LOUTH MOTORS: Rugged workhorse meets weekend warrior

I finally got my hands on this legend of a pick-up from Toyota. There isn't a war or international relief effort in the world where Hiluxs are not deployed.

It is a true workhorse and it gets on with doing whatever job it is asked to perform, with complete dependability. My brother-in-law has one where he uses it daily on his beef cattle farm and the multiplicity of uses he has for it is a testament to its versatility.

Being a farmer he went for the twin cab, base model as it represents the best value - a farming must. Mine on the other hand was the GR Sport version.

Toyota seems to be having an identity crisis with the GR badging on its models because GR usually means a sportier version of the normal model. Not so here.

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The same engine, a 2.8l turbo diesel unit with 204hp, is used for either the manual or automatic drivetrain. Torpedoing the GR badge fatally is the fact that the GR Sport automatic version is slower to 100km/h than the manual non-GR Sport version by over half a second, hitting 100km/h in 10.7 seconds — go figure?

The base model starts at €45,520 with the GR Sport model costing €19.5k more. For that you get lots of decals, alloys, climate control, that auto-box, JBL sound system and a host of other enhancements that are cosmetic and elevate the interior of the car to what a top of the range model should look like but it feels like an awful lot more money for a kitted out automatic version.

Having said that, the interior is very car-like and not in any way utilitarian in look and feel. Materials used are good and it is a lovely cabin to spend time in—whether you’re towing a boat to the lake or sea, or hauling a horse to an event.

Above:  Interior of the Toyota Hilux GR Sport

Looks are always subjective and when compared to its competitors, like Europe’s best-selling Ford Ranger, or the VW Amarok, I would say it is behind in that department.

It is not jarring in any way but the others seem to have put a bit more effort into how the car looks and are visually more appealing.

In the “how high are you sitting up” game the elevated seating position makes getting in and out a doddle and the view from the cab is quite commanding. You get a good feeling of security when ensconced.

The drive in the Hilux was comfortable enough bearing in mind I drove it with no load onboard at all. This made it a bit bouncy over some surfaces but that would die down, I’m sure, with any decent payload.

I couldn't fault the road or wind noise because it did not register, which is always a good sign.

Cornering and road manners are not as good as a standard car due to the higher centre of gravity making the car feel less stable which is totally fine and expected and a fair compromise.

The performance is adequate on any road and you won't feel under pressure to maintain progress on the motorway be it empty or quite loaded with that engine feeling like it has a lot of power and torque available for every circumstance.

The Hilux isn't a car you’d drive exuberantly because the primary reason for buying one is its function and capability and when used for those purposes you won't be tempted to get any way lairy.

The important technical details that buyers will be zeroing in on are that the Hilux can carry a load of 1,010kg and can tow up to 750kg unbraked, or up to 3,500kg with trailer brakes. Most buyers will probably go for the manual version but that automatic box for the weekend warrior will suffice quite nicely.

The GR Sport Model of the Hilux range showcases what Toyota can do with a car when they apply the makeup on to make it look pretty. For those wanting a twin cab for its pickup section and its towing ability alone they will appreciate the nice extras.

I strongly suspect that these buyers are not from the commercial / farming sector who won’t have their heads turned that easily or pockets lightened. Buyers of what is after all the world's best selling pickup, will most likely save the money for use elsewhere and be happy with the performance ability the lesser trimmed models showcase valuing the Hilux as a workhorse with incredible reliability and a ‘keep-going-at-all-costs’ attitude.

GR Sport buyers will most likely be more leisure oriented needing occasional pulling power and off road ability rather than the day to day workhorse the Hilux undoubtedly is.