2014 Hino High Power 300 review

I've been doing this job for more years than I want to remember, but every week I still manage to bring something new. For example, my recent run, when I did my first lap around the famous Mt Panorama race track, a mecca for fans of V8 supercars. The big difference is that I was on my knees behind the wheel of a truck. Check this box, mmm?

It's amazing how big a truck you can drive with a standard car license these days - up to 4.5 tons of gross vehicle weight. The truck in question was one of Hino's new line of 300 High Power series trucks, which range in capacity from 4.5 to 8.5 tonnes, although the latter requires a special license. This segment of the light truck or "last mile delivery" market accounts for about 25 percent of Hino's business.

BACKGROUND

The truck segment in Australia is dominated by two brands, Kenworth on one side and Isuzu on the smaller, lighter market. Hino, part of the Toyota empire, is currently number two in the market, competing with about 20 other brands. 

It accounted for about 4000 of the 30,000 trucks sold here last year, but unlike competitors Isuzu and Fuso, it doesn't offer 4×4 models, which account for about 10% of sales. The trucks come standard with cab and chassis from the Hamura plant in Japan, the same plant that makes the Toyota Prado and FJ Cruiser.

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION 

Hino claims class-leading power and torque for its new 920 and 921 5.0-litre four-cylinder models. The turbocharged and intercooled diesel produces 151kW and 600Nm of torque when paired with an automatic transmission and 139kW/510Nm with a manual transmission (less because the gearbox can't handle more). That's eight percent more power and 18 percent more torque than the nearest competitor.

Paired with a true six-speed dual overdrive automatic transmission or a six-speed manual with single overdrive, the diesel tops out at 2700 rpm. High power models also come standard with a paddle controlled engine brake. They don't give fuel consumption figures, but the truck we drove showed 16.7 liters per 100 km.

MODELS

The cargo business is expected to double by 2030, so the market for this type of vehicle is growing. The High Power series completes the Hino range with eight models in three wheelbases - 3500, 3800 and 4400mm. Outwardly powerful models can be recognized by their stiffer posture, 920 and 921 badges, and chrome grille and bumper accents.

Available in both single cab and dual cab configurations, the heavy duty models offer greater traction and payload capacity thanks to a new, wider straight frame chassis that features stronger steel rails and a mesh-style port design that simplifies the installation of bodies and auxiliary elements.

SECURITY

The safety history is strong, although trucks are not priced the same way as cars. Hino is the only light truck manufacturer to offer stability control as standard. The 300 series is equipped with two front airbags, four ventilated discs with anti-lock braking system, emergency braking system and electronic brake force distribution. A reversing camera with audible warnings is also standard.

DRIVING

What can I say, it's a truck. The best place for power and economy seems to be between 80 and 100 km/h. In the car, we drove in fifth and sixth gears with gear ratios, and in sixth gear it sits at 100 km / h at a calm 2220 rpm.

The transmission downshifts during deceleration or on long descents when using the engine brake, which is actuated by the paddle shifter. The vehicle's shift lever can be folded into the park position for easy access to the cab. What a pity that there is no cruise control.

But the steering is adjustable for both reach and height, and the driver's seat is magnetically suspended. Double cab models are fitted with rear air conditioning as standard. A 6.1-inch multimedia system also comes standard with Bluetooth and DAB digital radio, while satellite navigation is optional.