The new Toyota Hilux has entered the scene. And, it hasn’t changed much. In terms of exterior and interior appearance, there is some change. However, the problem lies in the fact that, they have removed certain things, which makes it a bit too barebones for it’ s approximately Rs. 50 lakh price tag. They removed climate control, there are no ventilated and electronically adjustable seats, and some of the quality of plastics in the interior don’t really feel premium. I know, it’s a truck and meant to be utilitarian, but for it’ s price, it should at least feel a bit premium. Also, they have removed the manual. Why, Toyota?
Toyota could have taken this opportunity to make some ground breaking changes, like give it a V6 petrol engine, or some other interesting engine choice or big upgrades, in terms of features and interior, but they did not. They left it almost the same, or in some sense lesser. The good thing is that it has it’s own unique character and it sorted when it comes to it’s mechanicals and driving manners. It is safe enough, and it can take a beating. So, no matter how broken the path to your farmhouse is, the Hilux can reach there easily. Also, you can now buy it without the 4*4 hardware, which you won’t need in 99 percent of the situations or if you are just buying the Hilux for long trips and trips to the farmhouse, the path to which is broken and rough.
The Hilux is just as capable, and reliable as it used to be. Top Gear has proven that already. But it still is a hard sell. Overly expensive, with quite a lot of misses, and no real practical use, because let’s be honest, no one is using that bed to haul load. Bolero pickups are already doing that, and they are a much more affordable solution. But there still is, nothing quite like it. It still makes a fair case for a lifestyle vehicle, or an expensive toy. And it really is an experience; I have driven the outgoing generation. I enjoyed it. I would love to see this segment of lifestyle pickup trucks grow in India. It would be very interesting to see what happens when the Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler enters the market.
