BELIEVE THE HYPE. THE TOYOTA HILUX IS every bit as exceptional, capable, ready-for-anything, and reliable as they all say it is. While I stand by my opinion that the feature on the Hilux on the most popular automotive show on TV did more for it than all the PR in the world could, there is definitely truth in its capabilities highlighted in the film. Yes, I didn't have the Hilux dropped from the top of a building scheduled for demolition nor did I try starting it after fishing it out of the sea, but its capabilities on the challenging terrain I encountered, plus whatever passes off as roads, go to show that it is indeed as rugged as anyone would want their off-road-ready car. So, let's get down to the details.
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I am not one to hide my adoration for the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross. In fact, that is the only name I suggest at first to anyone who asks me what car to go for below Rs 30 lakh. Yes, the Hilux starts where the D-Max ends, at Rs 30.40 lakh for the entry 4x4 MT, a good Rs 3.40 lakh over the comparable top-end V-Cross Z Prestige 4x4 AT. And, yes, they're both rugged and rather premium pick-up trucks, but the Hilux is only slightly longer and higherby 30 millimetres each-than the D-Max, which, in fact, is five millimetres wider, and has a wheelbase 10 mm longer than the&nbsp;Hilux. Where the Yokohama side of Japan falls short over the folk at Toyota in Aichi, is in the engine department. The Hilux has a larger 2,755-cc engine over the former's 1,898-cc unit, both being in-line four-cylinder, turbo-diesel ones. The power and torque difference and the way they are delivered also differ: 163 hp and 360 Nm versus 204 hp and a V8-like 500 Nm. It's a tough call.&nbsp;However, the GM underpinnings on the Isuzu (Hello, Trailblazer with a bed) mean that the Toyota feels a bit more rugged and has a slightly better rear occupant area with the seat-back angle a little less upright than the V-Cross-really my only quip about that lovely car. But back to the Toyota Hilux.
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Toyota Kirloskar Motor chose Rishikesh and the Rajaji National Park to host us for the drive. We started from the banks of the iconic River Ganga, literally, and headed for a short distance down the Virbhadra Road through the city and across the Barrage and the Cheela Dam road to the foothills of the Park. After entering the confines, the rather nice stretch of tarmac gave way to a dirt trail just about wide enough for a Hilux and a Fortuner to barely make it side by side. The road forked into two-Kimsar and Vindhyavasini. We would start from the right, entering the Park, climbing up to the top, then circle through, and come down the&nbsp;other way, crossing over the riverbed in the process.
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Toyota had arranged a number of obstacle courses towards the end of the leg in the riverbed, including both negative and positive gradient climbs, a run through chicken holes, a water-wading section, and steep hill ascent and descent sections. But, first, we had a rather treacherous uphill section of the Park to contend with.&nbsp;The Hilux at our disposal was the 4x4 AT High, of course; there is only one top-spec automatic trim, with the diesel engine and 4x4 driveline standard across the range. This one gets high and low ratios plus the diff lock enabling it to take on some truly demanding terrain with ease. It looks inimitable and allconquering. It had road presence beyond that of even the Fortuner, and, I imagine, it looks truly intimidating in any rearview mirror.
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The cabin is spacious and the seats are comfortable, with powered adjustment settings. The ergonomics are excellent and everything steering wheel, controls, levers, and buttons-is within easy reach. There is a wide centre section, too; after all, the IMV platform is a classic rigid ladder frame and a thick shaft driving the bulbous yoke at the rear with another headed up front from the transmission. Overall comfort is excellent even in the&nbsp;third row and the cabin feels nothing short of a safe.
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Heading down the forest trail was a fun bit in itself. While I started off in "SI", based on my fellow expert's recommendation, I soon realised the Hilux was easier to drive and manage than it appeared. Back into "D" on the auto-box, the truck trundled down the mountain unperturbed. It's wide, yes, but with rocks on one side and a sheer drop on the other, it was neither the car nor me breaking a sweat. Its 29 approach angle and 26 departure angle make it rather capable in tackling more than its fair share of rough terrain. Small rocks or extra-large pebbles, if you will, in its path were taken without any deviation from its line and the 216-mm ground clearance made sure that almost all of them were no big deal; even non-existent.
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Getting down the semi-filled riverbed, there was a mix of shallow stream, deeper water formations, silt, and sand, all of which the Hilux plugged through with ease. For the water sections, I ensured it was in "4H" or 4x4 high-range just to have the reassurance of front traction in case of the remote possibility of the rear breaking traction over a slippery stone underwater.&nbsp;No drama whatsoever.
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Next up were the makeshift hills to check its slope-scaling ability even with a surface of loose gravel. Heading down was done with the hill descent control on, no brakes or accelerator needed. The Hilux was so nice I did it twice-once for the stills and one for video-because it felt like a run-of-the-mill chore for the big, red machine. It truly is outstanding in the face of a challenge. And, while I believe the price tag was a bit overinflated, I began to see reason. It was just as capable, if not more, than some vehicles thrice its price.
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As I made my way back to civilisation, I realised how good its highway manners were, too. The length helps, of course, and even at 80 km/h, overtaking and lane-changes were immediate, quick, and without any perceptible roll. I did not fling it into bends but I could feel the weight lower down and it was indeed reassuring. The steering feel, too, is crisp when it needs to be, making for sure changes of direction with good response and feedback. It got me thinking: of course, a pick-up truck is never going to be anyone's daily driver.
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Well, almost. A lifestyle choice it may be, but it makes just as good a first car as it does a second, third or fourth car or an addition to a collector's garage. There is no way, I imagine, anyone can drive the Hilux and not fall for it.
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Its way of doing business, its capabilities, and the way the chassis fuses with the driver's nervous system. Yes, it may appear to be a crude, rural or industrial vehicle but, and I cannot emphasize this enough, it is magnificent. Believe the hype. All of it. It's trucking awesome.&nbsp;
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Toyota Hilux 2.8D 4x4 High A/T 
Price: Rs 37.90 lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 2,755 cc, in-line four, turbo-diesel
Max Power: 204 hp @ 3,000-3,400 rpm
Max Torque: 500 Nm @ 1,600-2,800 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed, automatic, selectable four-wheel drive
Suspension: Double wishbone front, leaf-spring rear
Weight: 2,212 kg

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