For pick-ups, best stick the experts: Isuzu

ANDREW WALKER

As a commercial vehicle brand only, Isuzu feels that it knows a thing or two about pick-ups, and got off to a good start with the new D-Max when it became the first pick-up to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP rating under the latest testing regime.

The previous D-Max range had a reputation for toughness, reliability and durability. What it lacked was a little finesse: it need more car-like interiors, on-trend-tech and safety features to rival some of its competition. The good news is, those missing ingredients are now present.

For a start, there’s electric power assisted steering, which makes a big difference both on and off road. The seats have also been redesigned and are now more comfortable, plus the dashboard is more upmarket with a new touchscreen infotainment system. There’s height and reachable adjustable steering wheel, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, DAB radio, Bluetooth and a 4.2” multi-information display.

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The D-Max load bed is 30mm deeper than it used to be, so a step has been added to make access easier. And, thanks to Euro 6D emission standard, the All-New Isuzu D-Max is fitted with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to reduce harmful Nitrogen Dioxide levels, so it has succumbed to AdBlue.

Every version has a payload rating of at least 1,070kg, which is important for commercial vehicle tax purpose. There’s also a 3.5 tonnes towing capacity, and it weighs under 2,040kg so it’s subject to normal passenger car speed limits. That’s something many double cab pick-ups –Ranger & Hilux included – don’t achieve, and you need to be aware of.

For all the urbane manners, it’s still got the grit for off-road work. The selectable shift-on-the-fly 4WD engages faster, rear axle articulation has increased and all models bar the Utility have a mechanical rear diff lock in addition to electronic aids that now include hill descent control and hill start assist.

Having spent a week in the V-Cross back in February, we weren’t disappointed by the DL40 whatsoever. The engine roars into life with a noticeable diesel growl. Select D in the automatic gear box and away you go. Despite it’s size the latest D-Max is actually quite nimble, with the electronic steering making it easy to manoeuvre. It handles more like a large SUV than the previous D-Max, showcasing how much more refined this latest version is over its predecessors.

It’s more comfortable too. The seats are way better than before and coupled with the improved body structure, there’s far less body roll. Rear passengers get more leg room and the rear seats are angled to make the rear more comfortable as well.

Safety options include adaptive cruise control and autonomous driving, so in all motorway situations the D-Max feels impressively safe.

We undertook a 100-mile round trip up on the M6 and the DL-40 didn’t skip a beat. True, on tight roundabouts and in small parking spots you’ll need to flex your arm muscles a bit more to control the large wheels, but the reversing camera means fitting into tight spots is really quite simple. Parking at my local supermarket meant a slight front overhang from the parking spot but otherwise it fits into most parking spaces.

Isuzu switched to a smaller 1.9 diesel unit on the previous D-Max range and it’s still here. It’s fine, but it’s lack of out-and-out pull could be an issue if you’re towing a heavy load up a very steep hill. There’s still some cheap plastics in the cabin, but overall, but it’s solid.

While other manufacturers have shied away from the pick-up sector, Isuzu is to be congratulated on the choice across the range: single, extended and double cab models, and lots of conversion options. There’s a D-Max priced for everyone.

Looks and drives better than before, with class-leading safety, on-trend tech and a better passenger experience. All while doing what a pick-up is meant to do.