Toyota Hilux Pick-up

Performance
Hilux buyers can choose between 101bhp or 118bhp 2.5-litre turbodiesels and a 168bhp 3.0-litre diesel. The entry-level model is best avoided, because it struggles to keep up with the ebb and flow of traffic, even when the loadbed is empty. The higher-powered 2.5 is a much stronger option. In fact, it makes the flagship 3.0-litre engine feel redundant.

Ride & handling
Firm suspension gives the Hilux decent body control when tackling corners or undulating roads and the steering is reassuringly weighty. Unfortunately, the trade-off for its composure is ride comfort. Around town in particular, the Toyota tends to thump over potholes, shaking occupants in their seats. There's a shortage of rear-end grip when the loadbay is empty, too.

Refinement
All three Hilux engines are noisy, whether you're trundling around town or cruising on the motorway, but the smallest engine is worst because it needs to be worked hard to make up for the dearth of power. Big door mirrors cause plenty of wind noise at the national limit, but occupants are well isolated from road noise

Buying & owning
Company drivers who use a commercial vehicle like the Hilux for relevant businesses pay tax at a flat rate rather than on a portion of the list price, and this makes them much cheaper to run than an equivalent-priced car. Alternatively, if you're a VAT-registered trader, you can claim back the VAT. Maintenance and fuel bills are competitive.

Quality & reliability
Over the years, the Hilux earned a reputation for unbreakable mechanicals and build quality, and this version should prove similarly durable. Its cabin is a little dull, being dominated by dreary grey plastics, but everything feels reassuringly solid and hardwearing.

Safety & security
Every Hilux comes with two airbags, but side and curtain bags aren't even an option, and there's no stability control. On the security front, etched windows and plenty of marked mechanical parts make the car easier to trace should it be stolen. HL3 models and above also have an alarm, but Toyota doesn't fit deadlocks to the Hilux.

Behind the wheel
The Hilux has chunky controls for the heater and stereo, and they're placed high on the dashboard to be within easy reach. On the downside, some drivers will find it difficult to make themselves comfortable, because the steering wheel only moves up and down and there's no seat height adjustment.

Space & practicality
Toyota offers the Hilux in two-seater Twin Cab and five-seater Double Cab forms, with the latter sacrificing some load space for its extra seats. There's also a Extra Cab model which has two occasional rear seats. The rear bench in the Double Cab flips up to reveal some useful cubbies, but a centre rear occupant only gets a lap-belt rather than a full three-point seatbelt.

Equipment
Even entry-level HL2 models have air-conditioning, powered windows, remote central locking and a CD player with MP3 compatibility. Moving up to HL3 brings you electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, velour rather than cloth upholstery and alloy wheels, and the top Invincible trim brings a six-disc CD multichanger, satellite-navigation and rear privacy glass