BIG DIESELS ARE a pleasure to use in a bakkie application because of their lugging power and effortless cruising and overtaking ability. The downside is their thirst. Or is it? In the case of the Hilux Xtra Cab, Toyota must have reprogrammed the ECU, blueprinted the motor, or provided a mystery tank that’s topped up by a secret clan of dwarves because fuel economy is really impressive. On average, I’m getting 870km from a tank after throwing in 69 to 71 litres of any fuel that’s available (including 500ppm which is usually cheaper by some margin). Checking tank to tank, the worst run in recent weeks gave 9 litres/100km, the best tankful just 8.0 litres/100km.

Not bad for a heavy machine with the aerodynamics of a chamfered brick, albeit one driven for the most part within the prevailing speed limit. One of the factors is that the motor has loosened up, or bedded in, whatever your take on it, becoming more responsive, quieter and smoother as the 10 000km mark approaches. The other factor is that the canopy was removed for repairs, so it’ll be interesting to see if the fuel use nudges upwards with it in place again.

It’s a Carryboy canopy, franchised locally by SA Canopy, and rather smart for your R20 000. It has integral roof rails, an interior light, a rear demister (particularly useful in winter) and an integrated stoplight, making refitting the item a 2.5-hour mission which seemed to involve removing a tail light, half of the dashboard and numerous interior panels. Thanks to the Cape Town branch for their attention to detail.

So I now have a huge lockable rear compartment, one of the key upsides to the Xtra Cab which has a much longer load area than the double cab. And there’s also the question of VAT – no charge if the vehicle is used for commercial purposes.

PREVIOUS UPDATE HERE