WE'RE lucky to live in a part of the country where the Isuzu Rodeo pick-up's advertising theme "Even works weekends" really comes into its own.

This three-model range is tough enough to handle anything a hard-working day can throw at it, with plenty in reserve to take you wherever your leisure time leads you.

On-site, or off-road, the 4x4 double cab Denver, Denver Max and Denver Max LE pick-ups have rugged reliability and bullet-proof build quality as a given.

With their high levels of spec as standard - especially in the luxurious LE - they comfortably leave the rest of their class standing when it comes to performance, economy and smooth delivery.

Think about a pick-up that can haul 1,000kg-plus of building materials, hay bales or animal feed, logs or landscape gardening kit - plus a full crew of four helpers. Then think about the same vehicle, suited and booted with two-tone, embroidered leather seats, touch-screen SatNav and DVD player.

That's the true luxury of top-of-the-range Rodeo Denver Max LE. From its stainless steel mesh grille, painted hardtop and locking tailgate, to stylish 18in Shadow chrome alloys, it promises a great deal.

And it delivers - thanks to a Prodrive Performance pack as standard, that increases the new 2.5 litre commonrail turbodiesel's power from 136PS to 167PS, and torque from an already healthy 217lb/ft at 1,800rpm to a mighty 292lb/ft at 2,200rpm.

The result? 0-62mph in 11.7 seconds, even more effortless mid-range acceleration and towing - yet with very similar fuel consumption figures to the standard engine.

All models come with class- leading 3,000kg towing capacity, class leading economy and CO2 emissions, as well as accepting the new digital tachograph system, which is mandatory for anyone towing 3,500kg for hire or reward.

The Denver Max and Max LE also have a Bluetooth hands-free phone kit, stainless steel side steps and front entry guards, over-rail bed liners and chromed rear lamp protectors. Every Rodeo Denver also comes with air conditioning, tinted electric windows, wing mirrors with built-in directional indicators and MP3 compatible CD tuners with iPod input.

So if you like the idea of combining a rugged, go-anywhere workhorse with a discreet but stylish weekend carry-all, you might want to take a closer look.

To find out more, or to arrange a test drive of the Rodeo Denver, contact Sparshatts of Botley on 01489 785111.