Behind the Wheel of a Celebrity Chef's Favourite Motor
Celebrity chef James Martin, renowned for his £5 million car collection featuring marques like Ferrari and Bentley, has surprisingly named the Toyota Hilux as his absolute favourite. This revelation prompted us to get behind the wheel of the iconic pick-up to see what makes it so special, and we discovered a vehicle of rugged capability with one notably irritating flaw.
Specifications and Stature
The model put to the test was the Invincible X 2.8 Double Cab, finished in Titan Bronze and costing £40,270.83. This two-plus-tonne beast is powered by a 2.8-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine producing 204bhp and a substantial 420Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, enabling a 0-62mph time of just over ten seconds and a top speed of 109mph. With a braked towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes and a payload of over one tonne in its load bay, the Hilux is every bit the workhorse it's famed to be.
The Driving Experience: Rugged and Engaging
On the road, the Hilux makes no secret of its pick-up truck origins. It's not designed for racetracks, but it proves to be a surprisingly engaging drive. The manual transmission and selectable engine modes (Power and Eco) add a layer of involvement often missing from modern vehicles. In Power mode, the unloaded truck feels lively, and the steering provides commendable feedback. Engaging the selectable four-wheel-drive system is straightforward, and switching to two-wheel drive on tarmac reduces understeer for better cornering control. The ride, however, is firm and can feel bouncy, a trade-off for its load-lugging potential.
One Significant Irritation
For all its rugged appeal, one feature became a source of constant frustration: the automatic high beam activation. Designed to switch on main beams in darkness, the system proved overly sensitive during an evening drive through a seaside town. It repeatedly activated in patches of lower light between streetlights, forcing the driver to manually override it every few seconds. It's a small but persistent glitch in an otherwise robust package, a clear case where the driver's judgement surpasses the computer's.
Verdict: An Enduring Legend
Despite the annoyance of the automatic lights, the Toyota Hilux justifies its legendary status. It's a durable, well-equipped, and immensely capable vehicle that has earned its place in the hearts of Brits, from Top Gear presenters to celebrity chefs. Its recent launch into a ninth generation, including an all-electric version, proves that this 57-year-old nameplate is as relevant as ever.
