OVER the last half a century, the Toyota Hilux has built up a reputation for being pretty much indestructible - a mighty machine that can take you everywhere and anywhere .

More than 18 million have been sold across the world and the vehicle is renowned for its toughness and durability.

So, when the Japanese manufacturer came to launch the eighth generation of this global icon, many wondered exactly what could be done to make this stalwart an even more appealing option for the road-goers of 2016.

Toyota’s answer was simple- make it even bigger and even stronger! The latest double cab version of Europe’s most popular pick-up truck, tested here, has the appropriate name ‘Invincible’. It’s longer, wider and tougher than its predecessor and, despite having an engine with smaller capacity, it has more torque, more towing capacity and more off-road capability.

Despite its obvious ‘go anywhere’ prowess, one of the most notable factors is the way in which Toyota has sought to broaden the vehicle’s appeal with the new model by making it more suited to everyday use on the road. Compared to previous incarnations, it has a much more refined cabin, with plusher and higher quality materials used in the cabin along with a slick infotainment system that wouldn’t look out of place on more luxurious vehicles. There may still be a few unsightly hard-touch plastics dotted around the dashboard, but that’s to be expected on what is essentially a working vehicle.

A more economical engine also makes the running costs a little more appealing than before. Once behind the wheel in this large machine, you might expect to be bouncing and bumping around. Not so. In reality, the Hilux offers a very composed drive. It may be a little bumpy at lower speeds, but the ride becomes very smooth when you reach the higher speeds.

When cornering, the steering feels weighty and accurate and there isn’t too much body roll for such a big beast. The driving position is comfortable, with its high position offering an excellent view of the road and allowing you to plan ahead when deciding if you can fit the Hilux’s considerable bulk through a gap. The Invincible model’s leather seats were superbly comfortable and offered good support. During the week-long test drive, one observation would be the difficulty I had trying to find a parking spot big enough to accommodate it when searching for on-street parking. Indeed, you need to be lucky enough to stumble across two spaces together to have any great optimism of a successful manoeuvre!

However, it’s that extra vehicle length that gives you a cabin spacious enough for at least four adults and acres of storage space at the rear.

Indeed, its competitive 1055kg maximum load along with its 3200kg braked towing weights are evidence of its practicality.

The reason Toyota claims the latest version is tougher than ever is that it is now built on a new ladder chassis, which is claimed to be 20 per cent stiffer than the previous Hilux’s.

The Hilux is powered by a new 2.4-litre diesel engine with more torque (295lb ft) and greater economy (from 41.5mpg) than the 3.0-litre unit in the previous Hilux’s range. The engine is generally responsive and really seems to come into its own in the mid-range. As you might expect, it’s pretty noisy under vigorous acceleration, although noise and vibration levels have definitely been significantly reduced. Buyers get a choice of a six-speed manual or an automatic gearbox. My test vehicle had the automatic gearbox, which shifts smoothly and also has a rather clever kickdown mode which helps you make progress more urgently when needed.

Improvements to the Hilux mean it will continue to be one of the most appealing models in its class. It may have matured into a more refined machine, but it certainly hasn’t gone soft.