RE: Toyota Hilux across Namibia

RE: Toyota Hilux across Namibia

Thursday 26th May 2016

Toyota Hilux across Namibia

How to test what's claimed to be the toughest Hilux ever? To the desert!



A car launch itinerary often reads much like any other: get to airport for some ungodly hour of the morning, fly to European city of choosing, absorb press bumf and then drive new car on road (plus track if you're lucky) until it's time to fly home. Take as much free coffee and Wi-Fi on the way, write what's possible before falling asleep on the plane.

Definitely as much fun as it looks
Definitely as much fun as it looks
Not this time. Toyota decided that Namibia was the place for its international launch of the new Hilux. Yes, really. An appropriately gruelling test for a car that's famously durable? Or a nice little break for those freeloading journalists, conveniently helping them forget the car isn't what it should be?

See it's hard not to be cynical about intentions with a place like Namibia. To test a vehicle - sorry Toyota - as ordinary as a Hilux in a country of such natural beauty seems to be doing Namibia a disservice. Yes, there are hundred of them out here, but for UK journalists it seems a bit much. Still, if it works here, then it's sorted for the worst construction sites Britain can deal it out.

The Hilux is Toyota's second biggest selling model behind the Corolla, with 18 million sold since 1968 and 815,000 in Europe. Moreover, this is only the eight-generation Hilux in nearly 50 years, making it a very big deal for Toyota. As well as maintaining its reputation for toughness, the Hilux enters a more competitive sector than ever - sales are climbing rapidly in the UK and more manufacturers are offering pick-ups than at any point previously. When even Mercedes is getting in on the act you know they're a big deal!

Stuck? Floor it!
Stuck? Floor it!
For this latest generation, Toyota wants to enhance that reputation for mechanical strength while also appealing to those buying pick-ups as SUV alternatives. Predictably there's more technology inside and a fresher look to begin covering off those bases, but there are interesting tweaks underneath too: the ladder frame chassis is now 20 per cent more rigid, wheel travel has been increased, plus there's an all-new diesel engine with updated gearboxes. It's a comprehensive Hilux overhaul, put simply, one that Toyota will hope continue its European dominance of the sector (the outgoing Hilux, even in its last year on sale in 2015, had a 23.1 per cent segment share).

There is now just one engine option, a 2.4-litre diesel replacing both the 2.5 and 3.0-litre engines offered previously. It makes 150hp and 295lb ft, with either a six-speed manual or six-speed auto offered. On the launch event there's both gearboxes to try, all in Double Cab format. More space for the stash of biltong and other meat-based snacks we're provided with.

The first day of the African adventure doesn't start well. It's foggy, not all that warm, and the plan to keep 25 cars on one radio channel lasts for about two minutes. One car doesn't have enough fuel in. Having stopped to resolve that we come to a halt again very soon after for pictures. Moving a car for a photo, another journalist reverses their Hilux into me. That's pretty painful. It's still foggy.

This is what we mean about barren
This is what we mean about barren
However, we see the light (quite literally, in fact) at Dune 7, just a few kilometres down the road. Fortunately for the aspiring Dakarists on the launch, there's more than one dune at Dune 7; there are plenty, ranging from molehills to mountains, to test both car and driver. Well, one more than the other...

The Hilux is staggeringly (and surprisingly) capable in the sand. With most of the air taken out of its Bridgestone Dueler tyres, there's not a dune it can't conquer. Given a couple of attempts and familiarity with a low-range manual, that is. To keep your foot in when all you can see is blue sky is quite unnerving, but tremendous fun when you learn the habit and the Hilux ascends another sandy slope. Stuck? Reverse down, try again with more commitment. And repeat.

After the hi-octane but slow speed thrills of the morning, Tuesday afternoon is far less invigorating. There's 300km to do between Dune 7 and the Namibgrens Lodge campsite, all on gravel roads. Very straight, very barren gravel roads. Neither the journo I'm sharing with nor I are brave enough to risk our music collections on the (also updated) infotainment system. Best get chatting...

The Namib Naukluft National Park is apparently the size of Belgium, but scarily deserted, no pun intended. Namibia is second only to Mongolia for lowest number of people per square kilometre, meaning huge amounts of distance and time pass without seeing anything. No people, no animals, no settlements. Weird. Still, at least there's plenty of time to focus on the car.

