Category Archives: Toyota

electric, Manufacturer, Motoring, Toyota

One step beyond for electric Toyota

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Toyota bZ4X

Review by Bill McCarthy

Toyota has been something of a pioneer in the search for the eventual replacement of the internal combustion engine.

It produced the first hybrid with the multi-million-selling Prius and has developed hydrogen powered vehicles, but oddly, this vehicle is the first dip into the all-electric vehicle pool.

The curiously-named  bZ4X, is a  new mid-sized crossover that has come about as part of a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru, bZ meaning beyond zero, while the 4 is the model spec and the X is for crossover.

It comes in three grades, Pure, Motion and Vision and is the first model to feature Toyota’s eTNGA, a modular architecture that can be adapted for different vehicle sizes.

You might think its late entry to the EV market could be a drawback, but Toyota has plenty of experience with battery and motor combos and for those still with range anxiety, a very long drive returned close to 290 miles, against a claimed figure of 317.

Even better, a fast charging facility allows up to 80 per cent charge in just 30 minutes, providing our course you can find one that’s working on our motorway services.

That was for the tested front-wheel drive model, with the all-wheel drive version seeing its range drop substantially.

This model featured a 150kW front-mounted eAxle that produces 201bhp, while the four-wheel drive model has what Toyota calls front and rear 80kW eAxles with a combined output of up to 215bhp.

It has a slippery aerodynamic profile, all creases and angles and smart headlight arrays, a rear spoiler and privacy glass and a full-wide list bar across the rear.

The interior is also impressive and generously kitted out as you would expect from a car with a starting price tag approaching £48k.

The Pure grade features include 18-inch alloy wheels, smart entry and start and a climate control system with remote operation. This model adds various comforts, like heated synthetic leather seats which have power lumbar adjustment

The trick with electric cars these days it to make them look more mainstream, not look like something out of Blade Runner, which used to be the case.

Lt has a fairly minimalist set-up featuring a 12.3-inch multimedia display that controls functions like navigation, infotainment, via a six-speaker audio system and connectivity for smartphone users.

There is a wireless charging facility and it is supplemented by a  seven-inch TFT instrument and information display delivering real-time information to the driver.

On the road, The150 kW electric motor produces 201bhp, enabling 0-62mph acceleration in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 100mph. Rapid performance and the handling is not bad either, with the low centre f gravity battery adding stability.

One thing I was not keen on was the relatively poor steering lock, making it difficult to manoeuvre in tight spaces.

As a family crossover it is designed for comfort with softish suspension and practicality is a must on this type of vehicle.

The cabin is light and airy and stowage space is good, with boot space of 465 litres available which opens up substantially with the rear seats folded.

Safety equipment is comprehensive and as well as the usual traction, stability and braking assistance, it also features parking assistance, hill-start and downhill assistance and blind spot and driver monitor. 

FAST FACTS

Toyota zB4X Motion 150kW

Price: £49,510

Mechanical: 201ps, 150kW motor driving front wheels via single speed transmission

Max speed: 100mph

0-62mph: 7.5 seconds

Range: 312 miles

Insurance group: 36

CO2 emissions: 0g/km

BiK rating: 2%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

AWD, Pick-up/4x4, Toyota

Toyota tames the rough stuff

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Toyota Hilux Invincible X

By Bill McCarthy

IT says something about a vehicle when it has been around for more than 50 years. In fact you could write reams about the Hilux, which has featured in TV series taking on the frozen wastes of the Arctic and the searing heat on an active volcano.

Revised again it now features a more powerful 201 bhp 2.8-litre engine option (although the existing 2.4 is still available), new equipment features, added comfort and improvements in performance both on and off-road. It also comes with a choice of auto, on the model driven here, or manual gear change and larger stowage area.

The new model retains the established grade line-up of Active, Icon, Invincible and Invincible X.

There are various combinations including single cab workhorse up to the five-seater double cab Invincible X range topper driven here. All offer generous deck space world renowned off road performance and a cabin packed with creature comforts as many choose to double up as a lifestyle vehicle.

It’s easy to see why. The most glaring clue to its off road capability is the high ground clearance and clearance between wheel and wheel arch and its quite a step up to reach the cabin.

The range topper looks sporty and dynamic, redesigned with trapezoidal grille and front bumper treatment, additional wheel arch mouldings and fog light surrounds. It now features LED head lights and tail lights and their own, specific new 18-inch alloy wheel designs. 

In additions there are front and rear parking sensors, heated front seats and windscreen wiper de-icer. Other key items include LED headlights, smart entry and push-button start and automatic air conditioning.

In the cabin there is new ambient door panel lighting and a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system, plus dual-tone leather upholstery, heated and powered front seats.

All versions apart from the entry level Active grade come with the latest Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system, with faster software and faster response to touchscreen commands including satellite navigation. Smartphone integration is another new feature, via either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, provided as standard from Icon grade upwards.

The interior standard equipment also includes lockable, cooled glovebox, leather finished steering wheel and powered windows.

The flat bed to the rear can accommodate all sorts of shapes including a full-sized pallet, accessed by the rear drop tailgate. Various lashing points mean cargo can be strapped in securely, while the hard top, fitted on this model, can be detached for taller objects.

On and offroad it has impressive characteristics. The 2,755cc turbodiesel unit generates 201bhp and a huge 500Nm of torque with a six-speed automatic transmission, for huge pulling power.

It maintains its one-tonne minimum payload capacity and the ability to tow (braked) loads of up to 3.5 tonnes.

It is also quicker off the mark, but only marginally more expensive to run with around 30mpg, according to WLTP figures.

The driver can also select Eco and Power settings. Eco mode reduces power consumption for better fuel economy, while power mode initiates a sharper response to enhance the driving experience.

It is capable reaching 60mph in 10.7 seconds, pretty lively for such a heavy beast and feels comfortable and stable except on tight corners where there is some wallow as you would expect.

The turning circle is not fantastic and its hardly a silent runner with road and wind noise, particularly from the large door mirrors, intrusive at times. However once running, the engine is fairly quiet and refined.

A new suspension set up means that on road it is a pleasant driving experience and features a new, automatic limited-slip differential that improve its on-road ride and handling and its off-road controllability.

Going off road, the driver can activate the system with a brief press of the VSC-off switch when the vehicle is being driven in H2 two/rear-wheel drive mode.

When a loss of grip is detected, it will brake the slipping wheel and direct drive torque to the opposite wheel that has traction. This new feature is in addition to the Active Traction Control, which operates when the vehicle is in L4

Safety features are also impressive with seven airbags, collision warning, traction and stability control and hill assist  and downhill assist on this model, plus much more.

Although not the cheapest the Hi Lux is still the one to beat off-road and is now an even more refined vehicle

Factfile

Toyota Hilux Invincible X

Price: £44,835

Mechanical: 2041hp, 2,755cc four cylinder diesel engine driving all wheels via six-speed auto transmission

Max speed: 109mph

0-60mph: 10.7 seconds

Combined mpg: 28.5-29.7

CO2 emissions: 248-259g/km

BiK rating: 37%

Insurance group: 45

Warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles