THERE is only one 4x4 that has been to both the North and South Pole - and it has also won a raft of awards down the years.

Now the Toyota Hilux pickup has been revamped for 2012 and the company says it bridges the gap between work and everyday driving needs.

Don't know about that - such pickups usually have tough suspension for off-road work and this makes them uncomfortable on the road.

The latest version is available in single, extra and double cab body styles, with a choice of 2.5 or 3.0-litre D-4D turbo diesel power.

The engines give better economy and lower emissions and the 142bhp 2.5 is best in class for CO2 emissions.

The 3.0-litre delivers 169bhp and enough torque to haul tree stumps or pull a plough! It is even available with an automatic gearbox.

The 2.5 gives excellent economy of 38mpg and huge pulling power is available from very low revs in all.

Toyota says it now has a refined interior quality with passenger car levels of convenience and an improved quality and feel throughout the cabin.

: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles

: Isuzu Rodeo