Mitsubishi”s L200 Animal has been revised for 2005 with more standard equipment than any other double-cab pick-up on the market, according the firm. Along with Animal graphics, 18-inch alloy wheels and black leather seats, the L200 gets Smartnav satellite navigation, an engine power upgrade to 138hp, air conditioning, ABS, illuminated blue door entry guards and a JVC DAB digital radio/CD. At 19,999 though, the price could be considered an animal, too.

Raising the game in the pickup truck stakes, Nissan has launched an all-new Navara. Built on the firm”s Pathfinder 4×4 chassis, Navara now packs 403Nm of torque and 174hp from a 2.5-litre four-pot that can be coupled to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Expect the new Navara to cost about 1000 more than the current model when it goes on sale in August.

While it”s barely large enough to carry a fuel drum, the Citroen C2 Enterprise does come with a clever two-piece tailgate that gives low-level access to the 0.84cu m, 331kg payload area. Car-like comfort and an advanced 70hp, 1.4HDi common rail diesel engine offers almost 70mpg, says the French maker. With enough room to carry a few spares and a small toolbox, the C2 Enterprise costs from 7495.

 Pickup trucks have often been criticised for lack of bed width – their wheel arches often eat into the useful load space. Ford appears to have addressed the issue with this tipper body conversion for its Ranger pickup. Still in prototype stage, the tipper body is mounted on its own sub frame, which raises the bed above the rear wheels. Removable aluminium drop-sides create a flat load area.

 Invincible is Toyota”s range-topping Hilux pickup. It steals the bells and whistles crown from the VX model adding a leather interior, leather-trimmed steering wheel, in-dash six-disc CD changer, darkened rear windows and tubular chrome rear bumper to the specification. Power remains at 102hp from the D-4D common rail engine, though a power upgrade chip can be added to give the 17,995 Invincible model 128hp and 300Nm of torque.

  Few commercial vehicles have been as quick off the mark as Vauxhall”s Astravan – and this special Astravan 888 Turbo version shouldn”t disappoint. Packing 240hp from the firm”s own 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the Astravan can reach 62mph in under 7 seconds, motoring on to 150mph. Stiff suspension, aerodynamic body kit and 17-inch alloys add to driver appeal.