The 2012 model year Toyota Hilux pickup, expected to go on sale in October, is structurally and mechanically almost exactly the same as the current one, but there have been quite a few detail changes.

As before, Toyota said “there are three trim levels, called HL2, HL3 and invincible (with double cab body styles in each case, with the extra choice of single cab and extra cab for the HL2).”

Changes across the board include a restyled front end and a new upper dashboard and instrument cluster, while the Invincible also gets new wheels, side bars and steps.

Toyota Hilux interior and invincible models are supplied as standard with Toyota's touch multimedia unit, which includes a 6.1" colour touchscreen, a USB port and bluetooth connectivity.

The engine choice is basically the same as before, but both the 142bhp 2.5 D-4D turbo diesel fitted to the HL2 and HL3 and the 169bhp three-litre used in the Invincible have been revised to meet Euro 5 legislation, partly thanks to the introduction of a particulate filter.

In their new forms, both engines use less fuel on the official EU cycle and have lower CO2 emissions than they do in the current Hilux. The relevant figures are 38.7mpg and 194g/km for the 2.5, 36.7mpg and 203g/km for the 3.0 manual and 32.8mpg and 227g/km for the 3.0 automatic.