Mitsubishi L200 (2015-2019)

Mitsubishi L200 prices from £16,500  Finance from £388 per month

The Mitsubishi L200 has long been the rugged choice of vehicle for those that regularly tow heavy loads, haul bulky items and find themselves in areas that other 4x4s and SUVs struggle to reach.

As a result, previous generations have felt like they belong on a farm - not the most car-like but tough and built to last - with near-bulletproof reliability but the sort of interior comfort and finish that would makes a cheap Dacia Duster SUV look like a Rolls-Royce by comparison.

However, the UK's generous company car taxation law sees benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax set at a flat rate for double-cab pick-ups, irrespective of CO2 emissions or price. This means that more professional drivers are turning towards this mode of transport as an everyday set of wheels for the tax breaks.

To add to its hairy-chested credentials, an update of the model has seen much of its key towing points strengthened and reinforced, so it is now capable of towing up to 3.5 tonnes with three-axle braked trailers, while a towing capacity of up to 3.1 tonnes is possible with one- or two-axle braked trailers and drivers can haul 0.75 tonnes regardless of the number of axles or whether or not the trailer is braked.

It also has Trailer Stability Assist system, which works to brake independent wheels to restore stability should the trailer start to snake and otherwise be at risk of unsettling the car.

In addition to its enhanced towing capability, the Mitsubishi L200 also offers a bed payload of up to 590kg at its maximum towing weight, significantly greater than that offered by many of its rivals.

But, like the gnarled hands of a stonemason, strength and steadfastness come at a price. This is best highlighted by the somewhat archaic rigid, heavy-duty leaf spring suspension at the rear of the L200, which is great for hauling a max payload of over a tonne but doesn't exactly have it gliding over bumps and imperfections in the road.

Opt for the more luxurious Barbarian or Warrior spec models and the interior benefits from a leather finish, while Mitsubishi's latest seven-inch touchscreen media system sits in the centre of a neat and fuss-free dashboard. There are also plenty of USB inputs, while the largest double cab models offer cavernous space inside for up to five passengers to sit comfortably.

Unfortunately, engine choice is limited to just one 2.4-litre diesel that is offered with 178bhp and 430Nm in all models bar the very entry-level 4Life derivatives, which receive a 151bhp version that develops 380Nm of torque. Performance is strong and the L200 goes about its business without too much noise leaking into the interior, while Euro 6 compliance (without the need for AdBlue) ensures running costs are kept as low as possible.

The L200 boasts real off-road ability too, with more expensive models sporting clever all-wheel-drive technology that seamlessly shuffles power to the wheels with most grip. On top of this, there is the ability to lock differentials and engage a low-range gearbox if tackling really demanding terrain is on the agenda.

The closest rival in terms of capability and robustness is the Toyota Hilux, but the Volkswagen Amarok, Ford Ranger and recently updated Nissan Navara are also well worth consideration, although their more luxurious versions tend to be a lot more expensive. Double cab L200s when new were more than £4,000 less than a similarly specced Amarok.

The Isuzu D-Max and SsangYong Musso are both cheaper, and are offered in a similar range that spans 'sparse slogger' to 'SUV imitator' but the Mitsubishi L200 has a history and reliability reputation that very few can match, making them a trusted choice for people who need a seriously tough machine.