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There are two ends of the motoring spectrum, the average family saloon/hatch and the working person’s load lugger – and usually, ne’er the twain shall meet. I, however, got the chance to put the Toyota Prius and the Hilux Double Cab to the test head-to-head.
Let’s start with the Hilux, a brute of a beast if ever there was one especially in ‘Invincible’ form. With a 3.0litre diesel under the bonnet (complete with turbo air scoop if you must know), it certainly was no slouch even with its hefty double cab body. I think that this is what our American cousins would call a sports truck… High up in the air, you feel like a minor deity, surrounded by the bulk of the truck.
It certainly can take some weight in the back – the payload is around the tonne mark – but, of course, driving it around empty does make the roads seem like a trail of speed humps. Still, not to worry – the average Hilux driver will be using it to full capacity safe in the knowledge that it can indeed lug whatever load they choose to put into it.
Out the back, the load bed has a rather nifty locking alumium roller cover fitted, so you can leave bits and pieces in there without the fear of any scallywags running off with them.
The interior is, for what’s essentially a commercial vehicle, rather nice. The version I took out was fully done out with soft grey leather, but I’m sure that most heavy-duty users would go for something that might not scratch. There’s sat-nav, a thumpingly good stereo and air-con cold enough to freeze the bits off a penguin. I did miss the steering wheel mounted stereo controls of the Prius however, maybe I’m just getting spoilt…
Speaking of the Prius – what a car! I didn’t actually expect to like it very much – petrol/electric hybrids might be sexy as far as your green credentials go, but aren’t expected to throw any other switches. However, hand on heart, I was more than agreeably surprised. The engine is absolutely beautiful – you’d never know when the petrol kicks in or when it’s running on electric. It’s nearly silent as well.
The automatic gearbox was a similar surprise. I’m used to noticeable changes, slight hesitations. But the Prius cruised smoothly and I genuinely could not detect gear changes. It reminded me somewhat of a DAF Variomatic in its smoothness…
There’s power on tap – the 1.5litre VVT-I petrol motor is sprightly and, backed up by the electric powerplant, propels the Prius along nicely. The steering is light, the ride smooth as silk – literally – and the seats comfortable. In terms of ride quality and ease of driving, I doubt that there is that much out there to match it.
The interior space is excellent – it’s a true five seater with plenty of legroom for all. The boot’s not a bad size either, so if you’re buying for both business and pleasure, you’re well catered for.
One niggle with the Prius is the rear view – it is bisected by some kind of spoiler. This is insanely off-putting for the first few minutes, and then you get used to it. In the version I took out (the T Spirit), there was a rather handy reversing camera, making glancing over the shoulder almost pointless. However, I’d still recommend that you make those checks, just in case anyone decides to step out behind your reversing vehicle…
One of the most insanely brilliant gizmos I have ever come across was fitted to this Prius – an automatic parking option. All you have to do is select reverse, tap your desired end location into the touch sensitive screen and let the car do all of the steering. It’s brilliant – nothing short of brilliant. And it works as well; this isn’t a gizmo that’s just there for kicks.
For the business user, the Prius makes perfect sense. Around town, you’ll get well over 55mpg and over 65mpg out and about. Plus you don’t have to pay congestion charges, your car tax is minimal and you get to wave your green credentials under the nose of anyone who’ll listen.
Putting the Hilux and Prius head-to-head was like taking motoring from one extreme to the other. On one hand, there’s the brutal Hilux. On the other, the comparably delicate Prius. But each vehicle is perfectly built, designed and thought through for its target market. You truly can’t say better than that – plus you’re guaranteed Toyota build qualities and residual values. Everyone is a winner…
For more information, call into Yeomans Toyota and book yourself a test drive.
