Professional Pickup & 4x4 Magazine: Spring 2017 #03

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SPRING 2017

Isuzu on ice: D-Max At35 PLUS!

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NAVARA IN THE SAHARA

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What a year 2016 turned out to be for pickups! Sales reached a record 48,000 units, there was a whole host of new launches and updates, a number of exciting announcements and, of course, the industry’s first pickup truck magazine was launched.

Just three issues in, and things are really ramping up here. In March alone, we drove across the US in a top-of-the-range Ford F150 Limited with a 5.0litre petrol engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission and across Thailand in the new 1.9-litre Isuzu D-Max (more on this in the Summer 2017 edition).

In this issue however, we take delivery of our Mitsubishi L200 long termer (plenty of exciting updates on the way), we hit the Saharan sand dunes in a Nissan Navara, we put the Isuzu D-Max AT35 to the test in the Lake District and we travel to the Work Truck Show in Indianapolis to take an envious look at what American pickup operators have to choose from.

As always, we really hope you enjoy reading Professional Pickup & 4x4 and all feedback is greatly appreciated.

Managing Director

All the best & kind regards,

Tim Campbell tim@pickupand4x4.co.uk

Liam Campbell Editor

Editor Liam Campbell

18 | Navara in the Sahara Nissan invite us to Morocco to put the Navara to the test on the Sahara’s sand dunes - yeeeha!

4 | Industry News Catch up with all of the latest news from the pickup world.

8 | Tachograph Feature Tachographs are a grey area for many operators, but what are the rules and exemptions?

10

Amy Bradley of www.amybradley.co.uk

Additional Contributing Oliver McDonald, Adam Frackelton,

We reveal some surprising information on the Mitsubishi L200 in our long termer update.

Christian Hart, Robert Stuchberry

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14 | Isuzu D-Max AT35 We put the Isuzu D-Max AT35 to the test in icy conditions, in Cumbria’s Grizedale Forest.

Graphic Designer

20 | Long-termer update

10 | American Pickup Show We travel to one of America’s largest commercial vehicle shows to look at big American pickups!

liam@pickupand4x4.co.uk

Professional Pickup & 4x4 Magazine The Old Police Station Golden Hill Leyland Lancashire PR26 7TA Telephone: 01772 286225

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Professional Pickup & 4x4 is published by Commercial Vehicle TV Ltd. Registered company number: 08214195

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3 | SPRING 2017

NEWS Next-gen L200 and Navara to share same platform?

man spearheading the operation, has hinted that there is the possibility of merging the two companies’ pickup operations.

“It’s very possible that we are going to use the same platform (for the pickups), but we’re going to develop the cars differently because the customers are not the same”, explained Mr Ghosn.

“But instead of two different platforms we can have them on the same platform but be completely different products. The cost of development and purchasing will be lower. A common platform, but different developments.”

Currently, the Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi L200 couldn’t be any more different as highlighted in our recent Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan Navara

head-to-head (Summer 2016 edition).

The Navara uses coil spring suspension so it’s a lot more comfortable to drive and has a much larger load area, whereas the L200 has a the longest cab in its class and smallest turning circle.

Both vehicles have only just been launched and, given the lifecycle of around 10 years for a pickup, the jointly-produced product would only be hitting the market in around 2025.

There is no news regarding how this will affect the current joint venture products. The upcoming MercedesBenz X-Class and Renault Alaskan pickups will be based on the current Nissan Navara and the Mitsubishi L200 is also sold as the Fiat Fullback.

SUV and it’s highly likely that it will retain the recently-updated SsangYong Musso name. The new model is expected to feature similar front end styling to the LIV-1 concept car revealed at the 2013 Seoul Motor Show.

