One sits high in the Toyota Hilux 4×4 with a commanding view and that means visibility is excellent, though getting comfortable with the massive proportions takes some time. I soon found myself piloting it around with ease. One aspect to be wary of is when reversing. The long overhang at the back can be deceptive sometimes and it’s easy to wipe out a two-wheeler or two in the process—without even realising it! The cabin insulation is good and the only real noise comes from the combination of whirr and whoosh from the diesel accelerating hard (around 2,800-3,000 rpm in first, usually). This is a fun vehicle to drive.
The essential bits are all there for a good time and the lack of gimmickry is appreciated beyond measure in the day and age of automobiles being turned into gadgets. There is a weighted steering feel, the brakes are quite excellent and bring this behemoth to a stop confidently The suspension? Well, leaf springs without load can lead to a bouncy ride especially over undulations and speed humps—rather common where we live. Ensuring that even the rear occupants are buckled up is definitely a good idea. There is a little pitch that is noticeable, same with the Z-axis yaw. But the roll? Yes, it’s evident but a little getting used to the truck’s limitations tends to keep that in check. Just don’t throw it into a hairpin at near triple-digit speeds and all will be well.
The consumption for manual tends to be better than a fluid-coupling torque-converter automatic and a figure of nine kilometres to a litre in the city and a much higher 12 km/l on the highway are commendable. Consider that the Toyota Hilux has an 80-litre tank and the operational range will beg the question if anything else can truly be more practical.
Its asking price of the Toyota Hilux 4×4 is a few grand over Rs 37 lakh (ex-showroom) may seem steep, but it is a lot of vehicle for that price. Yes, it’s huge. That’s something which has its share of advantages and disadvantages but I believe that in the case of the Hilux, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. It is a legend for a reason. The diesel engine will continue strong even after piling on lakhs of kilometres—if taken care of properly—and the Hilux, with Toyota’s legendary reliability is, probably, never gonna let you down.
Story: Jim Gorde
Photography: Apurva Ambep