Dunes done; time for full off-roading
Dunes done; time for full off-roading
In an odd situation and with no direct comparison possible, the Hilux is impressive. It still isn't an SUV - the diesel clatter and the limitations of the chassis are still evident - but it does a really good job of making the distance tolerable. The seats are comfortable, it absorbs ruts and craters in the gravel well and it's certainly quiet enough at the UK limit on a dirt road. Even slightly beyond that, if you're feeling brave; you'll need a lot of space to hit that claimed 106mph top speed, put it that way.

The time doesn't exactly fly by though, so we arrive at Namibgrens in need of a rest and a refuel. Crucially, however, we aren't exhausted by the car or the driving. Or each other's company, I'd like to think. Given what we've endured with the car during the first day, that's a fair achievement.

Day two dawns beautifully bright. But again there's a right palaver as we head to the off-road course - the camp is so vast that it houses the 40km off-road course, but many head to the exit thinking that's the way to go.

Convoy collected the off-road course provides a real challenge, with the punctures to prove it. It's rocky, dusty and demanding, certain section requiring a spotter to see you through and even the recommendation to lock the rear diff in parts. Swapping to the (very good) automatic does at least give one less thing to concentrate on. Again though the Hilux exceeds expectations, if not shrugging off the challenge then certainly completing it with less fuss than expected. It's not off-roading if you don't hear metal scrape on rock, is it?

"Er, which way to the Wi-Fi?"
"Er, which way to the Wi-Fi?"
The 'road' route then continues from Namibgrens to Windhoek, the capital city. By this time most are getting tired of the inescapable dust from the gravel roads, exacerbated on the second day by not a drop of wind. Great for creating a Rally Safari sandstorm in your wake, not ideal for a convoy of pick-ups with 200km to cover. Ask me about overtaking the cattle truck in a couple of weeks; the memory is still a little too fresh right now...

As the capital city and its smooth, glorious tarmac beckons, it's time to reflect on what the Hilux has achieved. Well it seemed to be, until we're reminded there's another 40km on the other side of Windhoek before we reach the camp.

Now while they were new cars and designed for this sort of terrain, the way the Hiluxes dealt with their African adventure without a squeak or rattle seems pretty remarkable. They were floored up dunes, bashed around off-road routes and driven a little too quickly on unsurfaced roads. All the time, even when they were stuck, it felt like the driver was most certainly the weak link and not the Hilux. It's that sort of dependable reputation the Hilux's success is built on, and most definitely appears present here.

However, the Hilux isn't flawless. Once we reach the tarmac and Windhoek at rush hour, some weaknesses surface. While never out of its depth, the powertrain could occasionally feel a little sluggish in the cut and thrust (all things being relative) of Namibia's capital city. It's interesting to note that many of the Toyota's rivals offer more powerful diesels - there's a 190hp Navara and a 200hp Ranger, for example - so it let's see if other engines join the line up in time.

New Hilux, same as the old Hilux. But better
New Hilux, same as the old Hilux. But better
Moreover, despite the claims of a more SUV-like interior, you would want to spend time in an Amarok instead if really long distances wanted to be covered. It's good, but you're never in any doubt of the car's origins.

So where does that leave the Hilux? Broadly speaking, in its own little established niche that is has always occupied. It's not as agricultural as a D-Max but neither is it as plush as some others; it's dependable, unpretentious and -Toyota will be pleased to hear this - seemingly tough too. The actual commercial vehicle journalists on the launch suggest this Hilux is a vast improvement over the old one, putting it in a more competitive position than ever. So if you want to drive up a volcano, down a sand dune or across a desert, the Hilux still comes very highly recommended. It'll probably suit the UK just fine too.


TOYOTA HILUX DOUBLE CAB
Engine
: 2,393cc, in-line four diesel
Transmission: 6-speed manual (6-speed automatic), four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 150@3,400rpm
Torque (lb ft): 295@1,600-2,000rpm
0-62mph: 13.2sec (12.8sec)
Top speed: 106mph
Weight: 2,100-2,160kg (2,095-2,155kg)
MPG: 40.4 (36.2)
CO2: 185g/km (204g/km)
Price: from £19,177 (CV on the road price)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Author
Discussion

EnglishTony

Original Poster:

2,552 posts

98 months

Thursday 26th May 2016
quotequote all
Great vehicle but is it PH?

ambuletz

10,689 posts

180 months

Thursday 26th May 2016
quotequote all
EnglishTony said:
Great vehicle but is it PH?
PH is a frame of mind not a list of cars.

