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IsUzU D-maX v-Cross

There is without doubt a new growth market and it is in pick-up vehicles, if you look around it was all about SUV’S now it is all about pickup trucks and they seem to be everywhere, writes Bob Hickman.

One manufacturer that has always been at the forefront is Isuzu and their version of the d-Max is of a tough, big and an extremely versatile vehicle, if you are in a trade that necessities moving equipment or supplies and also people then the d-Max has to be a consideration. Surprisingly it is also quite a practical vehicle.

Luggage capacity is somewhat minimal in view of the open rear pickup but the volume that you could carry at just over 1ton is exceptionally good for the traders who may purchase this vehicle.

The d-Max with its double cab has acres of room within the interior so the family can be accommodated without problem and if the trade necessities you carrying some of your workmen with you, they will welcome the luxury that is within the vehicle. In addition to its versatile and its very high stance the d-Max has extremely good off-road capabilities. The option to choose between 2 and 4-wheel drive is a feature and a rear differential lock will assist when the going gets tough and in to the equation a traction control system, hill start and descent also useful if you are off terrain, in the forest if you are a tree surgeon this a vehicle for use or a farmer delivering bales of hay to those wayward sheep on the hills.

The 1.9-litre 4 diesel engine is a clattering noisy feature but it pulls well and I was surprised to achieve 32mpg in a week and 300 miles of very varied terrain.

You do not buy a pickup truck like this for superb leach like handling but sufficient to say it is comfortable but you do need to compromise a little as it is a big vehicle, it sways quite a bit, the steering was very user friendly with excellent feedback from the power assistance.