to the farmer, from construction to family car, it executes tasks with aplomb. With a solid reputation and widely great sales and aftersales service, is a good bet.  Always called invincible and for good reason. With its 50th anniversary approaching, expect an awesome Legend 50 version. The Legend lives on…