Chainsaw Rebuild

1,997 posts

101 months

Thursday 26th May 2016
quotequote all
Maybe I'm missing the point but why are modern trucks so massive and with posh interiors?

I used to have a 1996 hilux and it was awesome. We did climbing trips in it, moved canoes, moved house. What it didn't need was making bigger and having an interior you couldn't get muddy.

Make them simple and reliable, less thirsty and utilitarian cool. Don't make them huge, fast, thirsty and expensive.

rodericb

6,657 posts

125 months

Thursday 26th May 2016
quotequote all
They aren't built in Durban anymore. Are the Euro built ones now built in Argentina or Thailand? They may be doing this stunt to address fears of the not-as-good thai built hilux.

EnglishTony

Original Poster:

2,552 posts

98 months

Thursday 26th May 2016
quotequote all
ambuletz said:
EnglishTony said:
Great vehicle but is it PH?
PH is a frame of mind not a list of cars.
That might make a good thread at some point. In the meantime I was trying, unsuccessfully it would appear, to determine whether this brought out that PH state of mind in the driver and to what extent?

vanordinaire

3,701 posts

161 months

Thursday 26th May 2016
quotequote all
Chainsaw Rebuild said:
Maybe I'm missing the point but why are modern trucks so massive and with posh interiors?

I used to have a 1996 hilux and it was awesome. We did climbing trips in it, moved canoes, moved house. What it didn't need was making bigger and having an interior you couldn't get muddy.

Make them simple and reliable, less thirsty and utilitarian cool. Don't make them huge, fast, thirsty and expensive.
I agree with most of this, I really want something utilitarian and simple, but the new ones are far less thirsty than the older ones. This newest one claims 40mpg and will easily reach high 30s in real life. I doubt whether your 1996 one bettered 30mpg.

Mammasaid

3,777 posts

96 months

Thursday 26th May 2016
quotequote all
vanordinaire said:
Chainsaw Rebuild said:
Maybe I'm missing the point but why are modern trucks so massive and with posh interiors?

I used to have a 1996 hilux and it was awesome. We did climbing trips in it, moved canoes, moved house. What it didn't need was making bigger and having an interior you couldn't get muddy.

Make them simple and reliable, less thirsty and utilitarian cool. Don't make them huge, fast, thirsty and expensive.
I agree with most of this, I really want something utilitarian and simple, but the new ones are far less thirsty than the older ones. This newest one claims 40mpg and will easily reach high 30s in real life. I doubt whether your 1996 one bettered 30mpg.
Agree, have a new L200 and it cracks 40mpg fairly easily on a run, also whilst it is long (5.3m) it isn't any wider than a 'normal' car, making threading it down country lanes less of an issue. And I must admit, the bells and whisles do make life more pleasurable.

Chainsaw Rebuild

1,997 posts

101 months

Thursday 26th May 2016
quotequote all
vanordinaire said:
Chainsaw Rebuild said:
Maybe I'm missing the point but why are modern trucks so massive and with posh interiors?

I used to have a 1996 hilux and it was awesome. We did climbing trips in it, moved canoes, moved house. What it didn't need was making bigger and having an interior you couldn't get muddy.

Make them simple and reliable, less thirsty and utilitarian cool. Don't make them huge, fast, thirsty and expensive.
I agree with most of this, I really want something utilitarian and simple, but the new ones are far less thirsty than the older ones. This newest one claims 40mpg and will easily reach high 30s in real life. I doubt whether your 1996 one bettered 30mpg.
I used to get mid 30s mpg, but that was if you drove it in a relaxed frame of mind. If you hustled it then the mpg dropped away. It was a 2 wheel drive though.

My friend has a L200 animal 4x4 and it low 20s mpg, daft thing.

C7 JFW

1,205 posts

218 months

Thursday 26th May 2016
quotequote all
Just one of those undisputed king of the road sort of vehicles really. It won't win a drag race, but it will get you out of some of the world's harshest environments.

Just a fascinating bit of kit.

fivetenben

589 posts

169 months

Thursday 26th May 2016
quotequote all
EnglishTony said:
Great vehicle but is it PH?
Na, a true PHer chooses a nackered old Porsche as their steed in which to cross the Namib Desert... wink





Namibia is such a stunning country, and the article is really making me crave a return visit... I'd recommend it to anyone who likes getting off the beaten track.

