not on the agenda as Isuzu prioritises investment in developing battery-electric technology instead. It plans to start selling a left-hand-
Isuzu D-Max V-Cross automatic double-cab
Price (ex VAT) £38,905
Price range (ex VAT) £26,405- £38,905 Insurance group 50D Warranty 5yrs/125,000 miles Service intervals 1yr/12,000 miles Load length 1,520mm Load width 1,530mm Load height 500mm Gross payload 1,085kg
Braked trailer towing weight 3,500kg
Engine size/power 1,898cc/164hp @ 3,600rpm
Combined fuel economy 31.38mpg (WLTP) Combined CO2
VERDICT
D-Max has been given some useful enhancements that keep the pot boiling, but we’d like to see more power.
Overall rating: 235g/km (WLTP)
drive electric 4x4 pick-up able to handle a 1.0-tonne payload and tow 3.5 tonnes in mainland Europe during the final quarter of this year. Its right-hand-drive counterpart is scheduled for launch in the UK during the first quarter of 2026. Projected range figures have yet to be
released. In the meantime, Isuzu continues to follow its established approach of splitting the D-Max range into two. Aimed at fleet customers such as
construction companies and local authorities, the entry-level Business Utility range includes single, extended and double-cabs, with the single-cab up for grabs as a 4x2 or a 4x4. Te fancier All-Purpose All-4x4 range is targeted at small businesses and the self-employed and includes the DL20 and DL40 as well as the V-Cross. Customers can opt for either an extended or a double- cab, and for either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox. We opted for an automatic V-Cross double-cab – the priciest model in the line- up – and took it off-road in a nightmarish, hilly, muddy swamp in Leicestershire. Despite the sopping-wet conditions and deep water, it coped with everything that was thrown at it without missing a beat. Deploying the rough terrain mode aided
our progress as we squelched up and down steep inclines. On ordinary highways the truck rides well and delivers a seamless gearchange.
Yet while in-cab noise isn’t a major issue, the engine note rapidly becomes harsh under acceleration, and the electronic power steering is a tad too light. Admittedly it is speed-sensitive which should keep it light at lower speeds for ease of parking, while becoming heavier at higher speeds making D-Max easier to control. Te balance between the two modes seems to be a little off-kilter however, with a need for the steering to become heavier more quickly. Tat said, it didn’t disrupt the handling, which was impressive for such a big, hefty truck – and the driver’s seat wins top marks for comfort. On-road performance along a selection of A and B roads was perfectly acceptable, but buyers looking to run at maximum payload or tow a heavy trailer on a regular basis might want to look at rival products with more power than a D-Max. In addition to the goodies listed above,
V-Cross comes with front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, and a keyless entry and push-button starter system. Bluetooth connectivity, a DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all included in the in-cab deal, while the ADAS package embraces one of our favourite safety features. Of course, we’re talking about Rear
Cross Traffic Alert and Braking. It is just what you need if, for example, you have no choice other than to reverse out of a field and into a narrow country lane, and you do not want to be hit by a speeding tractor hauling a big trailer full of spuds – as the writer can testify.
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