It’s almost 50 years since BMW’s then advertising agency in the USA coined the phrase: 'The Ultimate Driving Machine'. There are not many 1975 strap-lines still in use. How does a plug-In hybrid estate car then, 4WD notwithstanding, measure up?

BMW rationalised its line-up in the 1960s into a range of 2 and 4-door saloons and coupes. These 1500, 1600, 1800 and 2000 models led to the ‘executive’ size 5 Series, compact upper mid-size 3-Series and large 7-Series of the 70s. The ‘sports saloon’ had arrived and that ‘strapline’ summed it up.
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The first ‘Touring’ in 1968 was a three-door hatch but the 1988 Touring was different. A distinct estate version of the 3 Series it had sleek looks, performance and enough practicality to attract a strong following. BMW now had a ‘sports estate’ too.

Next year will mark a half-century for the Hilux here. Now the eighth edition of Toyota’s
pivotal pick-up has been given a ‘mid-life’ revamp.

A 10 or 11-year production run has been the norm hitherto — seventh generation came in 2005 and current eighth in 2016.

But much goes on during each product cycle. A new 2.5 D-4D 120 engine arrived in
2006 and a 3.0 D-4D 170 unit added in 2007. A limited-run 200ps version appeared
in 2008 and a revised 2.5 D-4D the following year.

Interiors grew more comfortable and equipment levels improved: touch-screen connectivity, rear-view camera, etc. Edition 8 debuted with Toyota’s new ‘Global Diesel’ 2.4 litre engine. A taller and wider vehicle, off-road capability was also enhanced. Variants such as “nvincible X and Limited Edition were introduced in 2018, and active safety features in 2019.