56 TradeFarmMachinery.com.au THE TRACTOR YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FINDW
hat you see here is the least expensive Toyota HiLux
diesel you can buy. You can buy a HiLux that costs less
but that has a petrol engine and a low-riding chassis.
This entry-level HiLux diesel is obviously a single-cab but whatyou can’t readily see is that it has the smaller of the two HiLux
diesel engines on offer, a 2.4-litre four-cylinder. Most HiLux
models have the more powerful 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel.And while this ‘budget’ HiLux diesel has the ‘Hi-Rider’ chassis,
and therefore the same ground clearance as a 4WD Hilux, it only
has rear-wheel drive.Around $30K will get this basic work ute on the road but how
good is the ‘little’ 2.4-litre diesel and can two-wheel-drive still be
useful at time when 4WD is all the rage?CLIMB ABOARD
The HiLux’s perfectly placed assist handle helps you to swingaboard what is a relatively high-riding cabin and is especially
useful given there are no sidesteps on this budget model.
Once inside it’s a bit of a surprise to find a large, dash-mounted
tablet-style touchscreen in what is a work ute and likewise the
dash looks more passenger ute than commercial ute and is wellfinished in the typical Toyota way. Only the blanks for things like
the non-existent push-button start are a reminder of its budget
nature. Bluetooth, cruise control and a USB port are all standard.Comfortable seats, as per any new HiLux but tilt-only steering
wheel adjustment and not the tilt and reach adjustment of
most HiLux models. The leg room is adequate for a tall driverprovided you have the seat right back while with a shorter driver
(or passenger) in place there’s a little stowage room behind the
seats, which is a luxury in a single cab.ON THE ROAD
The 2.4 four-cylinder diesel is a new engine that arrived withthis latest and eighth-generation HiLux in late 2015 for the 2016
TEST REVIEW
Need a farm or work ute but don’t need 4WD?
Then the 2.4-litre Toyota HiLux might be the ticket.
Fraser Stronach reports
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keyword search field.2008 ToyotaHilux. with hydraulicjacksystem.
Auto,5 seats,RWC. • VIC 03 9998 4846$15,000 TA9183662008 NissanNavara Dual Cab.Auto,
123,670kms.•QLD 07 3073 8035$14,500 TA9717142011 ToyotaHilux. 217,307kms,oneownerfrom
new,turbodiesel.• VIC 03 8547 8574$15,500 TA912118MATE