TOYOTA HILUX
Let's start with the most popular and all new Toyota Hilux. Comes with a wide range of engine options. An all new 2.4L D-4D, 2.8L D-4D Global diesel, the legendary 2.5L D-4D (Popular in Europe, Australia and most of South Africa) and the Nigerian favorite 2.7L VVTi petrol engines.











MITSUBISHI L200
Next is the equally popular Mitsubishi L200. Redesigned for 2015 (late), it's not difficult to tell it's a Mitsubishi when you see it pass by as it carries the DNA of Mitsubishi vehicles. Powered by a 2.4L turbocharged MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) diesel engine popular in Europe. Popular to us here in Nigeria is the 2.4L petrol unit which is built to last and has shown high reliability over time.






NISSAN NAVARA NP300
Moving on, we have the 2016 Nissan NP300 Navara. Popular in European countries, the new Navara comes with an all new 2.3L dCi diesel powered unit and a 2.5L i4 petrol unit. Interior is rather distasteful when put up against it's competitors. This is a rare find in Nigeria anyway








MERCEDES BENZ X-CLASS
The all new Mercedes Benz X-Class launched in 2017 as a 2018 model is the giant German auto Maker's first shot at the light duty pick-up segment. This sure will ride as a sedan as the auto maker is known for comfort, stability, safety, reliability and unmatched performance. Grouped into three trims, there's the X-Class Pure (The black one) which is a base model ideal for rugged use. Equipped with a 6 speed manual transmission. Next up is the X-Class Progressive. Perfect for rugged use with a few comfort options. Four cylinder petrol and Diesel engines will be paired to a 6 speed manual gearbox in this trim. The X-Class Power (The whíte one) being the top of the range model is aimed at customers seeking performance, styling and comfort. Options include 18" light alloy rims, LED lights, rain sensors. Etc. A seven speed automatic gearbox is optional with engageable 4MATIC all wheel drive. Four cylinder petrol and Diesel engines are available with a V6 diesel coming next year. Let's see how this fares in the market.













ISUZU D-MAX
Next up is the Isuzu D-Max. This is hot cake for the Europeans. This to them is what the Toyota Hilux is to Nigerians. Most popular choice of engine is the 1.9L diesel (New for 2015). It can also be equipped with a 2.4L Vortec petrol engine. Looks really beautiful.










MAZDA BT-50
Mazda released the BT-50 in 2012 but it didn't seem to sell as well as they thought. With the Ford ranger, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200 etc dominating the market, they had a hard time with it. Introduced with both a 2.2L i4 and a 3.2L i5 diesel, the BT-50 was a good choice for ute shoppers around the world.





FORD RANGER (6th Generation)
The new Ford ranger is a beauty to behold. Both on and off the road, the Ford ranger handles excellently and in many reviews, it dominates its segment. With an updated exterior and a new refined interior, it's easy to own this as a daily driver. Powered by a 2.5L Duratec petrol engine, 2.2L and 3.2L duratorq diesels, this ranger has no difficulty pulling load while offering optimal stability and unmatched ride handling.








RENAULT ALASKAN
A look at Renault's first shot at pick-up trucks shows it might be a promising one for them. Built on the same platform of the NP300 Navara is the Renault Alaskan. Apart from subtle changes to the exterior, the interior is pretty much the same. Available with a both 2.5L i4 petrol and Diesel engines, we hope to see how successful this turns out to be.





FIAT FULLBACK
The 2016 Fiat Fullback is just a rebadged Mitsubishi L200. With subtle exterior changes, the power units remain the same. This is targeted at the European car markets. Definitely built tough and built to last like the L200.











VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK
The Volkswagen Amarok launched in 2010 from the German auto maker was introduced to the fast rising pick-up market to rival the Toyota Hilux and the Ford ranger. So far, sales have been relatively low. It's equipped with a beautiful cabin that makes you feel like you're in a sedan you almost forget you're in a 4X4 thanks to the excellent ride handling on road and off-road. Engine options are 2.0L i4 TSI petrol, 2.0L i4 TDI diesel and the refined 3.0L V6 TDI new for 2017. Can be acquired with a 6 speed manual transmission or a class leading 8 speed ZF automatic transmission.




PEUGEOT PICK-UP
Introduced for 2018 is the Peugeot pick-up which has a rather appalling exterior design. This I hope, should be backed up with a functional and hopefully a modern interior with class leading functionality and fuel economy. With the little information on ground, it'll be equipped with a 2.5L common rail turbodiesel engine churning out 115bhp and 280nm of torque paired to a 5 speed manual gearbox. More engine options might be revealed later. One might agree that the exterior styling is rather distasteful.




Images: www.netcarshow.com

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