Toyota Hilux 2.5 D-4D City

One thing is for sure, pickup trucks are the last remnants of what could be called “primitive” cars, that is, those where comfort is really (at least on paper) less, but that is why they retain some of the good characteristics. that others have lost for added convenience.

In this area, relatively little has changed in the Toyota pickup (as in most others) over the past decades; it got remote-controlled central locking, power windows and air conditioning (in the case of the Hilux, all of the above applies to the City trim) and, of course, a mechanic that makes it easy to operate people who are not drivers. profession and / or those who do not imagine driving as a special physical project.

The Hilux is convincing in this: even a light teenager can drive it without too many problems, if, of course, he does not maneuver in narrow streets or parking lots. The turning radius remains with the truck, which is of course useful to know in advance before causing a traffic jam at a city intersection. An even bigger note applies to those who drive off-road, where, according to Murphy's rule, the ability to continue driving directly on the narrowest section disappears.

The sound comfort we're used to in passenger cars is still a far cry from the Hilux, but it should be added right off the bat that it's been vastly improved over the previous two generations; partly due to better insulation and partly due to the turbodiesel with modern injection technology. Anyone who isn't exactly a pickpocket will feel right at home in the Hilux - when it comes to interior noise. As well as otherwise; neat and modern (but not rough “working”) exterior body lines continue into the cockpit (dashboard!), while the traditional Japanese light gray remains, which is not pleasant to look at, and even the slightest dirt is immediately noticeable. This is (maybe) a rather delicate matter, especially with an SUV like this.

Initially, the mentioned services using such vehicles have criteria of complexity that are completely different from those of people who consider a pickup as a personal vehicle. We now know that driving is easy, but even basic comfort is guaranteed. Nevertheless, the guys from Toyota still lacked a few things: the interior lighting is extremely modest, the steering wheel can be adjusted in depth, the curved plastic window in front of the instruments is neat, but mostly shiny (just enough to distract the eye at the same time). driving and slightly restricts the view of parts of the sensors), the front fog lights do not have a warning lamp, the switch for them is far from the hands and eyes, on a very uneven road the sensors are constantly beeping from the cricket computer, the overall impression will undoubtedly be better.

The equipment section is especially worthy of minor breakdown. Compared to the basic Country package, the City package also includes one inch smaller and lighter wheels, two centimeters wider tires, side steps, lots of chrome on the outside, and bulky plastic rims, which is nice (and mostly useless). will gladly exchange all this for two additional airbags, for the leather of the steering wheel and, if not sinful, for the leather on the gear lever.

Pickup trucks are almost always available in three body styles, but whoever is targeting individuals is offering them a four-door body. This gives the Hilux five seats (i.e. two seats and a rear seat), five head restraints and four automatic seat belts, as well as the ability to raise the bench seat (which you secure with a rope and hook in this position), which is very useful if you need to carry it under the roof larger luggage, but the desire remains that this lift bench also divides by one third.

It's a little uncomfortable with luggage here. You should know that almost every thing, including a first aid kit and other little things, should be in the cabin, which means that if there are five people in the cabin, it will bother someone somewhere. True, there are two drawers under the seat, but one basically contains a tool for changing the bike. If four people wanted to travel in such a car, they would have to find a good luggage solution; at least in the form of a roof rack, if not a plastic superstructure over the cargo area, which again causes inconvenience. For such cases, the Hilux has no better solution than other similar vehicles.

But if you ignore these problems or know that these kinds of problems do not await you, then the Hilux can be a very fun car for every day and especially for relaxation. You will find that a manual air conditioner can be just as (or maybe even more?) More effective than an automatic air conditioner, since it is usually necessary to intervene in both, so that the basic seat adjustment (only for the length and backrest angle) is quite enough for a good position. steering wheel (all the tiny extra tweaks, including electric assistance, are they more costly than good?) that the Hilux has a lot of useful storage space (including those that can hold cans or small bottles) well) that it has an awfully long gear lever gears, at first glance, are pretty decently short and precise movements (and, if necessary, also quite fast) and that the visibility around is very good, if not excellent. Well, you don't see much right behind the Hilux, but it's the same with many passenger cars.

In fact, from the point of view of the family, only the question of capacity remains. The Hilux engine is technically modern, but inside it is quite (and recognizable, diesel) loud and moderate in performance, incomparable to the engines of passenger cars and luxury SUVs. The short first gear of the Hilux drivetrain can accelerate quickly from standstill, but any expectations beyond average travel speed are pointless. Hilux reaches a speed of just under 160 kilometers per hour, which is enough for most users, some problems only occur during a long trip uphill, which is no exception on our tracks. However, with a little persistence and feeling the engine, you can drive at top speed on the highway just about anywhere.

The engine wakes up just above idle and develops well up to 3.500 rpm. At 1.000 rpm it is not recommended to go in fifth gear (it resists vibration and noise, although, on the other hand, pulls well), but already 1.500 rpm in the same gear means about 60 kilometers per hour of a very leisurely and quiet ride. ... But he doesn't like high revs (in diesel frames).

The red field on the rev counter starts at 4.300 rpm, but revs above 4.000 rpm (again) with a noticeably heightened noise that is clearly visible until third gear, where it can still crank up to 4.400 rpm. The character described is to be expected: since the engine is focused on usability at lower revs, this is unconvincingly higher. And so the character of the engine for this car is correct, as the Hilux is primarily designed for off-road operation. Including the rest of the technique.

