Ever since the first Toyota Hilux rolled out of the factory in 1967, this remarkable pickup has been earning the respect of everybody who climbs into its cab.  Over 9 million have followed in those tracks and out into the world – anywhere there’s a job to be done that demands the hardwearing versatility that only a Hilux can provide.

With its combination of practicality, muscle, and resilience it comes as no surprise that the Hilux handles responsibilities in building, farming and forestry with ease. These qualities even lend it to such tasks as transporting period pieces of furniture, as we saw in the last issue of In Front with antique dealer Mr Wooton. Knowing that your Hilux won’t give up whatever the weather – or landscape – doesn’t hurt either: just see how Mr Hastie’s truck takes on the rugged terrain of northern Scotland. It’s not difficult to understand why it is the coastguard’s chosen vehicle.

The Hilux is now looking better too, as the designers at Toyota have been busy creating a new model for 2002. The result is a sharper, leaner and more modern look than before. The reworking of the front end, which has been enhanced is continued with a myriad of technical and specification improvements inside and out. And it’s not just cosmetic: the Hilux is now available with a 2.5 litre D–4D direct injection turbo diesel engine. The standard 2 wheel drive 88 bhp model has been joined by the new Extra Cab version, while the 102 bhp 4 wheel drive model available in both standard and double cab versions, completes the line up.

It doesn’t stop with the Hilux. The build quality Toyota is famous for has also been applied to the panel van market with the new Hiace. This popular van, taking up to 6.5 cubic metres in load volume with a capacity of 1200 kg, has recently been updated – improving the already exemplary functionality and style to give it a real edge over the competition. With the new 2.5 litre D–4D direct injection diesel engine it has got the power to handle heavy loads.

The Toyota commercial vehicle range has recently been joined by the new Dyna, which has got all the hallmarks of another winner. Its ample 1800 kg payload and the hefty 2.5 litre D–4D direct injection diesel engine complement its reliability and flair: the pedigree you expect from a Toyota.

Altogether, the Toyota range of commercial vehicles has been fine-tuned to give you the traits you need: reliability, practicality and power, as well as low cost of ownership with a health check at 10,000 miles and service intervals at 20,000 miles. See for yourself!