Available in Single, Extra and Double Cab body styles, the new Hilux is 5,335mm long, 1,855mm wide and 1,815 mm high, making it 75mm longer, 20mm wider and 45mm lower than its predecessor. Maximum cargo deck width has increased from 1,544mm to a class-leading 1,645mm. Towing capacity rises to 3.2 tonnes for Europe.

The new model features a newly developed ladder-frame chassis offering a 20% increase in torsional rigidity. The leaf spring and twin shock absorber rear suspension system has also been extensively revised and Toyota says it combines “the off-road articulation capabilities expected of a rugged all-wheel drive workhorse with SUV-like ride comfort and handling stability”. The vehicle is equipped with a switchable all-wheel drive system featuring a high and low-ratio transfer case, and both front and rear locking limited-slip rear differentials.

A new 150hp 2.4-litre D-4D Global Diesel (GD) engine featuring Stop/Start is offered. The unit generates maximum torque of 400Nm between 1,600 and 2,000 rpm and fuel economy said to be class leading – official average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions start from 7.1l/100km and 187g/km subject to final homologation.

Two-wheel drive Hilux versions are equipped with six-speed manual transmissions, whilst all-wheel drive models offer a choice of six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes.

All versions achieve a top speed of 170kph and accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 12.8 seconds for the auto or 13.2 seconds for the manual.

Interior features include a Smart Entry and Start system, a seven-inch touch-screen multimedia system and a new driver’s instrument binnacle with clear, analogue speedometer and tachometer dials either side of a full-colour 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display.

The new Hilux also bring increased active and passive safety systems with the introduction of Toyota Safety Sense, which offers a Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Automatic High Beam (AHB) and Road Sign Assist (RSA) systems.