Toyota Hi-Lux Invincible 200 review

2. Engines

A new range of common rail D-4D diesel engines was undoubtedly the catalyst for this change, and as well as stronger performance other benefits were improved efficiency and lower emissions. However, long before this when the vehicle was still lumbering along on a pretty weak powerplant, it had its qualities. In Australia’s hostile desert environments it was the number one choice, while back in Britain Jeremy Clarkson laboured its immortality by driving an early model down a flight of steps, into a tree and out to sea, before eventually setting it on fire.
The point was clear though, the Hi-Lux was pretty much invincible, and it was no accident that ‘Invincible’ was chosen as the title of the new top of the range double-cab launched in 2007, which boasted a 3.0-litre common rail diesel unit. With a peak output of 169bhp and 253lbf.ft, the 2982cc engine gave the Hi-Lux a performance to rival any of its competitors, and the message was clear; Toyota was no longer happy for its pick-up to be regarded as a utility truck. As a further incentive for lifestyle customers, the top range models were also made available with an optional four-speed autobox.
For some time then, the Hi-Lux had the distinction of being the only truck available with a powerplant larger than the traditional 2.5-litre units, though it didn’t take long for its competitors to start catching up. First to arrive was the 3.0 TDCi Ford Wildtrak, though with 3.0-litre versions of the Mazda BT-50 and Isuzu Rodeo now hitting the market, this component seems to have quickly become de rigueur.

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