HI AMBITIONS(some text hidden)

By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 49

At first glance, everything seems different about the ninth generation Toyota Hilux pick-up - more angular looks, an all-new cabin and the new alternative of full-EV version. Under the surface though, it retains all the rough tough usability that's always made it the expert's choice in the pick-up segment.

Background word count: 207

Think of a pick-up and it's quite likely that you'll be picturing a Toyota Hilux. This model has, after all, been a dominant presence in the global pick-up market for around half a century. Here's the ninth generation version. Quite a lot's different here to suit the current electrified zeitgeist. Headline news is that there's now a full-EV version. The 2.8-litre diesel model though, will continue to be the core seller, now standardised with a 48V mild hybrid system. Toyota says there will be a hydrogen fuel cell version too later in production. The Hilux sells in 172 countries around the world and has sold in the UK since 1972. Since then, it's earned a reputation for class leading toughness. This, after all, was the vehicle Jeremy Clarkson and Top Gear drowned, threw from the top of a tower block and still drove home. It was the first vehicle to be driven to both North and South Poles. It's conquered the Antarctic, the slopes of live volcanoes and the gruelling Paris-Dakar rally. It is, in short, for everyone from suburban builders to Libyan freedom fighters, a pick-up trusted the world over to get the job done. So what of this MK9 model? Let's take a closer look.