Isuzu D-Max DL40

D-Max DL40 is a safe bet for your next pick-up

Buxton in the Peak District proved the perfect environment in which to test the all-terrain capabilities of the new Isuzu D-Max. Andrew Walker reports

Isuzu’s new D-Max landed in the UK in May 2020 and Company Car & Van was lucky enough to spend some time driving the new model near Buxton in the Peak District. As established players leave the sector altogether, pick-up competition has shrunk, so Isuzu has high hopes for the latest D-Max. As a commercial vehicle brand only, Isuzu reckons it knows a thing or two about pick-ups, and certainly the new model got off to a flying start when it received a five-star Euro NCAP rating, the first pick-up to receive this under the latest testing regime.

The previous D-Max range had a reputation for toughness, reliability and durability but lacked a car-like interior, on-trend-tech and safety features. The former are still there – this is a pick-up that will go almost anywhere – but it now features some clever new additions that take it from a mountain bike, to a gravel bike, which is a major improvement.

The latest D-Max comes in three ranges – Business, All-Purpose and Adventure – and four new trim levels: Utility, DL20, DL40 and V-Cross. We had the opportunity to drive a number of new models at the launch and after a spin in the range-topping V-Cross, we took to the streets and green lanes in the DL40, the range topper in the All-Purpose range.

First and foremost, the 1.9-litre 162bhp engine carries over from the previous model. The ladder frame chassis, while similar to before, now comes with larger rails, additional bracing plus newer steels, all of which contribute to make it stronger. There’s a longer wheelbase, re-designed rear suspension, a shorter body, with increased load space both inside and out and a newly designed front and rear end.

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What’s new?

For a start, there’s electric power assisted steering, which makes a big difference on and off road. The seats have also been redesigned and are now more comfortable, while the dashboard is more upmarket with a new touchscreen infotainment system. All models now come with a height and reachable adjustable steering wheel, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, DAB radio, Bluetooth, a front USB port and a 4.2” multi-information display. The D-Max load bed is 30mm deeper than it used to be, so Isuzu has put a step into the rear bumper to make reaching in easier. Every Double Cab model now gets a tailgate damper and all models have a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to reduce harmful Nitrogen Dioxide levels; this means it has succumbed to AdBlue.

Payload

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. Another interesting point is that, every variant of the All-New Isuzu D-Max weighs under 2,040kg. Therefore Extended and Double Cabs are subject to normal passenger car speed limits. Many double cab pick-up trucks – Ranger and Hilux included – exceed this weight limit so must comply with goods vehicle speed limits which are 10mph lower on single and dual carriageways.

Can it handle the tough stuff?

Don’t worry; for all its road manners, it’s still perfect for anyone who needs to use their truck off road. The selectable shift-on-the-fly 4WD drive engages faster, rear axle articulation has increased and all models bar entry-level Utility models come with a mechanical rear diff lock in addition to electronic aids that now include hill descent control and hill start assist. We tested it in a variety of situations. In water, it has a wading depth of 800mm, and on gravel and up and over some very steep hills, it performed admirably. The 4WD does engage faster than before and the locking diff, low-range gearing and electronic aids work perfectly.The good news continues in that the economy is good for a pick-up: DL40 manual offers 33.6 mpg/auto 30.7 mpg with emissions of 220g/km and 241g/km respectively.

It’s also very well kitted out. There’s a 7” multifunction colour touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and comes with six speakers. Keyless entry, a push button start, dual-zone climate control, bi-LED headlights, leather upholstery, two tone 18” alloys, silver side steps, front and rear USB ports and an 8-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat also feature.

It’s light and day over the outgoing D-Max. It is much better to drive than the old models and it handles the road much more like a large SUV than before. The 1.9 engine works fine in almost every situation, but it’s lack of out and out pull could be an issue for some.

While other pick-up manufacturers have shied away from the sector, Isuzu is to be congratulated on not only launching a new model, but a massively improved one to boot.

CC&V VERDICT

The new D-Max is much, much better than before and unquestionably the safest pick-up money can buy

CC&V RATING:

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