The body still rests on the chassis, which, together with the rigid rear axle, is designed for increased rear loads, and the off-road part of the equipment is also grateful for this design. The drive from the old school is also: mostly two-wheeled (rear), which on snow and other slippery surfaces, despite the large distance of the belly from the ground, turns out to be not very effective (in some cases even worse than a front-wheel drive car), but everything turns out by turning on all-wheel drive.

It, like the gearbox, is manually engaged using an additional lever next to the gear lever. The old but tried-and-true method has once again proven its simplicity, speed and reliability, albeit without the elegance that an electric pushbutton switch can offer. When engaged in all-wheel drive, the Hilux becomes suitable for use on slippery terrain and at the same time a toy. The long wheelbase and high engine torque from idle allow for very controlled cornering, even at low speeds, without fear of being stopped by snow or mud. The gearbox, on the other hand, takes on its mission when you find yourself in front of a clearly marked area where traffic is slow. Together with the standard partial differential lock (LSD), the Hilux is also very convincing on the ground in its urban version (equipment!). Only the antenna, which must be pulled out by hand, can lose its original shape when branching.

However, car games, usability (such as being able to carry larger sports equipment), and other features mentioned require some taxes. The rigid rear axle of a truck is the reason why we don't recommend riding in the back seat for people with osteoporosis and other similar problems, because driving on bumpy roads is not at all comfortable - and it turns out that our roads are not so flat at all. as they come across as improving. spring cars.

But obviously not everything to have. However, it is true that even this Hilux falls far short of the comfort offered by luxury SUVs (such as the RAV-4) in some respects, but delivers something that others cannot. Even if it's just a buzzword about spending time actively. With a skid on a slippery road.

Vinko Kernc

Photo: Aleš Pavletič.

Toyota Hilux 2.5 D-4D City

Basic data

Sales:	Toyota Adria Ltd.
Base model price:	23.230,68 €
Test model cost:	24.536,81 €
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Power:	75kW (102 KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h):	18,2 with
Maximum speed:	150 km / h

Technical information

engine:	4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - direct injection turbodiesel - displacement 2494 cm3 - maximum power 75 kW (102 hp) at 3600 rpm - maximum torque 260 Nm at 1600-2400 rpm.
Energy transfer:	rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive - 5-speed manual transmission - tires 255/70 R 15 C (Goodyear Wrangler HP M + S).
Capacity:	top speed 150 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h in 18,2 s - fuel consumption (ECE) no data l / 100 km.
Transportation and suspension:	off-road van - 4 doors, 5 seats - body on chassis - front single suspension, spring legs, two triangular cross rails, stabilizer - rear rigid axle, leaf springs, telescopic shock absorbers - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear drum - rolling circle 12,4 m
Mass:	empty vehicle 1770 kg - permissible gross weight 2760 kg.
Inner dimensions:	fuel tank 80 l.
Box:	Trunk volume measured using AM standard set of 5 Samsonite suitcases (total volume 278,5 L): 1 backpack (20 L); 1 × aviation suitcase (36 l); 2 × suitcase (68,5 l); 1 × suitcase (85,5 l).

Our measurements

T = 4 ° C / p = 1007 mbar / rel. Owner: 69% / Tires: 255/70 R 15 C (Goodyear Wrangler HP M + S) / Meter reading: 4984 km
Acceleration 0-100km:	17,3s
402m from the city:	20,1 years ( 108 km / h)
1000m from the city:	37,6 years ( 132 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h:	13,0s
Flexibility 80-120km / h:	21,5s
Maximum speed:	150km / h (V.)
Minimum consumption:	9,7l / 100km
Maximum consumption:	13,0l / 100km
test consumption:	11,8 l / 100km
Braking distance at 100 km / h:	44,5m
AM table:	43m
Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear	59dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear	57dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear	55dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear	68dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear	64dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear	62dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear	68dB

Overall rating (301/420)

• Technically, it just got four points, but that depends a lot on whether the Hilux will serve as a "business car" or as a personal and recreational vehicle. Otherwise, it's a fun and rewarding SUV nonetheless.

• Exterior (14/15)

  In terms of design, it represents a beautiful step from a running machine to a vehicle that you might like too.

• Interior (106/140)

  Inside, despite the two-seat cab, the ease of use and spaciousness in the back seat are on foot.

• Engine, transmission (35
  
  
  / 40)

  The engine and transmission are very good in all categories of assessments - from technology to performance.

• Driving performance (68
  
  
  / 95)

  The Hilux is easy and pleasant to drive, only the chassis (rear axle!) Not the best, but it has a high payload.

• Performance (18/35)

  Due to its high mass and moderate engine performance, also moderate road performance.

• Security (37/45)

  However, cars designed in this way are no match for modern passenger cars.

• Economy

  Sufficiently favorable fuel consumption in all driving modes and a very good guarantee.

We praise and reproach

guy look

drive, capacity, 4WD

engine

air conditioning efficiency

rear bench lift

manual activation of 4WD and gearbox

two-wheel drive

flash in the windows above the devices

only height adjustable steering wheel

it does not have an outside temperature sensor

poor interior lighting