There’s a new flagship combi drill in the Makita portfolio, capable of putting out a mammoth 180Nm.

The HP003GZ01 is designed to run one of the firm’s 40V Max XGT lithium-ion battery packs and, as a result, should sustain its punchy performance far longer than the firm’s popular 18V LXT-compatible tools.

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Among the new features is a three-speed gearbox that, as well as a “slow” setting for heavy-duty fastening and “high” for boring through wood and metal, comes with an additional “medium” mode.

This apparently delivers the most suitable combination of rpm and torque for driving in long screws.

Makita quotes a maximum drilling diameter of 20mm in masonry and steel, 50mm for an auger bit in wood, and 152mm with a hole saw.

Other updates include improved clutch control and the introduction of “active feedback sensing technology”, which kills the motor drive if the head suddenly stops spinning to avoid it being wrenched from the operator’s hand.

Allied to this is an electric brake that engages when the trigger is released, and a soft-start function to further reduce kickback.

The drill also comes with the usual standard features – reverse mode, built-in LED and 13mm keyless chuck – and a side handle to help manage the near-4kg weight.

Online prices for the bare tool start at about £170 ex VAT; expect to pay another £125 for a 5Ah battery.