Within a matter of days of driving the V6-powered Hilux, we re-acquainted ourselves with a diesel derivative - the $58,090 Double Cab powered by the turbocharged 3.0 litre in-line four-cylinder engine.
The power is there (126kW of it) but again it's the torque delivery from the diesel that continues to
make the Hilux a star. It's delivered over a much longer band than the V6 petrol and that's why it will remain a first choice for some buyers.
It's certainly not as flash as the V6, riding on plain 17-inch steel rims, but it gets the same five-stage auto as its pricier sibling and it works very well. And, of course, there's the separate shifter to engage four-wheel drive functions in high or low ratio.
It's not long on flashy equipment, nor would you expect it to be. It's unashamedly the ute in the family that will get its hands dirty. Inside, the scheme is plain and functional with the dark-seat material a logical choice.
The audio set-up gathers in MP3 capability and Bluetooth handsfree phone connect and a voice command for audio and phone.
