IN THE rough and tough world of off-roading there is one brand that has grown a reputation over the years for solid performance - and it's not Land Rover.
It is a company that has made its name in commercial vehicles, but it is also Japan's oldest car firm - and it's not Toyota, Nissan or Honda.
It is also a specialist in diesel engines, and for more than 30 years has played a leading role in diesel development for General Motors.
But in the UK it is a relative new kid on the block - although its arrival back in 1987 coincided with the boom in popularity of big four wheel drives.
The manufacturer is Isuzu and its Trooper has become a top seller among large off-roaders. That is because this is one of those vehicles with broad appeal.
The Trooper can cut the mustard as an agricultural workhorse, while still having enough creature comforts to make its mark in the leisure market.
At £19,950 for a 3.0 litre diesel short wheel base version, the basic Trooper Duty costs almost the same as the stalwart in the field, the Land Rover Defender.
What the Trooper has that the Land Rover doesn't, is comfort, and more importantly, better on-road handling. That is largely down to the Isuzu being only part-time four wheel drive unlike the permanent arrangement on the Land Rover.
In normal set up the Trooper is driven by the rear wheels with four wheel drive being selected at the push of a button on the dash. The change over can be done on the move at speeds in excess of 60mph and the additional traction comes into play in a matter of seconds. Low ratio gears for serious mud plugging are engaged in traditional fashion through a lever next to the gear stick.
Off road the Trooper is a competent performer in all but the most treacherous of conditions, where only the Defender would cope. In short wheel base format it is highly manoeuverable, with a turning circle of some 35 feet - and that is tight in the big 4WD league.
The diesel engine has plenty of torque and that gives necessary additional braking, which is vital on slippery slopes.But despite it being a state of the art turbocharged common rail engine, the Trooper is noisy inside and out, and definitely a touch too agricultural in this department.
That said, it has some guts. Developing 157bhp, the engine gives the Trooper a reported top speed of 99mph and a 0 to 60mph acceleration time of just under 16 seconds - not bad in a vehicle that weighs in at the best part of two tons.
Fuel consumption will average almost 27 miles per gallon which is quite frugal in this league. The Trooper also comes with a 18.7 gallon tank, giving it sensible range, although on the emissions front you cannot expect any tax advantages. Its CO2 rating of 287g/km puts it in the highest tax bracket.
In terms of looks the Trooper is now becoming a bit dated, despite getting a makeover a couple of years ago which improved the front end but not its boxy lines.
Short wheel base also means two doors, which can be a disadvantage, although the Trooper is better than most with the front seats tipping forward to create adequate access space.
It is also big on the inside as far as two door off-roaders go - but it is only a four seater which can be a considerable handicap. Velour upholstery is a posh touch, and despite the rest of the trim being very plasticky, the cabin has quite a refined feel.
However this is a vehicle that is robust and practical. The tailgate opens out sideways in two sections, reducing the space needed for access, and the larger of the doors locks open which is handy in windy conditions. Cargo space is a good 32 cu ft, with a maximum of 61cu ft with the rear seats folded - but there is no luggage blind to conceal belongings.
Standard equipment on the basic Trooper Duty includes rear wash-wipe, heated and retractable door mirrors, electric front windows and an adjustable steering wheel. But there is no air conditioning - even as a cost option - and the driver's seat is adjustable only for rake and reach, which can present problems for taller people.
This is a car that flatters only when it has to.
Everything about the Trooper Duty is functional and down to earth. Items such as air conditioning, which really are associated more with the leisure end of the market, come only on the more expensive Trooper Citation and Insignia models.
As its name implies this Trooper reports for duties of the heavy kind.
FAST FACTS
Isuzu Trooper Duty SWB 3.0DT
Price: £19,950
Mechanical: 157bhp, 2,999cc, 4cyl common rail turbo diesel engine driving rear or all four wheels via 5spd manual gearbox and dual ratio transfer box
Max Speed: 99mph
0-60mph: 15.8secs
Combined mpg: 26.9
Insurance Group: 14
CO2 emissions: 287g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs antirust