If you're in the market for a super-tough pick-up, it's best you know that they don't come any tougher than the Toyota Hilux. So then why not make it a bit more stylish?

Style is exactly what Toyota has chosen to infuse the Hilux with. Enter the Invincible X top of the range model, priced from £23,842/£24,842 (manual/automatic) - VAT not included.

Even though some would say that the Hilux doesn't really need a better fashion sense (since it's not even supposed to be a fashionable car), others might argue that you may want a more..personalized pick-up. Which is why Toyota has fitted the Hilux Invincible X with 17" alloys (you can choose from 4 different designs), chrome tubular side bars, a rear hi-over bar or the Style Pack which adds a front guard, silver-colored under-run, aluminum finish scuff plates, chrome door handles and chrome surrounds for the bonnet air intake and rear lamp clusters.

Inside you get a choice of four color-ways for the leather seat upholstery, with an embedded 'X' logo. As for the available equipment features, you can enjoy the sports front seats, climate control, cruise control, dusk-sensing headlights, front fog lights, rear privacy glass, front, side and curtain airbags.

You also get stability control, headlamp cleaners, rear-view camera, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors and the Toyota Touch 2 touchscreen-controlled multimedia system with Bluetooth.

The Hilux Invincible X is available exclusively in Double Cab form and is powered by Toyota's 169 BHP 3.0 liter D-4D turbodiesel engine - which you can get with either a 5 speed manual or automatic transmission.

Just like every other year, this year is going to be full of new cars and trucks for you to decide from when you are looking to buy a new vehicle. One of those is the brand new 2015 Toyota Hilux, which has undergone a few changes and is looking to take on the Chevy Colorado directly, in the mid-size truck category. More technology, a few engine designs for you to choose from and an overall cool look both inside and out.

With all of the news and reviews out about the new 2015 Toyota Hilux, it was time to get it tested. That is what one source did with the new truck and they posted their findings online for all to see. Basically, if you are looking for a mid-size truck to tow things, you might want to keep looking. Of course, it goes without saying that it does depend on what you are towing. The online source says that it is one of the best selling trucks on the market, but can it get through the towing test?

The report indicates that the 2015 Toyota Hilux is not going to out-pull the competition, nor does it have better pulling power than others in the same category. Towing is going to have to be on the list of things that need improvement with the next generation model. The sales for the 2015 Toyota Hilux have dipped a little, but that can be expected when a vehicle is at the end of its life cycle. Consumers want to see something new and exciting.

The 2015 Toyota Hilux is not going to die and based on the reputation and resale value, the truck is likely to be around for a long time. Toyota saw more than 40,000 units sold in Australia last year and even though that is slightly down, it is still about 20 percent of the market. The 2015 Toyota Hilux is a no fuss, no hassle type of vehicle that will do what you ask it to, but do not expect much more than hat.

The tow test did notice that towing did not have much affect on the rear suspension which is key. When the test was completed, the online source gave the 2015 Toyota Hilux a tow rating of 60 out of a possible 100 points. Experts rated the truck at 3 stars out of five and saw that of the five categories tested, the truck had higher Safety & Technology and Price, Package & Practicality numbers. Just a bit lower, were the Engine, Drivetrain and Chassis and Behind the Wheel numbers.

Toyota has been at it again, because with no new HiLux in sight it has just released a limited edition to bolster sales.

And, in what must surely be a coincidence, the HiLux Black Edition was announced just days after Volkswagen revealed its own Amarok Dark Label and follows the same basic principle: give the ute a sportier, more aggressive look with the addition of some black accents.

The HiLux Black Edition will be limited to a run of 1000 vehicles.

DESIGN

Did we mention our Black Edition was in fact white? It's one of two colours available. The other one is black.

Our test vehicle featured a number of black embellishments, with a red underscore at the front - a la Benz. It looks terrific with a black sports bar, black side steps and black 17-inch alloys.

Beefier front and rear bumpers, not offered here before, give the vehicle a lower, squatter stance - accentuated by black extensions below the fog lights.

The front is underscored by a large black lower grille with a stylish red stripe along the bottom edge - much like the stripe that Benz has used so succinctly with the A Class.

LED daylight runners also make an appearance for the first time.

A closer inspection reveals TRD badging (Toyota Racing Development) on the wheel caps and front bumper extension.

We haven't seen that name for a while, not since the failed TRD experiment that gave birth to short-lived TRD versions of the HiLux and Aurion.

It's nice to see the badges, and they should be more prominent.

Inside there is leather-accented trim including a six-way adjustable power-operated driver's seat.

The feature list includes a reversing camera and 6.1-inch satnav with speed camera warnings and live traffic updates.

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION

The special-edition is powered exclusively by Toyota's 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, paired with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic.

The diesel delivers 126kW and 343Nm in manual form, or 360Nm with the new auto introduced at the start of the year.

The engine employs common rail, direct injection and a variable-vane turbocharger.

SMOKESCREEN

It's not that the HiLux is a bad vehicle, it's just that the competition is better. The black smokescreen cannot disguise the fact that HiLux is well past its use by date.

In the key areas of ride, performance and fuel economy, it just doesn't measure up any more.

We were struck by how truck-like the drive experience is compared with the VW Amarok or Ford's good-looking Ranger - both are smoother and more refined.

The HiLux can be awkward to get in and out of, with a wheel too close to the seat and a turning circle that is not great.

The wheel itself is not reach adjustable and it lacks one touch blinkers, which are lacking on most Toyotas.

With a 76-litre tank, the manual is rated at 8.3L/100km and the auto at 8.7, but we were getting 11.5L/100km after 350km of easy driving with a short off road section thrown in - that's simply not good enough.

OFF ROAD

The firm suspension comes into its own off road, where the HiLux is an accomplished performer.

With 227mm of ground clearance it rarely finds the rocks, although the overhanging tail - like any ute - is a limiting factor in the end, especially when it comes to step downs.

It has a part-time four wheel drive system, and to get the vehicle into high or low range four wheel drive requires a struggle with the traditional transfer lever - one that is not always accommodating.

However, the low range first gear reduction is excellent for an automatic.

VALUE

The HiLux Black Edition is priced from $53,240 for the manual version in white.

If you want the black in black it will cost you another $550 and if you want the auto it's $2750 extra.

Note, it does not come with a tonneau cover so that's going to be extra too.

VERDICT

Despite what I or anyone says, Aussie will continue to buy the HiLux in droves. It remains Australia's best selling ute and at times the best selling vehicle full stop. Just imagine the kind of figures it will attract when a new model finally arrives.

Specifications

Price: From $53,240
Engine: 3.0-litre 4-cyl turbodiesel, 126kW/343Nm
Transmission: 5-spd manual; 4WD
Thirst: 8.3L/100km Tank 76L