2 minute read
Isuzu D-Max - urban trend setter
byMarkSlack
AT a point not that long ago you would only have ever associated pick up trucks with builders, tradesmen and farmers. They would have been of a specification and look that made utilitarian seem sumptuous. How things have changed! Most now look rather smart, don’t look like they’ve spent much time in the local building supplies yard or farm and can cut it on the style stakes with the best SUVs.
Manufacturers re alised that they were missing a trick and a pickup with good levels of standard equipment and a variety of optional hard tops and accessories can appeal to a whole new range of potential buyers. Add in the possibility of allwheeldrive and the chance to carry five people, as well as a decent load bay and towing ability, and the appeal is obvious.
Isuzu have long been a ‘go to’ manufacturer for those wanting a comfortable, rugged and stylish pickup. Good standard equipment with excellent accessory packs and options means the Isuzu DMax range can cover every scenario from building site to trendy wine bar. The range is essentially split into two halves, the business lineup and the VCross and Artic models and there are single, extended and double cab options. Prices start at €25,690/ £23,149 and peak at €56,058/£47,999.
Power comes from a fourcylicinder 1.9 litre turbo diesel that propels the Isuzu well for such a large vehicle. With an empty load bay the DMax does bounce around on rougher surfaces but things are better with a weight in the rear. For such a large vehicle the DMax is an easy drive and can be piloted through bends with much more aplomb than might be expected. Bouncy unladen weight ride apart the other issue with the D Max is noise. Pick ups are never the most refined, but the D Max does get rather vocal under acceleration, not helped one suspects by the modest engine size.
The build quality and equipment in the Max is excellent, and betters some cars, with an interior that lacks the ‘bolton iPad’ style touchscreen in favour of a neat built in screen. Softtouch materials are also evident and although some of the touchscreen functions look a little dated they all work very smoothly.
If you’re into your pickup trucks, the Isuzu looks the part too. If you’re looking for something a bit different on the rugged transport front, then the DMax can be a surprisingly sensible choice.
Lawler moved out of ICU
JERRY ‘The King’ Lawler was moved out of the hospital ICU on Friday February 10 after massive suffering a stroke earlier in the week in Florida.
A post on Lawler’s official Twitter profile read: “Jerry is out of ICU and will return to his Florida home for outpatient rehab for his limited speech and cognitive skills. Doctors hopeful for full recovery and Jerry is looking forward to returning to his fans very soon. Lauryn #LongLiveTheKing”.
WWE legend Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler is believed to have suffered a stroke on Monday, February 6. His friend and fellow Monday Night Raw commentator Jim Ross, revealed on Twitter that he had visited him in the hospital in Florida.
“I spoke very briefly with @JerryLawler tonight,” Ross tweeted. “He’s obviously weak but Jerry’s prognosis is positive, he needs our thoughts and prayers. #LoveYaKing,” he said.
The 73yearold had apparently been staying at his Florida condo at the time of the incident.