JohnGoodridge

529 posts

194 months

Thursday 26th May 2016
quotequote all
EnglishTony said:
ambuletz said:
EnglishTony said:
Great vehicle but is it PH?
PH is a frame of mind not a list of cars.
That might make a good thread at some point. In the meantime I was trying, unsuccessfully it would appear, to determine whether this brought out that PH state of mind in the driver and to what extent?
In Namibia, yes. In Knutsford, er, probably not.

PHPH

17 posts

103 months

Thursday 26th May 2016
quotequote all
I live in Thailand and I have owned a 2004 Hilux for the past 12 years. 3000cc, auto, 4WD. It has never ever let me down, it is the best vehicle I have ever owned and when I lived in the UK I owned BMWs, Mercs and Audis.

The beauty of a machine like the Hilux is that it thrives on abuse, it doesn't need the mollycoddling, the stroking, the expensive maintenance and the constant attention and worry that is part and parcel of owning an expensive and pretentious high tech folly that will be outdated within 12 months.

As with LR Defenders, scratches and dents don't need attention, they add to the charm of these brilliant and unpretentious vehicles.

Treat it like the workhorse it is, and it will never disappoint. Give it some fresh oil every year and a wash every 6 months and it will be more than happy.

The new Hilux lacks the design simplicity of its earlier incarnations, and the interior is more car like than truck like, but I am sure it is just as tough, and will prove just as reliable and economical to run as the old models.


Matt Bird

1,450 posts

204 months

PH Reportery Lad

Thursday 26th May 2016
quotequote all
fivetenben said:
EnglishTony said:
Great vehicle but is it PH?
Na, a true PHer chooses a nackered old Porsche as their steed in which to cross the Namib Desert... wink





Namibia is such a stunning country, and the article is really making me crave a return visit... I'd recommend it to anyone who likes getting off the beaten track.
Bravo sir, you win. clap

gizlaroc

17,251 posts

223 months

Thursday 26th May 2016
quotequote all
Chainsaw Rebuild said:
Maybe I'm missing the point but why are modern trucks so massive and with posh interiors?

I used to have a 1996 hilux and it was awesome. We did climbing trips in it, moved canoes, moved house. What it didn't need was making bigger and having an interior you couldn't get muddy.

Make them simple and reliable, less thirsty and utilitarian cool. Don't make them huge, fast, thirsty and expensive.
I don't get your post at all?

New one not much bigger, more economical and seems in relative terms also much cheaper now than back then.

The starting price for a Hilux in 1997 was $19,800 AUS, the starting price for the Hilux now (some 20 years later) is $20,900 Aus. (Can't find UK prices for 1997)


I don't get the comment on getting the interior dirty either? When the car was brand new in 1996 with a sparkly fresh interior I bet it was a shame to get that dirty too?





NITO

1,077 posts

205 months

Thursday 26th May 2016
quotequote all
It can be very PH. I have a 2009 special edition Hilux Invincible 200 (3.0 D4D 200bhp/430nm). It's that good that it is now the longest I've had any vehicle 7 years. It was due for replacement at 3 years old but there was nothing to better it. So I've waited to see if another special edition came out. Every release was effectively lesser, with later versions featuring lame VDC which is apparently switcheable but I've no idea if it kicks back in over a certain speed. Mine has a perfect balance between utilitarian ruggedness and reliability and creature comforts. It's rear wheel drive most of the time with great torque and power and will quickly get to an indicated 120+mph and a 0-60 in 10.5 seconds!

I've always been a fan of Toyota (having had many) and the Hilux and have been waiting eagerly for news of its replacement. While mine is a 3.0d all the others in our fleet are 2.5L Navarras and Mitsubishi's. I'm sorry to say, I'm really disappointed that the replacement has a meagre 2.4D underpowered engine and lots of electrics to go wrong. Sorry Toyota but it looks like my next truck is unlikely to be a Hilux unless something a bit sportier with a bigger engine surfaces.

