Daihatsu Vehicle Distributors believes it can build on the Hijet's lead in the UK market for microvans with two new body styles. This year, DVD expects Hijet registrations to total 1,500, keeping the Suzuki Carry in second position in the sector.

The Hijet, sold through all 90 Daihatsu dealers, has been What Van? microvan of the year for the past nine years. DVD, part of the IM Group, won the Daihatsu UK concession 18 months ago. It has expanded its Hijet microvan range with the Big Deck pick-up and the Tipper, an approved LPG conversion.

Andrew Edmiston, DVD managing director, said: “The Hijet is an alternative to more expensive car-derived vans, with its comparatively high load carrying capacity, compact size and low price.

“Since the spring of last year, we have virtually completely reshaped the passenger vehicle line-up. It was therefore a natural extension for us to give serious thought to how we could further improve our offer in the LCV sector with the Hijet.”

Roy Marshall, DVD technical director, said: “The Big Deck and Tipper further broaden the Hijet's appeal by offering customers more potential uses.”

An LPG conversion offers customers a 60% conversion cost rebate under a Government scheme. It costs an additional £1,500, including fitting.

Daihatsu is working on upgrading the conversion to meet the stricter Euro III Emission Standards, which will attract a saving of up to 75% of the conversion cost.

The 1.3 Hijet van and pick-up are £5,995. The Big Deck is priced £6,245 while the Tipper costs £6,995.