However, as a means of securing valuable cargo it is pretty near useless.

The rear tailgate of the truck doesn’t lock at all, so the only security measure is the fact that the Truckman rear window folds over the tailgate slightly and locks into position with a small key.

Determined thieves will soon be able to yank it open, sadly.

The plastic load liner is also an essential as any muck and grime can be hosed out, leaving the truck in mint condition again.

Payload is 1,055kg, and load dimensions are 4,900mm long and 1,800mm wide.

On the road

I don’t know about you but I rather like trucks with a macho roar to them and this particular one has a sound all of its own.

As it isn’t a common rail unit but an old-fashioned diesel, it growls like a good ‘un in the mornings and will be sure to set you at loggerheads with the neighbours if you have to leave early for work.

But here’s a strange thing. While the engine sounds like a lion, the rest of the vehicle is more like a pussycat.

The power steering is light (too light for me), the gearchange smooth and the suspension is set on the soft side so the vehicle rolls like a ship on the corners.

Few muscle truck manufacturers seem to have got this set-up just right.

The L200 is far too hard to live with in everyday life and the Rodeo is too­ soft.

In my book, only Nissan has really managed to obtain the best of both worlds.

Under way, as long as you are not pitching into a corner, this vehicle will blast on up to 96mph and should return somewhere around 30 miles per gallon.

Safety is enhanced with standard ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution. As with any long wheelbase vehicle, the turning circle is something akin to the Queen Mary at 40 feet.

It certainly sorts out the sheep from the goats when you try and park at Sainsbury’s on a Friday evening.

Meanwhile changes between the different gear ratios – two wheel drive high, four wheel drive high and four wheel drive low – are courtesy of a row of buttons on the dash rather than the old-style extra gearstick.

It’s much more civilised.

Verdict

Having complained about the softness of the ride I would have to say if I was going to drive a truck like this for a living and use it for pleasure at weekends, I would rather have one on the soft than the hard side.

With its dashing good looks and comfy ambience, it’s well worth more than a second look.