DAIHATSU has won its 10th successive What Van? Microvan of the Year award. The judges praised its price, load bay access, perky 1.3 litre petrol engine and high manoeuvrability.

In light of increasing competition in recent years from rivals such as the Suzuki Carry, bosses at Daihatsu's West Bromwich headquarters were understandably delighted with the news.

George Bushney, fleet sales manager, said: "A decade at the top of its class is an unprecedented achievement that must leave the opposition wondering just what they must do to knock our Italian-built workhorse off pole position."

As well as choosing between the popular van and pick-up at an identical £5,995, since last summer, customers can now also specify a Big Deck pick-up for £6,245 or even a Tipper at £6,995 (all prices exclude VAT, road tax and first registration charge).

In addition, any Hijet can now be ordered with a fully-approved LPG conversion, which increases the travelling range by more than 75 per cent while further reducing running costs.