Here’s something different – a fully automatic light-duty truck!
This is the Hino 300 Series, specifically the Japanese manufacturers 616 Auto Tipper, an offering from their ‘Ready to Go’ range of, as the name suggests, ready to go light-duty trucks.
For most of us an automatic transmission is a no-brainer and when getting about in a truck all-day the option of being able to let the vehicle do all the work seems like a good one!
Yes, these light-duty trucks have had self-changing transmissions for a while now, though those were automated manual transmissions (AMT) and if you’ve experienced one you’d know they aren’t very smooth.
The Hino though, with a proper six-speed auto transmission, is a very different proposition.
In standard form you can haul around nearly a tonne and a half on a car license.
An upgraded model is also available if you need more capacity, but you’ll have to upgrade your license to a light-rigid with one of those.
Aimed at operators like tradies, councils, landscapers and the like, the Hino is a good alternative to running a standard ute and has many of the same creature comforts too.
On the Road
This little truck is unbelievably smooth and quick too – it really does keep up easily with the traffic.
Where your traditional manual/AMT light-duty truck loses momentum when the gears are changing, the auto just accelerates away.
Often though an auto transmission lets you down with how it performs changing back down the ratios when more assistance is required.
No such issues here with the transmission nicely programmed to give the 4.0 litre engine plenty of assistance on the hills.
That turbo-diesel engine in this configuration delivers 110kW and 420Nm, that’s adequate for this application.
It’s such an easy truck to drive.
There’s really light steering, an absolutely incredible turning circle, big mirrors and fantastic visibility from the driver’s seat.
One complaint though, the mirror adjustment panel is located on the dashboard and this means you’re reaching forward to make adjustments, but that means your head has moved forward too.
Yes, that means you can’t adjust the mirrors in your natural driving position.
While as is the case with most Japanese trucks the exhaust brake could be more enthusiastic.
Creature Comforts
The Hino 300 Series driver’s seat has a suspension base, though it could have some more up and down travel in my opinion.
There’s a good arm rest on the door, though no arm rest for the driver’s left arm.
Unlike some others in this class you could sit three adults across in relative comfort.
There’s digital radio, Bluetooth and sat-nav, as well as a reasonably sized roof-mounted LED light (as well as the standard interior light).
Steering wheel mounted stereo/Bluetooth controls would be a nice future addition.
Driver comfort is aided by the standard fitment of tilt/telescopic steering wheel adjustment.
The reverse camera projects a clear image onto the infotainment screen (as seen above) and even has a microphone that allows you to hear what’s going on behind the truck.
Longer drives are made easier with the standard fitment of cruise control.
Hino has provided a stack of vacant switch positions on the dashboard, and another handy feature is the large shelf type storage area on the lower section of the dash.
The glove box isn’t huge though, nor are the door pockets, though the two roof-mounted areas look like they’d be handy to have.
If you’re familiar with the Toyota 86 you’ll feel at home in the Hino – the two offerings share things like the instrument cluster and the air vents!
Access into the cab is easy and assisted by a nicely-sized step and well positioned grab handle on the A pillar.
Hino 300 Series Safety
The truck comes standard with stability control, as well as traction control and ABS brakes.
Airbags are limited to the driver and main passenger seat, the middle passenger misses out and gets just a two-point seatbelt.
Summary
If you’re often carting around loads that stretch your regular ute’s capacity, then you really should investigate taking the step up to one of these modern light-duty trucks.
The auto transmission provides you with the extra capacity, but without feeling like you’re driving something too big and cumbersome.
It’s also comfy enough for most, and has enough features to make it an attractive alternative.
Facts and Figures: 2018 Hino 300 Series 616 Auto Tipper
- Engine: 4.0 litre turbo-diesel producing 110kW/420Nm
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic
- Load Rating – Front Axle: 2360kg, Rear Axle: 4400kg
- Approx Mass: 3050kg
- GVM: 4500kg
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 100 litres
- Overall Length: 5105mm
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