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Japanese manufacturers are always in the lead in the UK pickup market. Isuzu is one such brand that has a good record in this sector. We test the range-topping Denver Max LE.
New model launches in me commercial vehicle sector are few and far between but there is one sector of the market that is seeing plenty of action: pickups. In the space of 12 months we've tested the revised Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi L200. But it doesn't end there because we've still got the revised Nissan Navara and the very exciting Volkswagen Arnarok to come.
There's one notable omission and that's Isuzu because, since launching its flagship Denver Max LE (tested here) and the entry-level 4x2 Single Cab, there's been relatively little in the way of updates from the Japanese manufacturer.
Regardless, with the flurry of introductions and updates in the wider spectrum, we thought it would be a good idea to see if the Isuzu can still roll with the big dogs.
For 2010, the Rodeo range has been given a mild makeover with just the grille and a couple of material upgrades for the interior making up the changes.
The Rodeo range features two bodystyles in the form of a single and lifestyleorientated double cab, which we test here. Customers have a choice of two turbodiesel engines: namely a 134hp, 2.5-litre four-cylinder and the range-topping 3.0-litre, 160hp version.
Five trim levels are available starting with the entry-level 4x2 single cab, which is best described as the workhorse of the line-up. Moving up, there's the Rodeo Denver, Denver Max, Denver Max Plus and the flagship Denver Max LE.
The range-topper features a long list of standard equipment, including 18- inch alloy wheels, lockable body-coloured hard top, protective load lining, stainless steel mesh grille and our personal favourite, "chrome-finish bonnet garnish".
Model-for-model, Rodeo prices are competitive compared with the major players with the base single cab costing £11,434 and rising to £21,284 for the big daddy Denver Max LE automatic.
Productivity
Manufacturers always adorn their range-topping pickups with loads of extra kit, and it's the same story here with the Denver Max LE. For instance. our test vehicle came standard with a body-coloured hard top, which certainly added to its versatility.