Tag Archives: offroad

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

Jeep, Manufacturer, Motor reviews, SUV/4X4, Vehicle type

Rugged and practical

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By Bill McCarthy

JEEP is a name synonymous with rugged off-road capability and power, tackling the toughest of obstacles. A wartime legend, the brand has evolved assuming many guises over the subsequent decades.

But if you thought the world was already full of SUV/crossovers, Jeep decided to get in on the act and fill a crucial hole in the range.

 The style may not suit those who like svelte profiles, but for those who like the rugged look, there is no mistaking it is a Jeep.

It features the signature seven-slot grille, lower bodyside cladding, integrated roof bars, restyled headlights, and foglights and chunky profile. Except in place of the usual four wheel drive, on this model and spec, power is delivered to the front wheels only via a six-speed manual gearbox.

 Sat on 18-inch alloy wheels, it is still enough of a rarity to attract passing interest on car parks or parked on the road.

Based on the Fiat 500x, it is the first Jeep to be built outside North America and comes in a number of trim levels and engine options, the competent and flexible one litre, three cylinder engine in this case.

 Starting at just under £20k all models are well equipped, with this top trim model adding goodies like heated seats and steering wheel, dual zone climate control, adaptive cruise control and parking assist system.

 The interior carries on with the chunky, no-nonsene theme with solid plastic trim and robust switchgear, rotary controls and convenient storage compartments. The dark interior is offset by bright finish to steering wheels and central console around the gear selector. It is a comfortable place to be with multi-adjustable leather seats in a commanding driving position.

The boxy shape means headroom is good all round, but legroom is more cramped in the rear while although room for three passengers, the middle seating area is tight.

 The centrepiece is an 8.4 inch connect multifunction screen and a seven-inch TFT display screen behind the multi-function steering wheel. There are also other USB and 12-volt points available.

The touchscreen  controls sat nav, entertainment climate and connectivity which includes Fiat’s uConnect, which allows phone mirroring via Apple Carplay or Android Auto connectivity.

The latest three cylinder turbo petrol engine delivers a healthy 120hp and 190 Nm and is surprisingly quick off the mark seeming  a lot quicker than the 11-odd seconds to hit  60mph. Like most three pot engines, there is a pleasing, raspy sound, particularly under acceleration and the decent torque means it pulls well through the gears. It is also a decent motorway cruiser the only drawback being the bulky shape mean there is more wind noise. But engine is noise is kept to a minimum at cruising speeds.

 Economy is also good, the 40-odd mpg claimed seeming pretty much spot on.

As crossover/SUV, practicality and flexibility is a must and the Renegade offers both.

Boot space is plentiful with the standard 351 litres capable of being expanded 1,300 litres with the rear seats folded down and handy points mean shopping bags, suitcases etc can be stowed securely via a large tailgate.

It also offers a full range of safety kit including, six airbags, stability and traction control, rollover protection, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition for speed awareness.

This model also featured blind spot and rear cross path detection as a £300 option.

Not a go anywhere off roader, but a real alternative in the crowded crossover field.

Factfile

Jeep Renegade Limited 1.0 GSE T3

Price: £24,905

Mechanical: 120bhp, 999cc, three cylindel petrol engine driving front wheels via six-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 115mph

0-62mph: 11.2 seconds

Combined mpg: 39.8

Insurance group: 11

CO2 emissions: 134g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles