TOYOTA
HILUX SR HI-RIDER
This month we’re taking a LOOK AT THE BEST SELLING VEHICLE IN AUSTRALIA THIS YEAR, THE ALL NEW TOYOTA HILUX. Yep, that’s right, the best selling car in the country.
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p until September, the HiLux sold more than VW’s entire fleet. Specifically for this review, we’re taking the SR Hi-Rider 4x2 for a spin. Hi-Rider by name and by nature. There are some cars you sit down in and some that you climb up into. The Toyota Hilux is definitely in the latter category. And when you do climb in, you can feel it. You’re up there. Where you can see everything. I drove past houses that, until now, I didn’t realise had swimming pools. I think even the oxygen was a bit thinner up there. For those who are used to riding lower to the ground, it’s a completely different sensation. I believe that cars have a personality of their own. They should have a name and as such, deserve their own soundtrack. Somehow, the HiLux told me it wanted to play the Red Hot Chili Peppers and who am I to argue? “Road trippin' with my two favourite allies. Fully loaded, we got snacks and supplies...” Crank it up and let’s go! I’m a big fan of cruise control, so the first thing I did was head for the highway to check out the electronic radar activated system. Worked a treat and kept me at a safe and comfortable cruising distance from the vehicle in front of me. There were no sudden braking
surprises or bursts of acceleration, the system held its place really well. When I was ready to overtake, it kicked in quickly to my set speed when I chose to change lanes. The six-speed automatic transmission was super smooth when accelerating and slowing down too. No clunks between gears. When I got back to town the HiLux was easy to navigate around through traffic and once I got acquainted with the turning circle of this sized vehicle, it was a real pleasure to cruise around in. The rear camera came in really handy too, making reverse parking a breeze in a pretty long vehicle. In cars, as in life, some things change and some stay the same. I mean, Toyota have been producing the HiLux since 1968 and they’re still around for good reason. The HiLux has balanced its changes well with an evolutionary approach to the driving experience. I haven’t been in a HiLux for some time, but the familiarity of the cabin and the sound and feel of the diesel engine took me straight back to the last time I did so in Central Queensland driving from Emerald to Rolleston. Added to the nostalgia were the modest upgrades, in particular, the infotainment system with its 20cm touchscreen was very user friendly with plenty of shortcut buttons around the edge to quickly get you where you want to go. Other
electronic features include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and the myToyota app (which keeps you connected to your vehicle and up to date with its fuel levels, odometer, location and more) as well as Bluetooth phone connectivity with voice recognition. In addition to the 4x2 variant (which is fine around town), if you want to get off road there’s the Hi-Rider 4x4 model SR. Both deliver ample ground clearance and plenty of space in the cabin and in the back, along with all the grunt at 150kW of power and 500 Nm of torque thanks to the 2.8 litre Turbo Diesel engine and six-speed, super smooth, electronic automatic transmission. The HiLux offers plenty of variants too in single, extra or double cabin size, a petrol option and all the extras you could possibly think of from steel or alloy bullbars to the new Tub Step that is mounted to the rear corner of the chassis to help you jump in and out easier. Plus a Bed Slide system which rolls out from the tub for easy access to all your work gear and everything in between. I guess all this is what makes HiLux Australia’s favourite vehicle. Starting from just over $45,000, the HiLux is an awesome multi purpose family and work vehicle and, despite global shortages, Warren Plowright Toyota have HiLux stock ready for immediate delivery. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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