MARCH MOTORING: Isuzu D-MAX

Pick-up trucks are not exactly few and far between these days, especially with plenty of options on the market, and the consumers desire for bigger vehicles. In years gone by, such a vehicle was just for the workman, however we now find ourselves in a position where you do not just buy a pickup, you buy another lifestyle writes George Loveridge.

Here, we have the award-winning Isuzu D-Max, in particular the mid-range DL40 variant. Sitting nicely between the slightly cheaper DL20, and underneath the more expensive V-Cross. The entire range come equipped with a Euro 6D compliant, 1.9 litre turbo-charged, diesel engine; somewhat of a dinosaur compared to others on the market. It’s a hybrid too

Despite its small capacity, this DL40 will tow up to 3.5 tonnes, whilst carrying an additional 1 tonne payload in the load bed, simultaneously! Therefore, 360Nm of torque is on hand. Aided by a 6-speed automatic transmission that is very comfortable when driving around towns and villages, and with the 6th speed helping to hush the agricultural engine at highway speeds.

When the going gets tough and the weather closes in, the DL40 is a class leading off-roader. With 4WD shift-on-the-fly, you are able to effortlessly switch from RWD, to 4WD, with the options for high- and low-range. Still cannot get up that snowy hill? Then why not lock the rear differential for extra reassurance and traction. You even get 1.5mm steel skid plate underneath the vehicle for extra protection. Over previous versions of Isuzu trucks, this revised chassis is 34% wider and 14% higher which improves safety, and provides for an overall solid feeling truck.

So, how does it drive?

Despite it being 5.2 metres long and almost 2 metres wide, the DL40 feels very much like any other SUV to drive. The admirable high up driving position feels appropriate. The steering is electronically adjustable, so when you are manoeuvring you get an extremely light feel, and at higher speeds it is reassuringly heavier to provide great feedback from the road. Higher mounted front control arms improve tyre contact and reduces body roll and overall road vibrations – again making this DL40 very much like an SUV, and less like an outright load carrier.

Safety is of course important too, with large front disks and even bigger rear drum brakes, there is no chance of fade on this big vehicle. A hinderance for some, admittedly, but the DL40 has all the impressive collision warning and accident mitigation systems. Occasionally, there can be an intrusive ‘BEEP’ when the car thinks you are going to have an accident, but overall they do not interfere with the driving experience.

Inside, the DL40 continues with the SUV like appearance. Leather seats, 7-inch multifunction colour touch screen with Bluetooth, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, USB ports and ample cubby holes and storage facilities. You are not short of toys! The cabin feels big and open, especially with a contrasting light-coloured head lining. Visibility is excellent thanks to the overall square and rectangular design of the cab. What I like most about the interior is the amount of plastics and rubber. Not what you would want in a Rolls-Royce, however we have to remember that this is a working vehicle. Therefore, such materials are easy to wipe down and clean after the presence of muddy work boots.

For your convenience, this DL40 features keyless entry and start, powered windows and mirrors, and a fully adjustable steering wheel and electronically adjustable driver’s seat. The driver’s cluster features two manual dials, accompanied by a smaller digital display: showing engine temperature, fuel level and various odometer readings.

The D-Max range does actually start with a ‘Utility’ single cab, where you only get two seats – but here we have five seats, and you can transport five people with ease. Rear passengers get a central vent for heating and ventilation but do miss out on the heated seats which are available in the front.

The George Loveridge Verdict:

Yes, I really like it! My second experience of a D-Max model. They are engaging to drive, feel very solid, and really wrap around you which is what you want of a larger vehicle. It works perfectly as an every-day vehicle, and it is nice to know you have the off-road capabilities when you need them. Sadly, the noise from the diesel engine is very intrusive in the cabin, and the Isuzu infotainment system is arguably ten years out of date compared to the competition. Personally, I would take the manual gearbox over the automatic, as peak torque is delivered low down in the rev range, and the kick-down is far too enthusiastic, therefore limiting forward momentum. Overall, a well put together work tool, and family vehicle rolled into one.

Price as tested: £32,349

Lead in price: £31,999

Average fuel consumption: 29.1mpg

Range (electric): 32 Miles

Range (fuel): 485 miles

Engine size: 1898cc

0-60: 13 seconds

Performance 6
Handling 7
Transmission 4
Noise 3
Economy 7
Ride and Comfort 8
Accommodation 10
Styling 8
Brakes 9
Finish 8
TOTAL = 70%

www.isuzu.co.uk/vehicles

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