With 18 million sold the Hilux has been a sales hit. Paul Acres finds out if the latest generation has what it takes to continue that success

DAB radio and a reversing camera.

The Invincible model that I tested wears 18-inch alloys, keyless start, LED headlights and dual-zone climate control as well as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and lane departure warning.

The top-of-the-range Invincible X adds sat nav, front and rear parking sensors and two-tone alloys.

Under the bonnet is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder diesel outputting 148bhp.

The only choice you have is whether to pair it with a manual or automatic transmission, both of which offer six ratios.

Performance is adequate, rather than exceptional, with 62mph arriving in 12.8 seconds. The diesel is quite vocal, too, when pressed hard.

Official figures suggest a return of 40.4mpg for the double-cab variant that I tested, and CO2 emissions of 185g/km.

The steering is nice and accurate and body roll kept to a minimum.

You’ll find yourself bouncing around a bit on broken surfaces, unless you’ve got cargo in the back which will help settle the truck down.

It isn’t too much of a handful in urban areas thanks to light controls and, for a pick-up at least, a reasonably tight turning circle.

Inside you’ll find a cabin that’s much more car-like than of old. It’s still as robust as ever but there is gloss black trim, a touchscreen (on the top models), and a multi function display between the instruments to give the cabin a lift.

It’s hard to fault the build quality either.

The double-cab offers plenty of space for four passengers, both in the front and back, a fifth might prove a bit of a squeeze.

Storage space in the cab is quite generous, with two goodsized gloveboxes, one above and below the dash, a central bin under the armrest and a couple of cup holders.

Pick-up’s are better equipped than ever to fulfil the dual brief of working vehicle and family transport.

The Hilux has a car-like cabin and a more comfortable ride, which takes care of the family, while increased capacity means that it’s credentials as a workhorse have improved.

However, the lack of a larger capacity diesel and a deficit to some of its rivals in the economy stakes might just deter some potential buyers.