Toyota has recreated the famous Top Gear caravan drop test with its new electric Hilux, and the truck survived the ordeal. The stunt took place at Bentwaters airfield in Suffolk, where a caravan weighing more than three-quarters of a tonne was craned 30 feet above the ground and released directly on top of the Hilux's cab.
As debris settled, engineers inspected the vehicle, which bore only modest bodywork scars from the impact. The Hilux powered up immediately and drove off silently from the scene, staying true to its legendary "indestructible" heritage.
Public vote decides the test
Toyota turned to Reddit, inviting subreddits across the UK to vote on how the Hilux should be put through its paces. The two options were for the truck to be repeatedly hit with a one-tonne wrecking ball or subjected to the caravan drop. Hundreds responded with an overwhelming call for the caravan test, as originally performed by the Top Gear team in 2003.
Strict safety conditions were observed throughout the test. Chris Hayes, Director of Products & Services Division, said: "Hilux has earned its reputation as the world's toughest pick-up. Following on from our launch of the ninth-generation model earlier this year, we wanted to honour that legacy and demonstrate how Hilux is still as impressive as it was decades ago, even when it's powered by electricity."
Built to take punishment
The spectacle is no accident, as during the model's development programme, the Hilux underwent extreme testing to guarantee its performance, including deep-water driving, challenging driving trials across rough terrain, and total immersion of the battery.
The caravan drop is just the warm-up. Toyota has handed over the keys to the electric Hilux to the Top Gear YouTube channel, meaning even tougher tests may be to come.
More than a workhorse
The new model can carry payloads of up to 1,065kg and tow trailers up to 3.5 tonnes, depending on powertrain. Available with both battery-electric and Diesel 48V power, the Hilux also has a double cab body with fully digital instrumentation and a comprehensive multimedia package.
