Road Test


D-MAX ISUZU


Isuzu D-Max V-Cross automatic double-cab 4x4 pick-up


Price (ex VAT)


Price range (ex VAT)


Gross payload Load length


Load width (min/max)


Load bay height Loading height


£35,924


£23,924-£35,924 1090kg 1495mm


Gross vehicle weight


1080mm/1530mm 490mm 838mm 3100kg


Braked trailer towing weight 3500kg Residual value Cost per mile


37.95%* 80.3p


Engine size/power Torque Gearbox 1898cc, 164hp @ 3600rpm


360Nm @ 2000-2500rpm 6spd automatic


Fuel economy (combined WLTP)


Fuel tank CO2


Warranty


30.7mpg 76 litres 241g/km


5yrs/125,000 miles


Service intervals 2yrs/12,000 miles Insurance group Price as tested


44D £ 38,709


* after 48 months @ 20,000 miles a year - source - KWIKcarcost


here’s nothing wrong with giving an existing model a modest makeover and that is what Isuzu has done with its D-Max pick-up. The result was on display at last April’s Commercial Vehicle Show at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre, and surely nobody could take exception to the subtle changes.


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Options Load bed roll cover


£1,350


Black steel side bars and steps £375 Tow bar


13-pin electrics Mica paint finish


£275 £185 £600


The entire range is now graced by a redesigned front grille, and the All-Purpose and Adventure versions have been given new wheels too. New colours and upholstery changes have been introduced, and a rear differential lock is now listed as an option on manual 4x4 Utility variants. Additionally, the D-Max line-up is impressively broad. The entry-level Business range encompasses 4x2 and 4x4 single- cabs, 4x4 extended-cabs, and 4x4 double-cabs, all of which bear the Utility brand. Extended-cab and double-cab versions are offered with an automatic transmission as an alternative to the manual box.


The middle-ranking All-Purpose portfolio embraces extended-cab and double-cab 4x4 models with either a manual or an auto box and with the DL designation. That tells you that a diff lock is a standard feature. The top-of-the-range Adventure line-up is somewhat narrower, consisting


26 WhatVan? January 2024


solely of the V-Cross double-cab in both manual and automatic guise. Bear in mind that all extended and double-cab D-Max pick-ups weigh less than 2,040kg unladen. This means they’re subject to car rather than commercial vehicle speed limits, which gives them the edge over many rivals. Goods vehicle limits are 10mph lower than car limits on single and dual- carriageways. As a consequence, D-Max can achieve better journey times than competitors while remaining legal. No matter which D-Max you choose, you are faced with the same engine; a 1.9-litre 164hp diesel. We got to grips with the V-Cross automatic four-door five-seater double cab. Here’s how we fared.


Load bay


Access to the cargo bay which can offer up to eight tie-down points is by means of a tailgate. Aided by a gas- filled strut on the offside, it drops down horizontally.


The load area is protected by a plastic liner which, in case the case of our test vehicle, was shielded by an optional – and by no means cheap – Mountain Top roll cover. This conceals anything you might happen to be carrying from bad weather and prying eyes, alike, and like the tailgate, it is lockable.


3 4 1 Picture Key


1. Black steel side bar with step is an option


2. Black 18in alloy wheels are included in the deal


3. Latest D-Max is distinguished by new front grille


4. Front foglamps form part of the package


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Interior and equipment D-Max has a slightly old-fashioned- looking fascia, but is none the worse for that.


Buttons beneath the centrally- positioned 9in colour touchscreen control the heating, ventilation and air- conditioning, and that is something we welcome. Having to fiddle about with a screen for what seems like ages when all you want to do is boost the in-cab temperature a notch can be really irritating.


Buttons that are just above them allow you to switch the radio on and off and alter the volume, and they are to be welcomed too.


The screen controls the rest of the DAB radio’s functions, however, as part of a package that includes Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. If all you want is a quiet life then the display will show you a digital clock and a compass.


Further down the fascia you will find a 12v powerpoint, a USB socket, and the simple-to-use rotary switch that engages four-wheel drive. All you need to do is twist it once, then press it down


www.whatvan.co.uk


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