THERE is a lot to be said for driving around in a giant pick-up truck.

True, you are unlikely to be winning any impromptu races away from the traffic lights and getting into what some car park operators laughingly refer to as parking spaces can be a bit of a problem.

On the other hand, though, you'll feel pretty safe and secure as you look down upon most of your fellow road users from your elevated position and everyone is suddenly much more willing to yield when right of way might be an issue.

If you're running a VAT-registered business you'll also be able to write off all the VAT on the purchase price.

Such not-to-be-sniffed-at benefits have seen these workhorses move more into the motoring mainstream in recent years - being seen as a shrewd lifestyle choice for many small businessmen keen to take advantage of that VAT exemption.

Manufacturers have responded by making them much more versatile and family friendly, while retaining their working practicalities.

Long-established pick-up experts Isuzu are a case in point with its latest offering, the D-Max which has replaced the previous Rodeo.

This second generation model is available as a double, single and, for the first time in the UK, extended cab configuration.

The double cab variant is the obvious choice for the buyer looking to combine work and family functionality and is available in four specification levels, the Yukon I drove sitting below the range-topping Utah and above the D-Max and Eiger options.

Longer and wider than the Rodeo, this is a big unit, with a fresher design that is characterised by a bold front end with a more prominent grille flanked by dramatic rising headlamps. It is a muscular look that further enhanced by huge bulging wheel arches.

Power comes from a 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel unit offering 163 horse power and maximum torque of 400Nm between 1,400 and 2,000 revs.

Paired with a new six-speed manual transmission it provides plenty of low end pull and some surprising bursts of acceleration for such a big vehicle.

Sixth gear is effectively an overdrive function to reduce revs and help keep fuel consumption down at high speeds, and probably won't see too much use off motorways, while first is ratioed to act as a crawling gear on difficult terrains.

And although power is directed through the rear wheels for day-to-day driving the D-Max will prove more than capable off-road thanks to its switchable four-wheel drive system.

The driver can toggle between two and four wheel power on the move via a simple rotary knob and there is also a low-geared 4x4 setting for tackling severe terrain but the vehicle must be stopped and in neutral to engage this.

All of which, along with the ability to carry a load of more than 1,000kg and tow a three ton braked trailer, means that the D-Max will be a very willing workhorse. But can it cope with the slightly different demands of family life?

Well, the expanded dimensions mean the double cab has plenty of room for five and there should be space for all their paraphernalia with ample nick-nack storage, including two glove boxes and a covered tray on the dash, a total of five cup holders and bottle holders in the front doors.

Plastics around the interior are largely of the hard scratchy variety but everything does seem solidly bolted together and certainly looks built to last.

Kit levels are pretty good too. Expected to be the biggest seller in the UK, the Yukon comes with 17-inch alloys, a six-speaker audio package, electric windows, aircon, leather steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, side steps, LED rear lights, rear load liner and management information display on the dash.

There's also iPod, Bluetooth and USB connectivity - although the USB socket is of the mini type which may mean buying a new connection lead for your gadget.

Rear parking sensors would have been a useful addition given the D-Max's length, although you will get a rear camera included if you're prepared to shell out an extra £900 plus VAT for the optional satnav system.

Otherwise safety is well catered for with ABS brakes, stability control and six airbags while cost, or rather the lack of it, is also likely to be a major plus-point for the D-Max.

It is competitively priced against its rivals and average fuel consumption of 38.2 miles per gallon is good for a pick-up.