Updated: Toyota sets new record as Hilux, Starlet undergo Smokin Hills test drive

Although Toyota is a household name and a leading auto brand, it is often seen to shy away from test drive, especially in Nigeria.

But that notion no longer holds sway as Toyota Nigeria Limited last weekend released two of its models, the Hilux and all-new Starlet, for a comprehensive test drive at Ilara-Mokin, the hometown of the company’s chairman, Chief Michael Ade.Ojo, which is some 20-minute drive from Akure, Ondo State capital.

While the new generation Starlet, launched in Lagos some days earlier, was taken through an on-road race course, where the vehicle was indeed ‘flogged’ and made to undertake a lot of cornering, speeding through bumpy and flooded terrains, the Hilux went through a deeper off-road exposure of hilly, sloppy, rocky and muddy terrains where kids are strictly disallowed from riding along.

It was a two-day event with each model having a separate day and professional race drivers had the task of taking Toyota customers and enthusiasts including journalists through the terrains a number of times so they could have a total experience.

Some daring, experienced and brave drivers, including Newstrends editor also had time to drive the vehicles along the Smokin Hills race course.

Managing Director, Toyota Nigeria, Mr Kunle Ade-Ojo, represented at the event by the Head of Marketing at the TNL, Mr Andrew Ajuyah, said the main objective of releasing the Starlet for the test drive was to bring the vehicle to the doorsteps of customers, “offering you the opportunity to interact with the vehicle, get familiar with its features, ask questions as it relates to the vehicle and have a fun-filled day with us.”

He also said, “It is the latest on the stable of Toyota (Nigeria) Limited and the Starlet is a true Star in every sense of the word. It is a mini-subcompact SUV imbued with the Toyota DNA of quality, durability, reliability and style.”

Speaking on the Hilux Fleet Day, the TNL boss explained why the vehicle (Hilux) is described as a workhorse and a darling of many Nigerians.

He said, “The Hilux as you all know is a workhorse. This apt description of the Hilux is based on the fact that the vehicle responds to the dictates of the road no matter how rough. It glides as it takes on some of the most challenging terrains headlong.  Indeed, the vehicle which is also described as Beyond Tough for its mastery of inclement terrains stands above its peers in that segment. Little wonder it is the darling of many Nigerians.”

Marketing Manager, TNL, Mr Bayo Olawoyin, provided the detailed features of the 1.4 litre Starlet and the 2.7-litre Hilux released for the test drive on Friday and Saturday respectively.

A prominent professional racer at the event, Argo Raak, who noted that it was his first time of driving the Starlet, described it as a fantastic car for city cruise, adding, “It may not be advisable to take it for state-to-state trips for now; Hilux is ideal for that. It is not that the car cannot do it but not really ideal for a rough terrain.

He also spoke on the performance and quality of the Starlet, saying, “The best quality of the car is its fuel economy. I also enjoy the handling; it’s very soft and enhances the driving.

“It is one of the rare cars that give you an opportunity to view everywhere and everything when you are around the steering; no blind spot and I can press all the buttons. It is a car for me and my madam; it can go places where my truck cannot go.”

Angela Idiong, Business Development Manager at RT Briscoe, commenting on the Hilux performance at the event said, “The vehicle is rugged and one can use it for private family ride (on road) or official taking it to project sites (off road). Even in remotest place, Hilux will go there and pull through. Its parts are available and easy to fix should it break down. Its fuel efficiency is also superb.

“It’s a vehicle that you can easily find a good buyer even after using it for 25 years.”

Adeoye Ojuoko, founder of Work and Play (motorsport), who is the brain behind the test drive project, said the event was sponsored by Toyota Nigeria Limited.

He noted that Hilux test drive had shown how people could engage the two-wheel drive or L2 to do a lot more than they thought.

Ojuoko also spoke on the choice of Ilara-Mokin for the event.

He said, “We are doing off-road rally at the Smokin Hill, Ilara-Mokin because of the terrain and we are building track there with the support of Chief Ade.Ojo.

“We are trying to look at the idea of creating a good environment for motorsport events as well as test drives. “One major thing the automobile industry in Nigeria lacks is an avenue or a centre to compare the performance of different brands of vehicles.”

He expressed optimism that the event would spur other automakers and dealers to take part in future motorsport programmes.

“What we are doing is not for Toyota alone; what we have built is for other brands and dealerships too. They will be given the opportunity for their customers to test drive available and new vehicles and engage them well in what they are doing,” Ojuoko said.

He said he was satisfied with the outcome of the programme, which attracted visitors from Ondo, Lagos and Abuja, among others.

“It has become a passion for me; it started from my hometown, Ilara-Mokin with the support of Chief Ade-Ojo; and it is growing,” he said.