The Isuzu D-Max is the only diesel ute that's been able to stay within touching distance of the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger, and the brand hopes this updated model will close the gap even further.But have they done enough to keep the D-Max fresh? We put it to the test to find out.

Towing a caravan is our final long-term test exercise for the 1.9-litre 4x2 version of the Isuzu D-Max, and it's performance, not to mention fuel-economy, raises questions about the worth of the 3.0L version.

Reports of Isuzu's departure from Australia appear to have been wide of the mark, with the brand not just vowing to stay in market on NVES is introduced, but forecasting a long future for its diesel engines here, too.