Car Test Toyota Triumphs


When you pull up in a Toyota Hilux Invincible, you’re reminded that this is less a workman’s pick-up and more a long-distance companion with a stubborn streak of robust- ness. The 2. 4-litre diesel under this particular guise is all about torque and sure-footedness, delivering a steady, no-nonsense pace that suits UK lanes, farm tracks and business fleets alike. It’s not about sprinting to 60, but about arriving with your cargo intact, every time.


In the chassis department, the Hilux wears its truck bona fides with quiet confidence. The double cab is well proportioned, offering a surprisingly practical interior for long drives or a weekend away. The front seats are firm and supportive, a hallmark of a vehicle designed to cover miles without nagging backaches. The cabin materials lean toward rugged practicality - sturdy plastics, clear switchgear, and a design that makes sense after hours of wear. It’s not flashy, but it is unfazed by mud, weather, and the grind of daily duties.


Performance-wise, the 2. 4-litre engine is all about low-end vitality and reliable mid-range shove. In urban squeeze or country lanes, it feels generous with its torque, delivering confident overtakes and a steady, composed motorway cruising once you’ve found the right gearing. The six-speed manual is a rare delight in this segment, offering precise throws and a satisfying, mechanical feel that


makes you feel connected to the drive. An automatic option exists in some markets; in the UK, however, manual transmission keeps the driver engaged and the car’s economy predictable.


Ride comfort represents a delicate balance. The Hilux’ suspension is tuned to absorb potholes and rutted tracks, yet it remains fleet-footed enough to avoid wallow on bet- ter roads. There’s a fine line between “tough” and “unrefined,” and Toyota tends to err on the reliable side. The result is a ride that’s not cushioned like a passenger car, but fair and predictable almost workmanlike, in the best way possible.


Practicality is where the Hilux truly shines. The double cab offers substantial rear-room for passengers, with decent headroom and a practical boot/bed combination. The load bed is square and forgiving, easy to load, and the vehicle’s stance provides a confident, no-non- sense load-lugging experience. The Invincible trim brings a generous equipment tally - think peachy infotainment, a sensible driver-assist suite, and durable interior fittings that can withstand the Scottish weather and inevita- ble spillages.


Economy is a mixed bag, as with most pick- ups. The 2. 4 diesel isn’t a fuel-sipper, but its efficiency is predictable and, crucially, reliable


or easing away from traffic lights. The transi- tion to petrol power is seamless, a hallmark of Toyota’s hybrid engineering, with a refined, almost invisible handover that keeps the ride feeling serene rather than jarring. The 4WD system, when it engages, adds a sense of con- fidence on damp roads or light gravel tracks, though most urban and mixed driving will see the car settle mostly on electric or a gentle hybrid mode.


The RAV4 PHEV continues Toyota’s long-run- ning mission to blend practicality with eco-re- sponsibility, offering a compelling bridge between conventional petrol SUVs and full electric propulsion. In short, it does what you’d expect: it makes keeping an eco-con- scious conscience simpler without making you compromise on everyday convenience.


On the road, the PHEV powertrain is the star from the moment you press the start button. The electric motor delivers a smooth, quiet initial surge, ideal for nipping through town


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Inside, the cabin is well-appointed with thoughtful storage and high-quality materials that belie the car’s price point. The infotain- ment system is intuitive, with crisp graphics and responsive menus that reduce the usual mid-journey fiddling. Seating remains com- fortable over longer journeys, with supportive chairs that don’t demand sacrifices in plush- ness for practicality. The boot is adequately sized for daily groceries and a couple of suit- cases, with clever packaging that ensures the hybrid powertrain doesn’t intrude on cargo space.


Economy is where the RAV4 PHEV shines. In everyday use, you’ll extract impressive miles from a full charge, especially in urban envi- ronments where regenerative braking is most effective. Real-world figures will depend on your commuting pattern and charging habits,


on longer runs where endurance matters more than glamorous mpg numbers.


CPM approval: The Toyota Hilux Invincible Double Cab 2. 4 we tested is not a showroom darling; it’s a workhorse with a quiet, reso- lute personality. It asks for respect, rewards reliability, and delivers a confidence-inspiring blend of practicality and rugged charm that suits UK workdays and weekend adventures alike. If you prize durability, spare parts familiarity, and a vehicle that can take a pun- ishing schedule in its stride, this is a com- pelling choice. Prices start from £38,800 on the road. For more information please visit www.toyota.co.uk.


but the potential is clearly there. On longer trips, the hybrid logic persists, keeping fuel usage sensible rather than sensational, which is exactly what many buyers want from a practical family SUV.


Ride quality is commendable, with a suspen- sion setup that irons out potholes without turning you into a space cadet. Road and wind noise are contained well, preserving cabin serenity on mid-range speeds. Steering is composed, with a confident feel and adequate feedback to keep you connected to the road.


Safety features are comprehensive: adaptive cruise, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation, and a host of active safety systems ensure peace of mind in busy traffic. The PHEV pow- ertrain’s additional home charging capabilities are a real bonus for households with access to a plugged-in garage or dedicated charging point.


CPM approval: A strong, well-rounded fam- ily SUV that blends eco-friendly tech with Toyota’s usual reliability and a user-friendly driving experience. Smart choice for those who want a plug-in option without sacrificing practicality or everyday usability. Prices start from £45,300 on the road. For more informa- tion please visit www.toyota.co.uk.


COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MONTHLY 2025


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