Isuzu D-Max Fury review

The Isuzu D-Max Fury looks good, with its red colouring and black highlights, but it's too agricultural to appeal as a road car. We'd choose the new Nissan Navara, which feels much more like a modern SUV - and it's better to drive, too.

The Isuzu D-Max has been around for a while now - the current model was launched in 2012. With the all-new Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan Navara being launched this year, Isuzu has added this new Fury special edition to add a bit of spice to its line-up.

With its bright Magma Red paint, black highlights and matching leather seats the Fury certainly looks hot, but most of its upgrades are cosmetic - the brand says this special edition is for younger customers who want the pumped-up looks of the top-spec D-Max but without the high price.

7

As a pick-up, the D-Max is a decent buy. There's a huge 1,552mm x 1,530mm load bay, a 3,500kg towing capacity and a maximum payload of 1,072kg - all competitive numbers for those using the truck as a workhorse. It's good to drive too, with well-weighted steering and a strong 2.5-litre diesel under the bonnet.

All D-Max models get a five-year or 125,000-mile warranty, which is excellent even in the pick-up market. There are plenty of options to choose from as well - it's part of the appeal of the Fury, according to Isuzu. Buyers can add roll bars, spotlights, a tow bar and cargo rails - all very practical.

7

The rear seats are fairly spacious, with room for four adults - but the high floor means taller passengers in the back might find themselves staring at their own knees. The optional red and black leather seats on the Fury we tested felt tough, and the driving position is comfortable - but the interior is far behind the new Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi L200.

It's telling that some Land Rover dealers are starting to offer the D-Max now that the Defender has been discontinued, however. Like the Defender, the D-Max has charm, but it's also noisy and feels pretty old-fashioned.