Isuzu D-Max ON THE ROAD

Review & Photos by Rob McSorley

Isuzu have been making dependable rugged trucks for as long as I can remember and their latest offering promises to be better than ever before. It has more cabin space, better economy, a larger bed and an improved driving experience. We find out how good the D-Max is and whether it is a viable option for day-to-day family life.

Most people would agree that looks are everything but the D-Max is hardly a model that has to turn heads. Instead its design is simple yet nicely detailed with imposing projector headlights, a brash grill proudly displaying the ISUZU emblem and beefy looking wheel arches ready to catch the muck flicking off the the huge tyres. There is no denying that the D-Max is one of the better looking trucks than its rivals helped by its gargantuan dimensions, which it's worth noting are considerable bigger than the model it replaces. Admittedly it pays dividends in the cabin especially in the double-cab version you see here.

Open one of the sturdy doors and its quite a yomp up into the lofty drivers seat but there is a usefully sturdy grab handle on the a pillar. Once inside the cabin is functional, well screwed together and suitably workmanlike with its choice of tough fabrics and hard wearing trim. The design itself is simple and easy to get on with and despite a steering column lacking in reach adjustment its very easy to get comfortable thanks to well shaped seats and a commanding driving position with superb all round visibility. The generous dimensions make way for a spacious cabin with plenty of room for five adults. Equipment on Eiger models is a little sparse but does include the essentials such as alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, electric mirrors and windows, electronic stability control and a Pioneer CD player.

Providing thrust for the two ton D-Max is Isuzu's own 2.5 litre, twin turbo, four cylinder diesel producing 163 bhp. It goes about its business with minimal fuss even if it does sound pretty agricultural most of the time. Peak torque of 400 Nm is delivered from just 1400 rpm providing plenty of low end shove making for startlingly brisk acceleration. Power is fed through the rear wheels in two wheel drive mode through a six speed manual gearbox which has an unobtrusive shift action although far too much vibration is transmitted through the gear lever. By turning the selector on the center console four wheel drive can be selected for tackling the rough stuff with the option of lock mode if needed.

On the road the D-Max acquits itself well, with independent suspension up front and a live rear axle with leaf springs at the rear ride comfort is first-rate. It manages to mop up the worst surfaces with ease and is a lot more supple than we expected. It's clear that the D-Max is designed to have some weight in its bed as when empty the rear suspension is very springy most of the time which can make country lanes a chore, it does however settle down at higher speeds. That said when the road gets twisty the Isuzu has plenty of grip and leans very little in corners, the steering is also nicely weighted and provides good feedback although it can be a little too quick to self center at times. Refinement is also admirable thanks to the long sixth gear and low wind and road noise.

Running a truck of this type is usually not cheap but the D-Max excels in this area with combined economy claimed to be over 40 mpg. Whilst with us we managed a remarkable 38 mpg which meant that the 69 litre tank was good for over 550 miles, perfect for commercial and private buyers alike. Road tax is also very impressive at just £195 per year. Isuzu's have always proved to be relentlessly reliable and the DMAX is likely to be no exception backed up by a 5 year, 120,000 mile warranty for added peace of mind.

Tech Data

Price as tested: £17,729
Engine: 2.5 litre 16v 163bhp - 0-62 mph: 10.5 secs - Maximum Speed: 116 mph -
Economy: 32.1 mpg (urban) –47.9 mpg (extra-urban), 40.9mpg (combined) - Emissions: 160 g/km (Band G) - VED (12 months): £195
Dimensions: Length: 4450 mm - Width: 1780 mm - Height: 1570 mm - Wheelbase: 2635 mm

*data from Subaru UK

DriverVIBE Verdict

The Isuzu D-Max is a superbly well rounded truck mixing class leading economy, a spacious rugged cabin and decent on and off road manners. With improved towing capacity and load space over its predecessor there is very little not to like. Although we feel the engine is a little crude, the gearshift suffers from excessive vibrations and the ride is a touch jittery when the beds empty there is still a lot to like. Especially the asking price of just under £18,000 which is a lot of truck for the money with the added reassurance of an outstanding 5 year warranty. Overall the D-Max is exemplary and worth a look for anyone needing tough transport.

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