Isuzu Denver

The Isuzu Rodeo bolted out of nowhere a while back, mounting a strong challenge to the top pick-up trucks on sale in this country. Isuzus previous offerings in the sector were competent but too agricultural to make an impact on the burgeoning market for pick-ups as lifestyle vehicles. Reliability, toughness and functionality are less important to the new breed of pick-up buyers than styling, road presence and image but a successful pick-up still needs to do it all and the Rodeo has proved to be one such truck. The Rodeo range follows the formula pioneered by the likes of Nissan and Mitsubishi.

2.5, 3.0 turbodiesel

SmartNav aside, the Max package doesnt get you much of real substance or practical value over the standard Rodeo Denver model but what it does do is enhance your vehicles appearance and, in lifestyle pick-up land, appearances are everything. A Rodeo Max features a front A-Bar with a chrome insert that hangs below the heavily chromed grille like a huge handlebar moustache. There are stainless steel side steps protruding between the wheelarches which serve to make the Rodeo Max look lower and meaner than conventional models and around the back there are further add-ons. Chrome lamp protectors surround the rear light clusters and a big shiny chrome bumper curls round below the drop-down tailgate.

3.0-litre turbodiesel