Toyota Hilux pickup gets fresh skin, more power for 2012

Celebrated the world over for its legendary ruggedness and anvil-like reliability, it's been the workhorse of choice everywhere from Africa to Antarctica for decades. In other words, the debut of a new Toyota Hilux qualifies as a genuinely important development in global transportation.

And while this isn't an all-new model, there are a raft of changes worth noting for the new year. Starting with the obvious, the 2012 Hilux receives a completely new front clip, including new fenders headlights, bumper, hood, and three-bar grille. Additional changes include updated rear fenders, as well as new mirrors and alloy wheel designs.

Inside, the changes are mostly minor, though there's a new upper dashboard piece and an available 6.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system. Beyond that, Toyota cites "greater colour consistency throughout" and some silver trim bits as key changes.

Underhood, the diesel-powered two-wheel-drive Hilux 2.5 D-4D gets a new variable nozzle turbo to boost power to 144 horses (+24) and 253 pound-feet of torque, all while lowering fuel consumption.

Overall, the Hilux is available in three bodystyles with two engines and transmissions, along with two- or four-wheel drive.