Cars

New D-Max more refined, more efficient and even stronger

Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu D-Max Isuzu D-Max

ISUZU will give its new D-Max pick-up its first public airing at the Balmoral Show in May, writes William Scholes.

The big news is a new 'down-sized' diesel engine. The 2.5-litre unit found in the outgoing D-Max is replaced by a 1.9-litre unit which, despite Isuzu quoting a lower torque figure, is still able to pull 3.5 tonnes, carry more than 1 tonne in its load bay and deliver better fuel economy.

The new engine is almost exactly as powerful, making 162bhp compared to the 2.5-litre's 161bhp, though peak torque has fallen from 266lb.ft to 295lb.ft. Importantly, it doesn't require 'AdBlue' to meet the latest emissions standards.

The engine can be paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. Rear-wheel-drive and Isuzu's 'shift on the fly' 4x4 system - which allows the driver to select four-wheel-drive while on the move - is available. The four-wheel-drive versions get low-range gears.

The new engine's fuel economy on the EU combined cycle is up to 23 per cent better than the outgoing D-Max, with similar improvements for carbon dioxide emissions.

According to Isuzu, the rear-wheel-drive D-Max achieves 45.6mpg and 163g/km, the 4x4 manual 40.4mpg and 183g/km, and the 4x4 automatic 36.2mpg and 205g/km.

Trim levels include Utility, Eiger, Yukon, Utah and Blade, and the D-Max can be had with single-, extended- and double-cab bodywork.

Every D-Max comes with a five-year/125,000-mile warranty and 12,000-mile or 24-month service intervals. Five years' roadside rescue and recovery with European cover is also included.

The cheapest model - with a commercial vehicle on-the-road price tag of £15,749, is the two-wheel-drive Utility single cab.

Isuzu says that as well as being more frugal, the new engine is quieter and more refined.

Entry-level Utility models are equipped with LED daytime running lights, hill start assist, variable hill descent control, Bluetooth connectivity, electric windows and air conditioning.

Eiger double-cab models start at £20,499 and add a reversing camera, 16-inch alloy wheels, body coloured bumpers, an audio system with a CD player and six speakers.

Yukon models, which also start from £20,499, gain 18-inch alloy wheels, silver side steps, a new 7-inch multi-function touchscreen, LED rear lights, cruise control, a rear load liner and a leather steering wheel.

Utah trim, which starts from £24,149, adds keyless entry and push button start, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, DAB digital radio, roof bars, leather upholstery with heated front seats, rear parking sensors and automatic air conditioning.

At the top of the range is the Blade, priced from £26,999, which has tinted windows, a larger multi-function touchscreen, remote locking lower tailgate, Blade puddle lamps, front and rear parking sensors and a colour-coded Aeroklas canopy or sports bar with roller cover.

Design changes include a new front bumper, bonnet, grille and headlights with LED daytime running lights. The roofline has been altered to aid aerodynamics and the tailgate has been reshaped with a spoiler design moulded into the top section. Muscular front wings and flared wheel arches help give the D-Max a tough look.

Isuzu says that the extended-cab version, available in Utility and Yukon trim levels, was designed from the start as an open-cab pick-up, with a second-row, rear-hinged door, also known as the side-access panel, on each side of the vehicle.

"To ensure maximum strength and safety in the event of a collision, the engineers incorporated a one-piece B-pillar into the leading edge of the side access panels," said Isuzu.

"The panel allows uninterrupted access to the side of the cabin, ideal when loading large items behind the front seats.

"The side access panels can be opened from both inside and outside the vehicle."

Interior changes include a redesigned instrument panel, additional USB sockets and better quality trim.

The rear seats in extended- and double-cab models have a folding base, can be folded flat and split in a 60/40 configuration. Extended cab versions also have storage under the seats.

Safety equipment includes six airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control and an electronic brakeforce distribution system.

"The EBD feature is especially important on a pick-up which has to cope with a wide range of laden and unladen payloads," said Isuzu.

"The D-Max's EBD compensates for the front and rear load differences during braking - before the ABS intervenes - preventing rear-wheel lock-up, which can affect some pick-ups."

The new D-Max arrives with dealers soon, and will get its first public showing on stand D7 at the Balmoral Show from May 10-13.