“It’s exciting times for SsangYong”, The 2018 SsangYong Musso will be based on a new frame, offered in two explained an insider. “The current model offers great value for money wheelbases, have a 3.5t towing caand is great to drive, but it fails to appacity and, as a sign of managepeal to the more commercial and ment’s confidence in the product, SsangYong has even hinted at a pos- ‘hardcore’ pickup operators”. sible US launch. SsangYong is revital- “This new model, with a 3.5t towing ising its pickup offering thanks to a capacity, larger load bed and a more huge cash injection from its new Indi- powerful 2.2-litre engine, will open an owners, Mahindra & Mahindra. us up to a completely new market.

Codenamed the Q200, the pickup will Along with the other new arrivals, SsangYong will have a very competibe based on the upcoming Rexton

tive pickup and commercial 4×4 line up”.

Prices have yet to be announced and, although the Musso is expected to still be priced very competitively, there will be a slight increase on the current £14,210 plus VAT starting prices. The new models are likely to hit dealerships in the first half of 2018.

Following the news that Nissan has acquired a 34 percent stake in the Mitsubishi Motor Corporation, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has stated that a joint platform for the two companies’ pickups, the Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi L200, is a distinct possibility.

Mitsubishi has been struggling financially since fuel economy scandal relating to Kei cars (small, city cars) in Japan was exposed last year and its hoped that the cash injection from Nissan will help the otherwise successful Japanese company turn things around.

The US$2.2bn deal will create the world’s fourth largest automotive manufacturing alliance (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi) behind Toyota, Volkswagen and Ford. Mr Ghosn, the

New ssangyong rexton to form base for 2018 musso pickup

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Isuzu Updates D-Max for 2017 Isuzu has updated its rugged workhorse, the D-Max, for the 2017 model year. Key to the updates is the new 1.9-litre engine, which retains the same power and towing capacity as the outgoing 2.5-litre, and the introduction of new technology.

The new 1.9 litre turbo diesel engine still produces 161bhp, although torque has been reduced from 400Nm to 400Nm. Isuzu says the new engine is quieter, more refined and economical and has the additional benefit that it meets Euro 6 standards without the need for the addition of AdBlue.

As per previous D-Max models, ShiftOn-The-Fly 4x4 is a key feature which allows the driver to select four-wheel drive on the move and is also equipped with low range gears.

The entry-level Utility D-Max, priced from £15,749 (CVOTR) comes equipped with LED daytime running lights, Hill Start Assist, Variable Hill Descent Control, Bluetooth® connectivity, power windows and air conditioning.

The range-topping Blade (from £26,999 CVOTR) adds tinted windows, 9-inch multi-function touchscreen, remote locking lower tailgate, Blade puddle lamps, front and rear parking sensors, and a col-

our-coded Aeroklas canopy or sports bar with roller cover.

Finally, the D-Max comes with a fiveyear / 125,000-mile warranty, and and running costs are kept down by 12,000-mile or 24-month service intervals.

We were the first UK publication to test the new vehicle, and the full road test, which took place in gruelling conditions in Thailand, will be in the Summer 2017 edition.

NEWS

The best-sellers of 2016

47,715

The pickup sector is hotting up fast with sales reaching an incredible 47,715 units in 2016, and the market already 21.7% up in the first three months of 2017. However, it’s not been good news for everyone involved as there were quite a few movers in 2016 in the sales chart, with model updates and new competitors.

There have been many explanations for this hike in demand last year. A lot of it has been credited to the demise of the Land Rover Defender, with a lot of Defender customers making the switch to pickups.

However, there are other factors to consider too. A number of new models, like the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara, were introduced last year, along with a whole host of special editions like the Isuzu D-Max Blade. The construction industry also enjoyed another productive year with around 3.6 percent growth.

In a fruitful year for the sector, here is the Top 5 according to the SMMT:

#1 Ford Ranger (13,292) Despite being hampered by supply issues from the factory in Pretoria (South Africa), the Ford Ranger was the best-selling pickup truck in 2016.

Ford dealers up and down the country have been complaining that they’re selling stock faster than they can get hold of them, with orders taking as long as 12 weeks to arrive.

