7 reasons to buy a Toyota Hilux

Toyota Hilux

IF you’re in the market for a pick-up truck, the legendarily tough Hilux has to be on any shortlist.

1. It’s tough. Really tough. Who can forget the famous trials the Top Gear team put a Hilux through?

Drowning, fire and even placing it on the top of a tower block that was demolished failed to totally destroy the pick-up.

Always good to know when you’re dealing with Britain’s patchy road surfaces.

2. It’s a best-seller. If you need any convincing about whether a Hilux is worth buying, be reassured by the knowledge that it is Europe’s best-selling pick-up truck.

All those tradespeople and adventure sports types can’t be wrong.

3. Surprisingly efficient. The latest Hilux engines have recently been upgraded to meet the current EU emissions regulations, so CO2 emissions for the base 2.5-litre D4-D engine have been cut by 10% to 194g/km, while the 3.0-litre unit have also been reduced (to 203g/km, or 227g/km for the auto).

4. And lighter on the pocket/fuel card. Fuel economy is also down, to 38.7mpg for the 2.5-litre, or 36.7mpg (32.8mpg for the auto).

Not bad for a truck with a kerb weight of around two tonnes (just below or just above, depending on the version you opt for).

5. Up, up and away. With a 217mm ground clearance, the Hilux offers a commanding driving position, offering the driver plenty of forward vision when on the road.

6. Top deck. If you don’t need a van’s capacity for your work or hobby, the load bay of the Hilux should serve you well.

Depending on whether you go for a single, extra or double cab, the deck volume is anything from 1,530 litres to 983 litres.

7. Looking the part. The Hilux is every inch a modern-looking pick-up, from the impressively rugged grille and bonnet bulge to the solid tailgate, this is a truck that suggests messing with it might result in coming off second best.