Toyota Nigeria Limited organised a special test drive at the Federal Capital Territory to educate customers in the Northern part of the country and Abuja on how to get the best out of their Toyota Hilux pickups.

The two day event which held at the Exhibition Pavilion of the Arts and Culture Exhibition Centre Abuja witness a huge turnout from Toyota customers, government agencies, corporate organisations and individuals who came to see what the Hilux pick-up has to offer.

To put the Hilux to real test, Toyota Nigeria officials created all manner of terrains at the large expanse of land to prove the Hilux capability and showcase its various features.

•The Toyota Hilux, being subjected to tough task during the test drive

Different conditions of the road

This include sandy terrain, marshy terrain, deep and sloppy terrain etc for the Hilux to overcome. But the pickup never disappointed. It took every obstacle without looking back. No wonder it was among the three vehicles nominated for the pickup of the year prize by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association.

The heaps of sand and gravel separately dumped on the driveway, the hilly spot and steep bumpy areas were meant to depict different conditions of the road and how the vehicle could overcome the challenges without much stress.

The Marketing Manager, TNL, Mr. Bayo Olawoyin; and the firm’s Public Relations and Advert Manager, Mrs. Bukky Ogunnusi, led the Toyota team that provided the visitors with the necessary briefing and guide before and during each test drive session. They assisted and demonstrated the features to the visitors and even had to take them round if need to be.

Olawoyin said the decision to organise the test drive was based on the TNL’s research, which showed that many drivers/owners of Toyota Hilux hardly used the various features of the vehicle that were expected to ease the driving and comfort of the vehicle, especially in very difficult terrain.

“It is to further educate them on the benefits of using the Hilux, which has been specially built to conquer very difficult terrain without compromising comfort,” he said.

He listed the vehicle’s off road features,  to include auxiliary gear (4×2 and 4×4 transfer switch); Hill-start Assist Control; and Active Traction Control.

Ogunnusi in her remark explained that the turnout of people for the Hilux test drive was impressive, adding that they were encouraged by the response from the construction sector, armed forces and individual buyers.

“It is not about sale; we don’t sell directly to the buyers, We’re just showing the customers how they can further enjoy the use of Hilux. They should be rest assured that they will get real value for their money,” she said.

According to her the Hilux, like every other Toyota, boasts the best quality in its segment. Even after four years, you are sure of getting back a huge amount if you wish to resale the car.

According to her, the vehicle is known for its quality, safety and reliability as it can easily get out of trouble spots such as muddy, hilly and swampy areas. You have rest of mind with the Hilux and will get value for  your money, while maintenance cost is very low.

The pickup since its in introduction in 1968 has been ranked as the class benchmark with over 18 million sales across the globe .