Each bakkie gets assessed on its own merit within its own niche and this year’s diverse field covers everything from the new Ford Ranger DC to the Nissan Navara King Cab and right down to Daihatsu’s new Gran Max workhorse and three half-tonne lightweights. The new Nissan NP200 diesel had an equally hard task this issue, being laden with a 500kg payload for our three-page road test further on. Other bakkie highlights include coverage of the new Volkswagen Amarok, due in SA late in 2010, and a road test of the Toyota Hilux 2.5 D-4D Raised Body. SUV fans also have a feast lined up, with a comparison test pitting the new Ford Everest against the trusty Toyota Fortuner and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Our road test line-up also puts the Mercedes-Benz GL and Nissan Murano under the spotlight. Then flip over to Truck Action and find all the latest trucking news and a virtual test of the Hino 300.