ISUZU recorded 838 sales of its D-Max pick-up during the first quarter of 2022, which might not sound a lot but is virtually 43 per cent up on the same period last year.

It's also impressive as the LCV and pick-up markets continue to be challenging. The pick-up market was down by almost half in March with 4,457 registrations, and the year to date was also down by over 40 per cent at 7,661 registrations.

However, Isuzu has also increased sales of double cab automatic versions by nearly 58 per cent year to date over the same period in 2021.

The latest D-Max was launched in the UK last year with new styling, improved off-road and on-road performance, impressive safety technology and much-improved levels of comfort and refinement on higher spec models.

For the record, it was also awarded Trade Van Driver's ‘Best Workhorse Pick-up' this year for the 10 consecutive year.

The model range comes in three segments - Business, All-Purpose and Adventure. The All-Purpose range consists of the DL20 and DL40, the ‘DL' signifying a rear diff-lock is added, the ‘20' and ‘40' demonstrating the model hierarchy.

The rear diff-lock was recently made available for the Business segment Utility Single Cab, Utility Extended Cab and Utility Double Cab models.

All-Purpose models come with a slightly clunky six-speed manual transmission though a six-speed automatic is also available - for an extra £1,800 - which adds adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.

The DL20 features heated front seats, rear parking sensors, front fog lights, body-coloured front and rear bumpers, a medium grey radiator grille and 18-inch alloy wheels.

DL40 adds Bi-LED headlights, LED front fog lights, daytime running lights, a chrome radiator grille, keyless entry, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

The interior benefits from soft-touch panelling, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery and a very comfortable eight-way adjustable driver's seat. The seven-inch multifunction colour touchscreen is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Standard equipment includes automatic headlights with high-beam assist, automatic wipers, speed-sensitive power steering, and DAB radio. The steering wheel is also now height and reach adjustable across the range.

A new rear bumper has an integrated rear step which makes it easier to access the load area, and a tailgate damper is also standard.

Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) are now standard on all models, including autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning and prevention. After driving at a fake wall, I can attest how well the emergency braking works.

And, for the first time in the pick-up segment, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitor and emergency lane keeping are fitted on all double cabs.

With the ADAS, and an even stronger chassis, the D-Max has become the first pick-up to achieve the maximum five-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP tests.

Although the length of the new D-Maxis slightly less than its predecessor, its wheelbase is 30mm longer which has allowed for a larger and more spacious cabin from which rear seat occupants benefit most. The B-Pillar is positioned 25mm further forward which means the rear door aperture has increased, allowing for easier access.

The new D-Max retains the punchy 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine introduced in 2017, which delivers 162bhp and an ample 360Nm of torque. The DL40 completes the 0-62mph sprint in a leisurely 13 seconds and can go onto a maximum of 112mph.

It officially returns 30.7mpg for the double cab auto and 241g/km of CO2 emissions.

It offers the usual workhorse practicalities Isuzu customers have become accustomed to, with a one-tonne payload and up to 3.5 tonnes towing capacity. All 4x4 models are equipped with trailer sway control that uses sensors to detect the onset of trailer swing and reduces vehicle speed if sway is identified. Hill Descent Control is also standard on all variants.

The four-wheel drive shift- on-the-fly still has three configuration settings but a new actuator now provides much faster transfer between the different drives. And, while the D-Max has always been good off-road, the rear diff-lock makes it so much better. Even its wading depth is now a class-leading 800mm.

The speed-sensitive electronic power steering also means the D-Maxis much better on the road. At lower speeds - where most working pick-ups spend most of their time - the steering is noticeably lighter, making it easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces. At higher speeds, it stiffens up nicely, helping stability and driveability.

£36,949 (£30,849 CVOTR)

162bhp, 1,999cc, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine driving all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox

112mph

13seconds

30.7mpg

40

241g/km

37%

5yrs/125,000 miles