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A workhorse with the latest gadgets
PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE
REVIEW:ISUZU D-MAX UTAH DOUBLE CAB BY SUE COOKE
Now designed to tackle the working day with more ease and comfort, Isuzu has updated the award- winning D-Max with the latest technology and enhanced specification. I road tested the Utah Double Cab for a week and out
on the road the ride is more pleasant for passengers, as suspension changes from a five-piece to a three-piece leaf spring suspension for improved ride comfort and reduced noise levels. New technology adds Trailer Sway Control which uses sensors to detect trailer swing and reduce vehicle speed if sway is identified. Using the conveniently placed grab handle, I hoist
myself into a more refined and enhanced interior. There are features that I hadn’t expected to find on a workhorse, which on the Utah trim, include keyless entry, push button start, heated seats and automatic air conditioning. The steering wheel mounted audio controls were useful for controlling the Apple Car Play and DAB radio, with eight speakers and two tweeters. On road when parking I found the rear parking
sensors and full colour reversing camera advantageous as it is a long vehicle. The original D-Max was launched in 2012 and off
road, or driving through floods or snow, the driver can select four-wheel drive on the move using a rotary dial. Two wheel drive is fine for tarmac but four wheel drive is a must for more demanding conditions where low range gears can be selected. Hill Descent Control engages engine braking by pressing a switch, which is valuable for steep inclines and there is Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist.
Over rugged terrain, the D-Max is one of the most amazingly capable vehicles I have ever driven. At the launch to motoring journalists, I drove the D-Max along a swollen fast-moving river, teetered on the brink of steep inclines and slid easily through muddy forest tracks. The innovative 1.9 litre turbo diesel engine delivers
164 PS and 360 Nm of torque and is now more environmentally friendly requiring no AdBlue to meet Euro 6 emissions regulations. Pricing for the newly updated Isuzu D-Max range
starts at £16,799 and there is a choice of three new exterior colours – Spinel Red, Sapphire Blue and Galena Grey.
Rust prevention has improved as the stronger steel
has increased hydrogen resistance and a slower corrosion rate. Kerb weight on the double cab models has been reduced by 10kgs resulting in a payload increase of 10kgs. This 2019 Isuzu D Max retains its superior 3.5 tonne
towing capability and 125,000 mile / five-year warranty (whichever comes first) and five-year roadside assistance in the UK and across Europe. The award-winning D-Max has already had a successful 2018, being crowned ‘Pick-Up of The Year’ at the 2018 WhatVan? Awards, ‘Most Reliable Pick-Up’ for 2018 by Professional Pick-Up & 4X4 magazine, ‘Best Workhorse Pick-Up’ for 2018 by Trade Van Driver and ‘Best Pick-Up 2018’ by Scottish Field. On or off road, the new Isuzu D-Max is impressive and is built very comfortably, to just work.
MODEL: Isuzu D-Max Utah Manual 4x4 double cab
PRICE: £25,699 CVOTR ENGINE:1.9 litre diesel
CO2 EMISSIONS: 183g/km
COMBINED FUEL CONSUMPTION: 40.4mpg
You can follow Sue Cooke on twitter @cookecars
MARCH/APRIL 2019 insight 33
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