The old 2.5-litre D-4D 16-valve common rail TDs have been replaced by a more powerful, Euro 4 compliant 3.0-litre unit which is capable of 108hp and develops 286Nmof peak torque. Suspension is wishbones and torsion bar springs at the front with leaf springs at the rear. Anti-lock brakes are standard on all Dynas, as is power steering.

The Dyna 300 is not very accomplished dynamically with a poor ride quality (even when loaded) and the steering is imprecise. It also exhibits far too much understeer when cornering. And bearing in mind the engine is common rail, it is noisy, even when warmed through. The cab is narrow and has seating for three but the middle passenger suffers from a lack of legroom. This lack of girth, however, does mean that Dyna 300 is ideal for squeezing through congested streets

and narrow driveways.

The engine in the 300 is reached by tilting the seat bases forwards. The 350s are fitted with a truck-type tilting cab for improved accessibility.

All three sides (300mmdeep) of the load bed drop down and the load length is 2,850mm by 1,600mm wide. The gross payload is 1,340kg it can tow a 2,000kg braked trailer.

Servicing is required every 20,000 miles with an oil change at 10,000 miles. Toyota’s standard mechanical warranty is three years or 60,000miles.

VERDICT

Dyna is well built, has a high specification (electric windows, central locking and an alarm) and all at a good price. It could be improved dynamically, though. Despite its shortcomings it remains an ideal short distance load-carrying pick-up, suited to the building trade and landscape gardeners. Ideal for town and residential work.