Toyota Hilux 2.5G VNT A truck for all terrains

0

The Toyota Hilux, long been hailed as a leading pickup truck in Malaysia, has recently seen the addition of four new variants to its family, thus extending the options available for corporate, institutional and private buyers alike.

The newest family members are the 2.5G automatic transmission (four speeds), 2.5G manual transmission, 2.5 STD manual and 2.5 single cabin manual; all of them feature four-wheel drive (4×4) systems with manual selection which is still the most reliable mode, according to Toyota.

Under the bonnet is a 2.5-litre engine with a dynamic new intercooler with Variable Nozzle Turbo (VNT) that was first introduced in the Hilux 3.0G variant.

The new powerhouse was said to boost maximum power by about 41 per cent and peak torque by 32 per cent over a wider range when compared with the previous engine, a claim that was put to test extensively, as shall be revealed later in this review.

Looking at the exterior, entire 5,260 millimetre length of the vehicle bore an air of ruggedness and reliability as the build quality and brutish design elements were in that vein, from the impressive rear bumper to the aggressive front grille.

The most distinguished exterior feature that caught my attention was the bulging air intake scoop on the bonnet which allowed airflow directly into the intercooler placed on top of the engine for maximum cooling efficiency.

The interior features had the necessaries: clearly visible meter cluster, robust steering wheel; comfortable grips for the transmission shifter, chain drive shifter and hand brake; large dials for climate control, intuitively large buttons for power windows and, most importantly, ergonomic cushioned seats for the long drive ahead.

The test drive itself was a lengthy and comprehensive affair from Shah Alam to Belum Forest Reserve in Perak, involving a convoy of 28 vehicles over some 380km of highways, trunk roads and unpaved hilly tracks in a 60:30:10 mix.

As an effective means of comparison, previous Hilux variants (without the VNT technology) were also in the convoy as a group of us took turns in driving the new and the old versions to get good perspectives on the differences between them.

The engine noise profile was a familiar one, giving me the comfort of knowing that I was in a diesel powerhouse; the cabin noise suppression was Toyota Hilux 2.5G VNT A truck for all terrains quite decent, albeit that familiar ‘staccato rattle’ at higher engine revolutions but it was not overbearing at all.

On the straight highways and winding trunk roads, the truck proved to be quite a capable beast, sustaining three digit speeds for hours on end without so much of an indication of mechanical strain or fatigue.

In comparison to the older engine, the acceleration was notably improved with the VNT as the acceleration was more pronounced, especially in the 1,600 to 2,800rpm portion of the tachometer dial which the peak torque band dominated.

Approaching the off-road tracks deep in the hills of Perak via hilly trunk roads, I could definitely feel the difference in the performance of the new engine as the truck smoothly climbed up ascending slopes, a road condition not known to be conducive for diesel engines.

On to the off-road segment was an uphill dirt track with curves that ranged from mild to blind, winding all the way to a hilltop and back, studded with pungent ‘calling cards’ of wild elephants.

All in all, it took about 45 minutes each way.

Switching to 4×4 drive mode, I could feel that the truck was in control at all times as I drove over mud, gravel and occasional sandy portions of the road with ease.

Never did I feel any apprehension or fear that it could slip and fall off the hillside.

In terms of comfort, the suspension was superb as the absorbers worked well to provide good support and minimal jarring given the uneven terrain.

Overall, being in the driver’s seat was a better experience than as a rear seat passenger.

The pinnacle of the test drive was the last leg of the uphill offroad track which was a steep uphill slope with inclination varying up to 45 degrees, going all the way to the top where prearranged refreshments in the form of tea and ‘kuih’ awaited.

The new Hilux VNT came through with fl ying colours as it took the slope quite effectively, with periodical instructions via walkie talkie as negotiating a hill climb with such a sharp incline required extra caution.

Never did it slip or struggle to climb up that slope.

With the new VNT technology, this newcomer had definitely proven to be an notable improvement over its predecessor, making highway driving and trekking difficult terrain all the more attainable and, I must admit, enjoyable.