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Does Toyota's Hilux bakkie 'breeze through' this SA handling test?

UPDATE: Due to the request of readers we've clarified a few aspects regarding the tests. We'll publish all reader responses in a follow-up article.

Cape Town - In October 2016, Wheels24 reported on a video showing the new Toyota Hilux failing a handling test (Moose Test).

In the video, created by Swedish motoring publication Teknikens Värld, the Hilux can be seen travelling at 60km/h as a test driver attempts to navigate a 'moose test''.

The clip revealed poor handling and the Hilux partially 'lifting' off the ground, whereas the majority of its main rivals (Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara etc) performed well. What about a local test?

Wheels24 has been inundated with emails from readers asking for a local test, hence we felt we needed to share WegRy's version of their Toyota Hilux 'moose test'. Watch the clip below and decide whether they have accurately depicted the Hilux's handling.

South African test

Wheels24 sister publication WegRY, SA’s biggest 4x4 magazine, performed its own version of the Moose Test though returned very different results to that of the Swedish publication.

WegRY editor, Jaco Kirsten, said: "When we published the video of the Swedish magazine who did the so-called “moose test” with a Hilux - and where the Hilux seemed to be quite unstable - we were surprised at the reaction. It was as if someone had set off a bomb in a movie theatre. There was hysterics, anger - and a good deal of smugness thrown in for good measure.

WATCH: Shocking - Is the Toyota Hilux the 'worst handling' bakkie in its segment?

"So we sourced a standard Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4x4 auto double cab and loaded it to its max recommended load limit and repeated the test. We used the exact layout of the Swedish publication - also known as the ISO3888-2 test - to the nearest centimetre.

"The result? The Hilux breezed through at 60km/h - where the Swedish test ran into serious problems - and also passed at 70km/h. We cannot explain this, although we suspect one of two things: The Swedish vehicle’s tyres were underinflated (look at the extreme sidewall deflection they experienced); and the Swedish-spec Hilux might have a different spec suspension - which is what someone in the suspension industry told us.

"However, this still needs to be confirmed."

We've included the original moose test and reveal how the Hilux fared against its top rivals below Kirsten's video.

Watch the test below and decide for yourself: The clip is in Afrikaans


What do you think of WegRy's test? Have you experienced handling issues with your bakkie? Email us or reach us via Facebook  and Twitter.



Wheels24 reader L van Wyk says: "Compare the two videos, the one done in SA the turn angels are not as sharp and they have more space between them, so that is misleading to the public.

Then look at the original video, vehicle comes in at same speed but the turn angels are far sharper. In the interest of the truth and not protecting a brand, do the test exactly the same, and let it go through at 67kph and let’s see what happens. Then put all of its competitors at the same speed for consistent results.
 
This test isn’t close enough but to uneducated readers will seem like there is nothing wrong with the handling characteristics of the Hilux when there is an issue."

See the YouTube comments below:

Toyota responds

Wheels24 contacted Toyota for a response. 

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) said: "At Toyota, the safety and security of our customers remains our number one priority. 

"Toyota takes the report published by the Swedish automobile magazine, Teknikens Värld, on this emergency-avoidance test seriously and we are currently in discussions with the publication to find out additional details about the test. 

READ: Video shows Hilux bakkie fail handling test, Toyota responds

"Toyota applies its own strict safety standards to all our products and Hilux meets these standards. Nonetheless, to further ensure the safety and security of our customers, we will conduct a thorough analysis of their test and quickly determine our response."

Click on the above gif to below to view the full video:

In response to the clip, TMC said it was "surprised" by the test result that the automaker takes the evaluation "very seriously".

Rival bakkies

What about rival bakkies? Well the guys at  Teknikens Värld subjected six of the Hilux's rivals to the same test.

Here's how the Toyota's competitors fared:

1. Ford Ranger

The Ranger is more composed than the Hilux, though at the end of the slalom the bakkie loses its tail. Fortunately for Ford, the Ranger does not look too unstable. The facelifted Ranger was launched in 2015.

2. Isuzu KB

In South Africa the Isuzu KB trails behind Hilux and Ranger in terms of sales but according to this video, it's one of the best handling bakkies. The bakkie looks composed and stable throughout the test. The KB received a facelift earlier in 2016.

3. Nissan Navara

Apart from the right front wheel lifting off the ground, the Navara remains stable. The new Nissan Navara will be launched in SA in 2017.

4. Volkswagen Amarok

Going through the test at 68km/h, the VW Amarok is by far the most composed of the bakkies tested. It changes direction effortlessly and all four wheels remain on track.

5. Mitsubishi Triton

Apart from a single lift of the right front wheel, the Triton shows minimal body-roll and steering seems responsive. The new Triton will arrive in SA in 2017.

6. Dodge Ram

The Ram, not sold in South Africa, appears to be handling quite well for its size. This bulky American bakkie is biggest and heaviest of all the bakkies, but passes the test with flying colours.


* Please note the opinions of these Toyota Hilux moose tests do not reflect the views of Wheels24.
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