One of the reasons behind the Ranger’s success is the price. The top of the range Wildtrak model is priced at just £25,000 plus VAT, although farmers are egibible to significant discount through the NFU (National Union of Farmers).

#2 mitsubishi l200 (8,223) Achieving a respectable second place is the Mitsubishi L200. The Thai-built L200 is competitively priced, comes with a respectable amount of kit and, unlike most pickups, is available in single, crew and double-cab form. Like the Isuzu D-Max, the Mitsubishi L200 tends to perform better with rural and commercial customers.

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#3 toyota hilux (6,504) The Toyota Hilux was once the best-selling vehicle in the segment but the eighth-generation, introduced last year, hasn’t lived up to expectation. The meagre 150hp output means the Hilux is now the least powerful pickup in the UK and, priced at £28,137 plus VAT for the top trim level (Invincible X), it’s also the most expensive. A huge proportion of last year’s 6,504 tally was seven-generation models, with Toyota stating that it’s chasing profit rather than volume.

#4 NiSSAN NAVARA (5,994) The Nissan Navara only started arriving into dealerships half way through the year, but such is the popularity of Nissan’s pickup that its already earned itself a place in the top five. The Navara is the only pickup in our top five to be manufactured in Europe (Barcelona, Spain), and it even managed to top the charts in December 2016 with 815 units. Strong Navara sales continued into 2017, and it achieved third position in the first quarter despite the ‘snapping chassis’ controversy of the old model.

#5 isuzu d-max (5,718) The Isuzu D-Max is seen as the rough-and-rugged workhorse which, along with its respectable towing capabilities, has meant a lot of the old ‘Defender faithful’ have made the conversion. Imported to the UK by International Motors, Isuzu has built up a firm following within the farming and agricultural communities. The D-Max is downsizing from the previous 2.5-litre to a newly-developed 1.9-litre from April 2017, although it produces the same power (161bhp).

How 2017 is shaping up…

In the first three months of 2017, pickup truck sales for the year and there will be a new competitor, are up 23.0% on last year to 14,449. March was the Renault Alaskan, joining the market in Septemparticularly strong, recording 23.0% growth for the ber 2017. new registration plates. The Ford Ranger has been knocked off its perch by the Nissan Navara, with 3,604 registrations in the first three months and 2,584 in March alone. March has also been a great month for the Mitsubishi L200, which is up into second place with 2,143.

The market is on track to surpass last year’s record to reach between 55,000 and 60,000 registrations 7 | SPRING 2017

LEGISLATION

THE RULES & EXEMPTIONS OF TACHOGRAPHS

Many pickup truck operators in the UK may require a tachograph if they are towing for commercial purposes, although there are certain exemptions. There is a lot of confusion within the construction and farming industries regarding tachographs, but this article attempts to dispel the myths and shine light on the subject.

Affected vehicles According to Article 2 of the European Union’s Harmonisation of Certain Social Legislation Relating to Road Transport (EC 561/2006), all vehicles “where the maximum permissible mass of the vehicle, including any trailer, or semi-trailer, exceeds 3.5 tonnes” must run a tachograph.

With the exception of some large American pickup trucks (like the larger Ford F250 and Ram 2500), pickup trucks without a tow bar, generally, are not required to run a tachograph as they all fall well below the crucial 3.5t gross vehicle weight threshold.

However, as soon as a tow bar is added, even if the vehicle isn’t towing, it then becomes subject to tachographs as the permissible weight increases by whatever the towing capacity is (usually between 3 and 3.5 tonnes).

So, if you have a Ford Ranger with a gross vehicle weight of 3.2 tonnes, you don’t require a tachograph. The moment a tow bar is added, the gross vehicle weight (GVW) is negligi8 | SPRING 2017

ble and the gross train weight (GTW) of six tonnes applies.

