Does the Hilux feel at home in our flat country?
TopGear just got out of the Toyota Hilux Invincible with double cab. In the next edition of the magazine you will find the complete test report, here are the highlights.
Test object: Toyota Hilux
Performance: Double Cab Van 2.8 D-4D 4WD Automatic Invincible
Location: Just in the Netherlands
Weather conditions: Autumn weather, as we are used to in summer
The Toyota Hilux Invincible, isn’t that double?
It is indeed like buying the ‘A2 with left sticker guarantee’ or ‘Long live the love with awkward moments’ – it’s a feature that’s already synonymous with the Hilux. It is a car that you encounter in all corners of the world with the most diverse professions and ideals. If this divided globe had to agree on one thing, it’s the good reputation of the Toyota Hilux.
Not a bit exaggerated?
In any case, we can’t test the indestructibility of this car in the short time we have, so we have to take that for granted. It’s almost ironic that this Hilux Invincible had a blown fuse. As if Toyota itself jinxed had with the performance name. Not the Toyota’s fault, of course, but probably a cheap AliExpress phone charger from the previous driver. In fact, it’s such a minor complaint that it’s almost childish of us to bring it up.
And how is such a Toyota Hilux Invincible in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands you can buy the Hilux fairly cheaply on a gray license plate; then you must be an entrepreneur and a back seat is prohibited. Then you can either take a large cargo box, or a double cabin without a rear seat (and a partition wall). The cheapest is with just under 20,000 euros (without taxes) about 6,000 euros more expensive than an Opel Combo, and then you drive a bit tougher. By the way, this Invincible is heading towards 40,000 euros ex. for the entrepreneur. For the private individual it costs 108,995 euros for the double cabin with rear seat on yellow license plate. You really have to be an enthusiast or use the car for which it is intended.
Why?
We drove the Toyota Hilux Invincible unloaded, except for some flattened cardboard boxes. Then the leaf springs at the back are a bit bouncy. You’re bumping cash, even on the highway. Also, the pickup is just as long as a Bentley Flying Spur. Its 5.3 meters is a bit difficult to mash into a section in some Dutch parking spaces. You do feel supreme in the colossus between all sensible Dutch pastries. Nothing that we have anything to compensate (really), but sometimes it’s nice to do that.
Is he a little fast?
The 0-100 time is around 10 seconds with vocal support from a nice old-fashioned sounding diesel. Incidentally, the 2.8-liter four-cylinder is just new. The conventional automatic transmission shifts smoothly through the revs. Furthermore, it is very pleasant and relaxed to drive. The leather seats are fine, the seating position is good and the JBL audio is a nice addition. As a passenger car, it may not be the best choice, but if you’re looking for a rugged commercial vehicle, it’s certainly not a bad choice.
Read our full driving test of the Toyota Hilux Invincible in TopGear Magazine 195, in stores August 26!
