DESPITE some accomplished and determined competition from rival brands, the Toyota coat of arms still flies at full mast aloft the one-tonne ute fortress, but there are a growing number of excellent alternatives hammering at the portcullis.

With so much competition in the light-commercial pick-up segment Toyota cannot afford to rest on its laurels or relax in the knowledge that it still dominates the market, because the figures show increasing interest in the alternatives.

For its eighth generation, Toyota has focused primarily on instilling a new level of toughness for the new HiLux, but not at the cost of comfort and not only does the Japanese car-maker say this version is the toughest but also the easiest to live with.

With a whopping 31 variants on offer covering manual and auto, two- and four-wheel drive, three different levels of specification and five body styles the venerable HiLux has never looked so good.

Can that level of choice backed up by a renowned Toyota reputation and a fresh new look keep Australia’s favourite one-tonner at the top of the pack?

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