Sometimes all you need is that extra something to complete the picture - maybe a smart pair of shoes to compliment that suit for instance.
And the same philosophy applies to Toyota’s Hilux, which failed to live up to its potential on launch back in 2005. We were somewhat flummoxed when it was paraded around with a paltry 101hp under the bonnet – particularly when Nissan had recently crashed the party with its innovative Navara sporting a gratuitous 171hp.
Have no fear, said the Japanese company, check out our new and improved torque curve, and so we did. And as one cowboy said to the other, we concluded there’s no substitute for horses.
So now they’ve given us a 3.0-litre D-4D unit with 170 horses and we can say with all honesty that the picture is now complete. Ok, its suspension might be more off-road biased than some of its rivals, but isn’t that the point with these machines? In its element there little to beat the Hilux thanks to the excellent chassis and dynamic suspension action, but the icing on the cake is new engine which allows you to push on without having to put your foot to the floor.

For the complete road test check out the 2nd August edition of Commercial Motor