WHEN it comes to workhorse pick-ups and 4x4s, Isuzu has far more experience than most makers.
Now the company is branching out into plush up-market pick-ups for people who like their ride high and wide.
The Rodeo LE Sport comes better equipped than the vast majority of cars and the soundproofed double cab even has a superb voice activated Pioneer audio navigation and rear passenger DVD system.
It has a reversing camera, a 10-gigabyte hard disk music store, special styling and huge 20 inch wheels and tyres.
There's plenty of room for five and still a huge loadbay with a heavyweight plastic moulded cover but neither the lift up hatch or heavy drop-down tailgate are included in the central locking.
It's comfortable to ride in but corners with plenty of wallow like most other pickups.
The engine is a 3.0-litre with 163bhp but the Rodeo weighs in at nearly three tonnes so, although performance off the mark is good, there is nothing much left at motorway speeds.
Interior
As well as all the kit already mentioned it comes with leather and suede seats, a leather covered steering wheel, aircon and four electric windows.
The touch screen is quite difficult to use at times and the automatic gearbox fitted to my test car seemed to sap power and performance.
FAST FACTS
Isuzu Rodeo LE Sport
Price: £24,999
Mechanical: 163bhp, 2,999cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 4spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 109mph
0-62mph: 10.8 secs
Combined mpg: 31
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 237g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles
Marks: 7/10
Main rival: Nissan Navara