IN JUST eight years, the Isuzu D-Max has forged an enviable reputation in Australia for dependability, a loyal fan base and word-of-mouth marketing most brands could only dream of.

This is despite automotive publications such as GoAuto gushing endlessly about how nice the current crop of utes are to drive or how comfortable and impressive their slick SUV-like interiors are.

With this facelifted D-Max, Isuzu has risked falling behind by leaving the dynamics and interior well alone but instead focussed on drivetrain and equipment upgrades plus some additional noise and vibration deadening.

It would be easy to dismiss the D-Max as an agricultural also-ran, but for people wanting to take full advantage of the go anywhere, do anything versatility promised by ute ownership, genuine toughness and strong factory backup count for a hell of a lot.

Click here for the full review...