PICK-UP GETS COMMON-RAIL
PICK-UP GETS COMMON-RAIL
The latest version of
Toyotas Hilux pick-up gets
a more powerful engine and
bigger payload. David
Cousins was at the launch
ASK someone to name the best-known pickup marque in the UK and theyll probably still say Toyotas Hilux, even though good rivals have been around for years. Now almost thirty years (and 50,000 sales) after it first came to the UK, the Hilux has been updated and refreshed again.
The main change is the arrival of a pair of common-rail turbodiesel engines – the first to go under the bonnet of a pickup. As well as boosting power and torque, oil-change intervals have now widened to 10,000 miles.
The lower-powered 88hp/ 192Nm version only appears in two models, the two-wheel-drive single-cab version and the 2WD extra-cab that has a longer cab with room for two occasional passengers or extra tools or equipment.
All four-wheel-drive models come with the 102hp/260Nm engine. Theres one single-cab model, with rubber mats and wipe-clean door linings, manual windows and mirrors and no air-con – ideal for those wanting a no-nonsense lugger.
Move up to the double-cab and you have a choice of three trim levels – EX/GX and VX.
All have power steering, twin airbags and electric windows /mirrors, and the higher spec levels bring things like ABS, rev-counter, CD player, central locking and extra chrome.
Theres also been a sharp increase in payload capacity that now brings all three double-cab models comfortably over the 1045kg threshold so that VAT can be reclaimed even if a hardtop is fitted. Towing capacity is 1800kg on 2WD versions and 2250kg on 4WD versions.
Verdict: New engines give worthwhile power boost, though performance of 88hp unit is still steady rather than scintillating. Extra-cab version is a useful-looking compromise between single-cab and double-cab models. Shame it doesnt come in 4WD form or with bigger engine, but Toyota says its looking to plug that gap.
Model Body type Hp Payload Loadbed Price
(kg) • x w (mm) (ex VAT*)
240 (2WD) single-cab 88 1090 2160 x 1465 £11,427
240FX (2WD) extra-cab 88 1005 1855 x 1450 £13,427
250EX (4WD) single-cab 102 900 2160 x 1465 £14,627
270EX (4WD) double-cab 102 1075 1355 x 1465 £16,127
270GX (4WD) double-cab 102 1055 1355 x 1465 £17,127
270VX (4WD) double-cab 102 1045 1355 x 1465 £18,127
* Includes delivery charge, number plate and 12 months Vehicle Excise Licence
Above: Single-cab 4WD still likely to be farmers choice of workhorse. Inset right: Extra-cab has room for tools and extra passengers.
Toyota pick-up data