Focus Motoring - Test Drive

TOYOTA HILUX

SR HI-RIDER

is 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.

Up until September, the HiLux sold more than VW’s entire fl eet. Specifi cally 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 defi nitely 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 fi rst 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 traffi c 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 fi ne 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

PROPERTY GUIDE

McDONALD JONES HOMES

SOVEREIGN HILLS

McDonald Jones are renowned for building the great Australian dream for Aussie families for over three decades, starting in the Hunter and growing to now be the largest residential builder in NSW.

McDONALD JONES HOMES

SOVEREIGN HILLS

MASSENA 30 TWO

e two beautiful homes now open at Sovereign Hills certainly do not disappoint, inspiring all who visit to build their dream home on the coast.

As the only two storey on display, the McDonald Jones Massena 30 Two is perfect for those who aspire for an elevated view of their world, love entertaining and luxe coastal styling.

The Massena is a beautifully designed two storey home with an upper-level living and dining which flows out to the balcony to capitalise on your sweeping scenic views.

On the upper level, the master suite is positioned at the front of the home with a light-filled oversized walk-in robe, plus another private deck for stargazing from the beautiful balcony hanging chair.

The beautiful Airlie Façade features a sleek and sophisticated skillion roof, which creates impressive street appeal and will make your home the talk of the neighbourhood.

“This is the perfect coastal family home featuring stunning beachside styling, people are falling in love with our Massena” – David Malvern, Regional Manager Mid North Coast, McDonald Jones.

The styling throughout the Massena will transport you to an idyllic coastal resort complete with fresh, relaxed décor where comfort and calm create a truly tranquil home.

The sophisticated palette of whites, naturals and greys links to natural elements of sand, shells and seafoam whites, and the aquamarine colour palette inspires an effortless connection to the ocean and picturesque coves accented by local greenery.

This coastal styled home is accented with connections to Australiana flora with artistic wallpaper used to reflect the local bushland along the Mid North Coast.

Key coastal features you will find throughout this home include:

• Full height VJ panelling • Square-set cornices • Extensive glass use • Natural textures • Soft, floaty fabrics

“At McDonald Jones, we have been building quality, architecturally designed homes for Aussie families for over 35 years. Our customer is at the heart of everything we do, which is how we have grown to be the largest residential builder in NSW.”

MIAMI 16

This single-storey home is on display as a split level, which demonstrates the definite zones from the front of the home to steps down to the dining and living at the rear of

the home.

Luxury features, like inbuilt storage and recesses to complement the abundance of living spaces create the ultimate home for those with growing families or those who love to entertain guests in comfort.

The incredible three-metre high ceiling greets you at the entrance with a impressive sense of space and serves to draw you past the children’s wing and into the family/living where the gourmet kitchen sprawls into the alfresco.

The master suite is a fresh take on the considered space which features a luxurious Hollywood robe and a resort-style ensuite completed with a freestanding bath.

The new Flynn façade features triple batten pillars which complement the striking contemporary style.

“For those choosing single storey living, the architectural appeal of the Miami 16 has been designed and perfected for the modern family in mind.”

Contempo styling is loved for its modern and sophisticated styling where sleek simplicity is the hero to create a modern family home like the Miami 16.

A classic colour palette dominated by soft greys, white and moody black creates a refined home which allows for a mix of furniture styles to be accommodated to achieve this modern Contempo look.

Minimal accessories are used throughout this home.

Key Contempo features you will find throughout this home include:

• Three metre high ceilings • Square-set cornices • Open plan with well-defined zones • Concealed storage throughout

Every McDonald Jones home includes solar panels on the roof, and an electric car charger in the garage as well as many other standard sustainable features, ensuring they are building the home today that you will need tomorrow.

“We are passionate about offering beautifully inspiring homes for you to explore and our experienced team look forward to welcoming you to the our Sovereign Hills displays.”

These beautiful homes represent some

Designed to showcase the best of contemporary architectural innovation, the Miami 16 is adored for its flexibility and the numerous clever spaces throughout this latest version of a much-loved design.

of the most loved of the McDonald Jones’ Two-Storey and Stuart Everitt ranges and by visiting our display centre their friendly team of experts, including Building & Design Consultants, Ricky Perryman and Amelia Prichard, can help identify your needs and desires and make the new home building experience easy.

Open every day from 10am – 5pm, the McDonald Jones team are available to discuss bring your dream home to life today.