Did you know that in the USA, pick-ups are the top 3 biggest selling vehicles? The Ford F-Series has been top of the sales charts over there for a staggering 41 years in a row. It’s a similar story in Australia where pick-ups, known as Utes (utility vehicles) reign supreme.

And they’re gaining ground here in the UK. Why? Simple; because buyers see pick-ups as an alternative to 4x4s, estate cars and the plethora of SUVs. Gone are the days when they were only for farmers and builders.

For example, Isuzu is enjoying terrific success with its D-Max model. It’s the only model Isuzu bring to the UK (remember the Trooper?), but they offer a really good choice of trim and body styles.  

And a new version has just arrived.

Some buyers will want a pick-up because it’s built to do a job. If you’re not worried about having too many frills, don’t need 4x4 drive and won’t need to carry any passengers in a rear cab, the D-Max Utility (£23,929 plus VAT) will be a faithful workhorse. It might be the introductory model but you get air conditioning, cruise control, powered front windows, auto headlights and wipers, DAB radio, CD player, Bluetooth and a stack of safety gear. There’s also a terrific 5-year / 125,000-mile warranty.

Those of you who fancy a change from traditional family transportation will look further up the range. I, particularly, like the D-Max V-Cross which is the one you see here. The only size option is for the Double Cab, so you get a four-door, five-seater family holdall and it blends nicely between workhorse and lifestyle statement. All-wheel drive comes as standard. You can opt for an automatic gearbox. The kids will love being dropped off at school and sliding down from the pick-up seats. 

The D-Max V-Cross trim adds alloy wheels, colour information display, folding/heated door mirrors, leather upholstery, heated front seats, rear parking sensors, black 18-inch alloys, LED headlights and remote central locking. Trailer sway control is added to the list of safety gadgets.

It doesn’t matter which D-Max you go for, it’ll have the same 1.9 litre 162bhp diesel engine with plenty of lugging power. It means you can tow 3.5 tonnes and easily carry over a tonne in the load area. These are impressive figures and will suit anyone who tows a caravan, boat or horse box. 0-60mph takes around 12 seconds and your top speed is 112mph. It’s also one of the more economical pick-ups. Isuzu say you’ll manage 33.6 mpg which, bearing in mind what the D-Max is capable of doing, is pretty good going. It’s safe too, as confirmed by the D-Max getting a full 5 stars from the European safety authorities and was the first pick-up to achieve that accolade.

At slow speeds, you can tell the D-Max is set up to work for its living, but once you get onto the dual carriageway, the ride is surprisingly forgiving. It can be a bit choppy around town but Isuzu has worked hard on the suspension and you can tell that it is a more cushy ride than in the previous model. 

As long as you avoid the entry-level Utility model, the D-Max gives a serious alternative for day-to-day motoring because, even though it’s a pick-up, this Isuzu is as good to drive as many SUVs. It’s well equipped and hugely capable off road if you want to head into the muddy stuff. If you’re worried about your kit getting wet or being stolen when you put it into the load area, you can go for a Truckman hardtop which attaches easily, blends with the cab and comes in the same body colour.   

Prices for this particular Isuzu D-Max start at £34,279 plus VAT. Bear in mind the price, the ability and the level of kit you get with the V-Cross, it’s easy to see why SUV and estate car buyers could easily be tempted to pick up this pick-up.

The Isuzu D-Max really is that good. Pound for pound, it’s one of the best pick-ups currently available in the UK and represents cracking value.

Words: Graham Courtney
Pictures: Isuzu