D-Max is a luxurious pick-up

THE weather forecast was ominous with “significant” amounts of snow forecast, but I was not worried because I was testing the all new rugged Isuzu D-Max Utah with four wheel drive writes Bryan Longworth

And when the white stuff arrived the 4x4 pick-up was up for it and kept me on the move especially up treacherous steep and twisting Peak District roads where the low ratio gears slowly but surely kept the Isuzu on the move.

And this latest Isuzu is the only model in this sector to have a five year/120,000 mile transferable warranty.

There is even more good news because Yorkshire based CAP residual value experts have forecast that the new pick-up will retain its residual value better than all its rivals.

My test car was the top model the D-Max Utah. The leather clad double cab which impressed a Land Rover Discovery owner had ample room for five and the standard spec included heated front seats, electronic climate control, 17-inch alloys, parking sensors, leather multi function steering wheel and chrome grille.

There was also running boards on each side which made entering and leaving the vehicle much easier and there were grab handles on each side at the front that also made it easier to get in and out of the cabin.

The steering was a bit heavy until I got used to it and I liked the smooth gear changing and easy to use auto gears.