For the record, the 2009 would have been perfect with the addition of I-pod connectivity, reverse camera (both of which were added to the 2010) and perhaps slightly better ride quality from the leaf sprung rear end. Also, if anyone from Toyota is listening because this is a huge issue for me now, the genuine Toyota brake pads are no longer available from Toyota UK according to my dealer, where previously there were 2 part numbers, one for the expensive oe pads and one for the 'apparently' same spec Toyota Alfit pads. The superseded part number gives one pad option and they are most certainly not the quality originals. So now, my Hilux has crap front brakes that once they've been cooked the first time cease to work well at all. ALFIT pads are crap Toyota, you are making a big mistake offering this as the only option on a heavy vehicle like the Hilux. They are not the same specification as the oe pads. I used to insist on the dearer pads because I could tell immediately on those occasions when these were previously fitted to mine at service and I took them back. There was even a note on the dealer system not to fit them. In fact the first time this happened I complained so much that the brake booster/master cylinder was replaced under warranty because I didn't know different pads were fitted and my brakes were suddenly lame after a service! I have now covered 120k miles with the Hilux and otherwise, it's a superb car and extremely agile through the lanes, far better handling than any of its competitors which I tested at the time.

Looks like I'll be waiting another couple of years to change and looking to Merc for its replacement!





Chainsaw Rebuild

1,997 posts

101 months

Thursday 26th May 2016
quotequote all
gizlaroc said:
I don't get your post at all?

New one not much bigger, more economical and seems in relative terms also much cheaper now than back then.

The starting price for a Hilux in 1997 was $19,800 AUS, the starting price for the Hilux now (some 20 years later) is $20,900 Aus. (Can't find UK prices for 1997)


I don't get the comment on getting the interior dirty either? When the car was brand new in 1996 with a sparkly fresh interior I bet it was a shame to get that dirty too?
A modern truck is a lot bigger than an "old style" one. They have much bigger tyres, it's taller, wider and longer. So the new one might only be a touch bigger that the one it replaces, but that was bigger than its predecessor and so on.

Mine had vinyl floors, rubber mats, hard plastic dash and vinyl door trims. So you could just wipe it down.


Edited by Chainsaw Rebuild on Thursday 26th May 17:09

MikeT66

2,680 posts

123 months

Thursday 26th May 2016
quotequote all
Yeah yeah, Namibian desert, blah blah. Still bet it couldn't take on the potholed roads of Manchester though.
Fail.

NITO

1,077 posts

205 months

Thursday 26th May 2016
quotequote all
MikeT66 said:
Yeah yeah, Namibian desert, blah blah. Still bet it couldn't take on the potholed roads of Manchester though.
Fail.
Unfortunately, over in South East Kent I've given up driving anything but the pick up. Our country lane roads are like a third world country and that's not joking, it's a disgrace the current state of the roads on my commute. I've wrecked the forks on my motorbike thanks to a pothole (2k+ ohlins) which I repaired myself (popped fork seal), and the rear hydraulic damper on my Merc (2k ish for one damper at the main dealer)!

So Chelsea Tractors and off road vehicles are pretty much the standard minimum requirement for my household!

Slow

6,973 posts

136 months

Thursday 26th May 2016
quotequote all
Chainsaw Rebuild said:


My friend has a L200 animal 4x4 and it low 20s mpg, daft thing.
Mum had a l200 4x4 (old 2.5td I think) which was on 35" tyres with a 4" lift which would see single digits and top out at 60mph.

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

189 months

Thursday 26th May 2016
quotequote all
gizlaroc said:
Chainsaw Rebuild said:
Maybe I'm missing the point but why are modern trucks so massive and with posh interiors?

I used to have a 1996 hilux and it was awesome. We did climbing trips in it, moved canoes, moved house. What it didn't need was making bigger and having an interior you couldn't get muddy.

Make them simple and reliable, less thirsty and utilitarian cool. Don't make them huge, fast, thirsty and expensive.
I don't get your post at all?

New one not much bigger, more economical and seems in relative terms also much cheaper now than back then.

The starting price for a Hilux in 1997 was $19,800 AUS, the starting price for the Hilux now (some 20 years later) is $20,900 Aus. (Can't find UK prices for 1997)


I don't get the comment on getting the interior dirty either? When the car was brand new in 1996 with a sparkly fresh interior I bet it was a shame to get that dirty too?
I get the point.

Trucks used to be trucks, not cars. Simple, rugged, utilitarian. Even when new the interiors were simple enough not to worry and easy to clean.

Modern trucks are way too car like inside. Lots of electronics, gadgets and so forth. Sure this appeals to lots, but there are those of us who'd like a simple basic truck still.

And they have got bigger, or at least a lot more bulky. Part of this is looks rather than actual size, but I suspect most trucks of this ilk are wider, heavier and longer than they used to be.