Isuzu MU-X LST vs Holden Colorado 7 LTZ

The flagship LS-T is an auto-only and for now wears a $53,500 asking price - expect an effort to hit $49,990 drive-away, which buys leather trim, power-adjustment for the driver's seat only, 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control with rear vents, touchscreen satnav, eight-speaker (including two in the roof lining) full-USB Bluetooth audio and roof-mounted DVD.

The flagship has 18-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable driver's seat, sidesteps, climate control, the MyLink 'embedded app' six-speaker infotainment (although the BringGo satnav app relies on smartphone ownership and is extra), leather trim and steering wheel, fog lights, a trio of 12V outlets, trip computer and capped price servicing, something the Isuzu cousin is yet to possess.

Isuzu has stuck with its D-Max-derived 3.0-litre turbo diesel (130kW/380Nm). Torque is lower but peaks between 1800rpm-3800rpm and is more useful across a broader rev range. The 4WD is old-school part-time but the Aisin five-speed auto is well-matched to the engine. It claims 8.4L/100km, only hamstrung by 65L tank.

Holden has changed powerplants, opting for the 2.8-litre common-rail turbo diesel (147kW/500Nm; peak torque is between 2000rpm-2200rpm). The party pooper is the six-speed auto, which is smarter than the old one, but that's not saying much. It claims a 9.2L/100km thirst from a 76L tank.

A sharper look to the nose and more muscular flanks will distinguish the MU-X from its Colorado kin when it hits the road this Christmas. The wheel-arch flares and shoulder-line give it a nicer aesthetic. The seven-seater cabin layout is the same but materials feel less cheap and a little more robust in the MU-X.

More bull of nose and slab-sided in the flanks, the Colorado 7 has a 250mm shorter wheelbase than its ute sibling (as does the MU-X), but the Holden version is less appealing to the eye than the incoming Isuzu. Seating layouts are the same - with reasonable space for seven backsides but not much room for cargo.

The Japanese ute builder currently holds a four-star ANCAP rating for its load-lugger but upgrades to its two-pronged model line-up should - it hopes - yield five stars. The Isuzu has rear sensors, reversing camera, six airbags, stability and traction control and ABS.

The Holden Colorado range has had five ANCAP stars for a while and the 7 inherits this to keep it ahead of the Isuzu - the Holden has rear sensors, reversing camera, six airbags, stability and traction control, ABS and also scores with an electronic arsenal including trailer sway control.

Even without the electronic aids, the MU-X impresses with its tractable engine and crawling ability. Engine braking is good, steering is similarly vague but ride quality seems to be initially a little more compliant. The pay-off is a slightly more body-roll, although the middling tyre grip means that tuneful understeer ensues.

Holden now has the car it should have had from launch - insiders' own admissions - and it feels better than it did. Old school off-road ability wasn't in doubt before and it still isn't, but the auto has improved decision making. Steering is also a heritage listing but works in rough terrain, ride is acceptable and the on-road manners are decent when compared to some soft-roaders.