Toyota’s mighty Hilux pick-up truck is gaining added appeal thanks to a more powerful engine, additional technology, plus a new rugged look.

The latest model hits the road this in November and costs from £34,925 for a version powered by the current 2.4-litre diesel or £35,400 for one with the new 2.8-litre engine.

Customers can choose between two trim grades called Invincible and Invincible X, with the higher specification models using the new engine exclusively and costing from £38,975.

There are automatic transmissions available on both powertrains and these carry an extra £1,500 premium with the line-up topping out at £40,475 for a 2.8-litre Invincible X automatic.

The new 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine develops 201bhp, which is 53bhp more than the 2.4-litre model, and this allows the Hilux automatic double cab to sprint to 60mph from a standstill in 10 seconds – that is 2.7 seconds faster than before.

Toyota says that the engine comes with a stop/start system to aid economy although any official fuel figures have yet to be published.

The Hilux also boasts a fresh new look. It has been restyled at the front with a chunkier bumper that stretches completely around the grille as well as redesigned front and rear LED lights clusters.

Move inside and there is a new-look instrument cluster and the higher-grade versions gain an eight-inch display screen mounted on the centre console.

Other techno treats include a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system front and rear parking sensors, plus an automatic limited-slip differential.

The ride and handling have been enhanced too thanks to changes to the suspension set-up and the new Hilux now has a 29-degree approach angle, a 26-degree departure angle and 293mm ground clearance on Double Cab models.

For serious off-road duties, it can wade to a depth of 700mm and can carry loads of up to a tonne with a towing limit of 3.5 tonnes.

Toyota has also made its Safety Sense protection system standard across the Hilux range and this includes adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, lane departure and traffic sign recognition.