Kiwi daredevils attempt to drive ute through deep river

Toyota has long claimed that its famous Hilux ute is virtually indestructible. Jeremy Clarkson and his Top Gear crew tried, but failed, to kill one by putting it through a series of extreme physical punishments.

'Crumpy and Scotty' demonstrated the Hilux's rugged toughness in a long-running series of popular New Zealand TV adverts in the 80s and 90s. Now, its reputation has been further enhanced after a pair of young Kiwi men were filmed driving the hardy ute through a deep river.

The video, which has surfaced on social media, shows a male driver nearly completely submerge the vehicle.

While black smoke billows out of its exhaust, the underwater engine remarkably keeps running.

A friend initially stands on the Hilux ute's rear tray which is also carrying a strapped-down couch.

The driver then asks his mate to get on the bonnet to help get better traction as he drives out of the river.

The entire episode is filmed while onlookers cackle in amazement and delight.

"You're, like, floating," one female voice is heard saying.

The driver urges them to look inside his cab.

Footage shows water up to the windowsill.

Once near the riverbank, the driver opens his door and water floods out.

He then drives off shouting a swearword.