Its most unique feature is a Toyota Motor Performance kit that increases the maximum power output of the 3.0-litre unit to 194bhp and 317lbf.ft, and puts it well ahead of the previously most powerful Nissan Navara. Customers then have the option of selecting either a manual version at £21,530 or for £1100 more, the four-speed auto model we have here, which also brings cruise control as standard. 

According to Toyota the power peaks at around 3,600rpm, while the torque is delivered steadily from 1,400 to 3,400rpm. Although the vehicle is still quick off the mark, this explains why the vehicle’s extra power doesn’t really become noticeable until around the mid-range area, though once the bhp is fully active the Hi-Lux proves a delightful drive.
With plenty of push and pull spread out through the ratios, the Invincible 200 proves itself an excellent motorway companion. 

Its swift acceleration means that reaching traffic speed on a slip road is an effortless task, and once you’re cruising along the middle lane, the constant surge of power under your right foot allows you to dip in and out of the fast lane as often as you like. It’s the sheer smoothness of the acceleration that’s so impressive and the four-speed auto box must certainly take a lot of the credit for this. There’s no suggestion of hesitation or inappropriate changes as the rev counter needle quickly works its way up the range, and even under hard, erratic use the transmission system remains in complete control, calmly selecting or staying in the correct gear. What is surprising though, is that the auto box feels far more adept here than on the standard 3.0-litre unit, and the obvious suggestion is that its gearing is better suited to the extra power. After all, this transmission system comes directly from the Land Cruiser, so it’s hardly surprising that its performance can be accurately described using the truck industry’s common cliche: ‘SUV-like’.

 
As its 0-62mph time is reduced to 10.5 seconds, there’s the sheer speed of the thing for a start, which is well ahead of any vehicle in the pick-up market. Furthermore, this extra power brings absolutely no efficiency penalties at all, with fuel consumption remaining at a highly respectable 34mpg.