Pick Up Trucks!
The UK pick-up truck market is in the throws of a renaissance with a series of new models arriving over the coming months or having already launched onto the scene. It’s great news for the pick-up truck buyer with the quality of the available products available set to take a significant upwards turn, but which pick-up is best?
The Mitsubishi L200 is now in its fifth generation and steady improvements have seen it remain as one of the most popular pick-ups on the market. The latest offering adds car-like sophistication, distinctive styling and a long list of kit, including dual-zone climate control, touchscreen infotainment, lane-departure warning and powered, leather seats.
The 2.4-litre diesel pumps out 178bhp and a muscular 430Nm of torque, delivering strong performance and refinement. Head off-road and four-wheel drive can be engaged with a twist of a rotary control, allowing the L200 to explore where other trucks can’t reach. Stick to the tarmac and you’ll discover direct steering and a composed ride.
If you’re searching for one of the best double-cab 4x4 pick-ups on the market, then look no further than the Nissan Navara. It’s not the cheapest, but the low-ratio gearbox helps provide a superb off-road experience and the steering is responsive, making cornering composed and the truck easy to control at speed.
Under the bonnet, the 2.3-litre diesel is smooth and refined, with the twin-turbo version boosting output to 187bhp. All models come with Nissan’s autonomous breaking technology, which helps the Navara achieve low insurance groupings, while higher-spec models boast a touchscreen sat-nav.
The Volkswagen Amarok is only available as a double-cab in the UK and it is expensive, but is one of the few pick-ups that can actually deliver on the claim to feel ‘car-like’ from behind the wheel. Thanks to a great combination of rugged practicality and a quality feel, it remains one of the most desirable pick-ups on the market.
It’s fuel economy where the Amarok really sets the standard though with VW’s BlueMotion technology lowering fuel use and emissions. The 2.0-litre BiTDI twin turbodiesel engine delivers plenty of pulling power, and a claimed 35.3mpg. Selectable or permanent four-wheel drive also guarantees impressive off-road ability.
In the past, the Ford Ranger was solely focused on practicality and usability, but the latest facelifted version has gone some way to ditching this perception and there is now a sense of style to go with the workhorse image. It’s still not the last word on mechanical sophistication, but it’s built to last, has excellent off-road ability and can tow 3,500kg in some guises.
The 158bhp 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel has plenty of punch, pulls smoothly and has lots of low-down torque. The 5-cyliner 3.2-litre range-topping unit is the strongest in the pick-up class but it's also noisy. Neither engine is particularly economical by today's standards either.
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Rewind two years and the Isuzu D-Max was the top pick-up choice on the market, but now it’s starting to show its age with a host of rivals all trying to catch a customer’s attention. It’s still a solid choice though, offering low running costs, a five-year warranty and a 3.5-tonne towing capacity.
Available in single cab or double cab, all models use a 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel, which develops 163bhp and 400Nm of torque. The engine is great for towing, with the 4x4 model able to tow up to 3,500kg. The interior is limited and way behind all of its major rivals.
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