ISUZU D-MAX V CROSS

In the ever dwindling UK pick-up market the latest Isuzu D-Max is already the recipient of many awards and continues to appeal to a wide variety of drivers, from fleet operators and farmers to small business owners and adventurers.

With this in mind, Isuzu have structured the model range into three segments: Business, All-Purpose and Adventure, and sitting within the Adventure range is this, the V-Cross.

As I’ve mentioned in the past, the 1.9ltr diesel that’s fitted to the UK's D-Max might not be the quietest engine out there, nor the smoothest, but with 161bhp it pulls well and is quite enjoyable, even on twisty roads whilst driving in a non ‘pickupy’ fashion.

The automatic gearbox, which incidentally is upgraded to enable up to 25% faster gear changes, gives the D-Max a more luxury feel and does a great job as it reduces inertia loss and provides a smoother ride.

On the topic of ride, the V-Cross handles itself very well on the road, there isn’t much in the way of road noise and it absorbs all but the really big holes with ease. Fitting new front suspension also firms up the steering and handling and keeps body roll to a minimum.

Another thing I always like to mention is that the adapted cruise works well and does its best to keep you at your chosen speed whilst driving down hills.

Also, after a week of driving a variety of roads and speeds, average fuel consumption was showing as 36mpg, which I thought was pretty good.

After all the moaning I’ve done previously, the D-Max is now fitted with a rear locker (DL20, DL40 and V-Cross models only), but during our week together I didn’t need to use it once, typical. Of course having it certainly gives you a lot more confidence while tackling the rough stuff.

On the launch day last year, the team had dug out some pretty deep opposing holes on a particularly steep incline, not just to test the articulation, but to show how well the new rear diff-lock worked.

On a couple of green lanes I found myself scraping the underside on ruts, so maybe it could do with a little more ground clearance. That said, they were deep and I was probably in the tracks of a Discovery shod with 35” mud tyres, so on reflection you can ignore that last comment. Besides, to protect key components whilst scraping along deep ruts, the underbody protection cover has been extended and the chassis has been strengthened with the addition of an extra cross member.

No matter which model you opt for, the D-Max is capable of towing up to 3.5 tonnes and and is able to carry a payload of over a tonne. All 4x4 models are equipped with trailer sway control and Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control.

Another selling point is that every variant of the all-new Isuzu D-Max weighs under 2,040kg and is therefore subject to normal passenger car speed limits. Some double cab pick-ups these days exceed this weight limit so must comply with goods vehicle speed limits which are 10mph lower on single and dual carriageways.

With a different interior to the D-Max Utility I drove a few issues ago, the V-Cross offers passengers a bit more class and comfort.

There’s soft-touch panelling, a 9” multifunction colour touchscreen with a CD player and eight speakers, an autodimming rear-view mirror and a smart leather interior is complemented with V-Cross branded carpet mats.

I especially appreciated the bank of switches that control the heater and ventilation, but I could only find one USB port up front, though you get 8 cup holders, 6 up front and 2 in the back.

The seats are supportive and you have masses of leg room both up front and in the back and plenty of nooks and crannies to store stuff.

Isuzu are rightly proud of the fact that their new D-Max is the first pickup to achieve a maximum 5-star safety rating award in the tough new Euro NCAP test, which is no small feat.

The ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist Systems) package includes forward-facing stereo cameras and, as a result, every model comes with Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Limiter and Lane Departure Warning & Prevention System.

As the only UK pickup to feature a rear radar as standard on all double cabs, these models include Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Emergency Lane Keeping, as standard.

Inside you’ll find that a new driver’s knee airbag is standard on all models, and double cabs are now equipped with eight airbags, including a new centre airbag which offers additional protection in the event of a side-on collision.

There is also a new E-Call system which dials the emergency services in the event of an accident. This is a mandatory requirement for the Euro NCAP 5-star rating as it automatically activates when the airbags are deployed. In the event of a less serious collision or to report an emergency incident, the driver can simply press the E-Call button on the overhead console.

As I mentioned earlier, Isuzu has stuck with the 1.9ltr diesel that delivers 161bhp and 360Nm. These days it requires the use of AdBlue and the 14 litre tank is located underneath the body, in front of the fuel tank with the filler conveniently positioned next to the fuel filler.

The D-Max remains a capable off-road and work-ready pick-up, but now it’s far better on the road along with a more updated interior.

Prices start at £21,009, though for the V-Cross expect to pay £31,259 for one with a manual box, or £32,759 for the automatic. Isuzu offers you a lengthy 5-year (or 125,000-mile) warranty, and 5 years of roadside assistance. On top of that you also get a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.

more at » https://www.isuzu.co.uk