By the Dart • Motoring MOTORING ROAD TESTS BY NICK FLETCHER
OuR MOTORING COLuMN, BY THe exPeRIeNCeD aND aWaRD WINNING MOTORING JOuRNaLIsT NICK FLETCHER HeLPs OuR ReaDeRs CHOOse THe BesT OF THe LaTesT CaRs.
TOYOTA HILUX
FIRST INTRODUCED ALMOST 50 YEARS AGO, THE TOYOTA HILUX HAS ACHEIVED LEGENDARY STATUS IN A TOUGH SECTOR OF THE MARKETPLACE. TO DATE IT haS noTChed uP GLoBaL SaLeS of oveR 18 MiLLion UNITS, AND IN EUROPE LAST YEAR, IT WAS THE BEST- SELLING PICK-UP.
N
ow the all-new Toyota Hilux heralds a fresh era for the iconic model, with imposing styling,
additional comfort, more safety features and advanced technology. It offers suV levels of refinement and equipment, with the c entre console dominated by an easy-to-use integrated tablet-like seven-inch touch- screen multimedia system. Priced from £19,177 (
exc.VaT) it is available in
single, extra and Double Cab body styles, it has a new and stronger ladder chassis, reinforced deck structure, enhanced 4×4 capabilities, plus improved towing capacity although the 187 hp 2.4-litre D-4D diesel engine is smaller than the previous 3.0 litre unit, it provides vastly improved torque delivery in the low and medium speed ranges and has class-leading fuel economy. Two-wheel drive Hilux versions are equipped with
115
very comfortable ride. Light precise steering help make the Hilux surprisingly easy to manouvere. The vehicle - longer, lower and wider than its
THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
IS IMPRESSIVE – QUITE CAR- LIKE MUCH OF THE TIME
six-speed manual transmissions, whilst all-wheel drive models offer a choice of six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes. My test model was a top-spec double-cab Hilux Invincible with auto gearbox and priced at £27,235 (
exc.VaT). It has a 0-60 mph time of 12.8 sec- onds, top speed of 106 mph and fuel economy of 36.2 mpg combined. The driving experience is impressive – quite car-like much of the time and revised rear suspension gives a
predecessor - is equipped with a switchable all-wheel drive system featuring a high and low-ratio transfer case and both front and rear locking limited-slip rear differentials. It has a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes. In the cabin, the dashboard looks
as smart as in most suVs. seating is supportive and comfy and there is plenty of room for rear occupants. Standard kit includes cruise control,
touchscreen multi-media system, Bluetooth, rear-view camera and automatic aircon. It also has a wealth of safety features such as lane departure warning, road sign assist, stability and trailer-sway controls. With a dominating road presence thanks to its imposing size and slick styling, the new Hilux features eye-catching 18-inch alloys, scuff plates, chrome sidebars with steps and rear privacy glass. Tough workhorse it may be but added elements of luxury and driving refinement help keep it top of the pick-up class.
The Baleno is Suzuki’s new five door hatchback, more spacious than its Swift stablemate and featuring a punchy yet economical 1.0 litre turbo- boost petrol engine. Prices start at £12,999 and, while there is no diesel
SUZUKI Baleno
version, there is also a 1.2 petrol model with a hybrid system offering a combined fuel figure of 70.6 mpg.
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