Category Archives: Vehicle type

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

Executive, Mercedes

E stands for exhilarating

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Mercedes Benz E 220

By Bill McCarthy

THERE are some cars that are good looking and yes, some downright ugly and then there are few that are simply stunning.

This latest revised Mercedes falls into the latter category. An E Class yes, but a coupe and a vehicle that the German firm describes it as sensual. I don’t know where they get that idea from, but with its swooping, aerodynamic silhouette it steals the show when parked up.

Like all German executive brands, it is pricey, the range starts £45,520, but it is packed with goodies and technology, particularly with the upmarket AMG styling.

And despite the current downer on diesels, Mercedes are not yet prepared to abandon the oil burners, with this clean two litre version proving lively and extremely economical.

Lively yes, it hits 60mph in seven and a half seconds, but still capable of delivering close to 50mpg.

Design modifications include flatter headlights that include all-LED technology and new diamond grille featuring the ubiquitous three-pronged Mercedes star, while at the rear, the two-piece tail lights, also feature LED technology. It is rounded off with stylish alloy wheels.

The interior cockpit is a high quality affair. The dashboard features a sporty looking open-pore grey ash wood and aluminium with light carbon-fibre grain. Otherwise it is a riot of Nappa leather and chrome inserts together with high-end soft-touch trim to give a real executive feel. Innovations include a new, intelligent steering wheel, the MBUX infotainment system which features augmented reality navigation and two 10.25-inch screens as standard.

Functions are controlled via the touchscreen, the steering wheel or the control pad on the central console, which can be a bit fiddly.

There is plenty of head and legroom despite the coupe shape. It seats four in comfort and despite being a two-door, entry and exit to the rear is pretty straightforward via the huge doors as the powered and heated front seats the slide forward with one touch.

This model is packed with goodies as you would expect with a near £50k car and comes with the KEYLESS-GO Comfort package which 360° camera and parking assist and 19-inch AMG alloy wheels. It also includes smartphone integration via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

On the road, the lack of noise from the power unit belies the fact that it is a diesel. The two-litre engine with an output of 194 hp has little or no engine clatter on start up and once on the move it fairly whispers along. Mated with a nine-speed automatic gearbox, the changes are seamless as the car powers its way to 60mph in just over seven seconds.

It offers three drive modes, for economy, normal or sporty driving. The car sits low off the ground and the ride is soft rather than sporty, with the agility control suspension with selective damping system designed for executive comfort.

Despite being a coupe, it is pretty practical with a large boot which swallows a couple of suitcases comfortably in its 425-litre load bay.

Safety kit includes full complement of airbags, stability programs and features like blind spot assist, active intelligent safety systems like braking that reacts if the driver is unable to do so and an active bonnet for pedestrian safety.

Factfile

Mercedes E 220 d AMG Line Night Edition Coupé Premium Plus

Price: £48,165

Mechanical: 194bhp, 1950cc four cylinder petrol engine rear all wheels via nine-speed automatic transmission

Max speed: 150mph

0-60mph: 7.7 seconds

Combined mpg: 47.9

CO2 emissions: 155g/km

BiK rating: 36%

Insurance group: 34

Warranty: 3yrs/unlimited miles