Tachograph exemptions There is good news, in that there are a lot of exceptions. The most famous exception is the ‘hire and reward’ argument, i.e. if it’s for recreation or leisure (towing a horse box, jet-ski, car for banger racing), you’re unlikely to face prosecution although, even in these circumstances, there could be an issue if there’s a cash prize involved.

Nothing new there, then. However,

tricity maintenance services, road maintenance or control, door-todoor refuse collection or disposal, telegraph or telephone services, radio or television broadcasting or detection of radio or television signals.

Other notable exemptions includes vehicles used by agricultural, horticultural or forestry undertakings as part of their own entrepreneurial activity to carry goods within a 100 km radius of their base, and specialised vehicle breakdowns within 100km of their base. nd Other exemptions can be found on there is a recently updated (2 March 2015) piece of legislation that the DVSA exemptions form increases the radius of which the op- (https://www.gov.uk/government/u erator can travel from his or her base ploads/system/uploads/attachment_ without a tachograph from 50km (31 data/file/506417/hgv-tachographmiles) to 100km (62 miles) for certain exemption-declaration-form.pdf).

If you are unsure whether or not you uses. need a tachograph, seek advice from This applies to vehicles or vehicle trailer combinations with a maximum DVSA. You can also call 0300 123 9000 or email weight of 7,500kg which are either tachosection@vosa.gov.uk used to carry materials, equipment or machinery for the driver’s use in the course of their work or when driving the vehicle is not the driver’s main activity.

The 100km rule can also be applied to farmers whose vehicles are transporting live animals from farms to local markets and slaughterhouses.

There is also special dispensation for vehicles involved with sewerage, flood protection, water, gas or elec-

SHOW REVIEW

2017

TRUCK SHOW

The Work Truck Show, organised by NTEA (National Truck and Equipment Association), is held every year in Indianapolis and is one of America’s largest truck shows.

All six major pickup manufacturers were present at the event, showcasing a wide variety of exciting products.

Whereas the UK pickup truck market peaked at just under 48,000 units last year, an incredible 2,692,540 pickups were registered in the US over the same period. Of this number, 2,244,142 are classed as ‘full-size’ pickups and 448,398 as ‘mid-size’ pickups, although the mid-size market has experienced huge growth over recent years.

Most manufacturers offer both a full and mid-size truck.

Interestingly, very little separates the two types of vehicles in terms of payload and towing capacities, with the main differences being the power outputs the size of the cab and load area.

Despite the market growing steadily, a number of manufacturers have withdrawn their pickups from sale over recent years, like the Cadillac Escalade EXT, Suzuki Equator, Chevrolet Avalanche and the Dodge Dakota.

General Motors is world-renowned for its muscle cars and pickup trucks, and two of its brands, Chevrolet and GMC, took the Work Truck Show as an opportunity to display the flexibility of its mid-size (Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon) and full-size (Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra) pickups.

The Colorado/Canyon is now into its second-generation (introduced in 2014) is based on the Isuzu D-Max, but features a redesigned front and rear end, driveline and interior. Confusingly, there is also a ‘global’ Chevrolet Colorado that is built in Thailand and sold in Australia and New Zealand as the Holden Colorado.

From launch, the American Colorado and Canyon were available with the choice of a 2.5-litre Ecotec (200hp/259Nm) or a 3.6-litre V6 (308hp/372Nm) but in 2015, this was joined by the 2.8-litre (181hp/500Nm) Duramax turbo-diesel - the first time a diesel engine had been offered in a mid-size truck in the US. For operators looking for a little more power and presence, the Silverado/Sierra 1500 definitely ticks the boxes.

Engine options start with the ‘dinky’ 4.3-litre V6 (285hp/414Nm) and extend to the 5.3-litre V8 (355hp/519Nm) and 6.2-litre V8 (420hp/624Nm), and the

10 | SPRING 2017

The only pickup not to feature at the 2017 Work Truck Show was the Honda Ridgeline. Now into its second generation, the Ridgeline is aimed at lifestyle customers and is distinguished by its unibody design and independent rear suspension.

transmission choices consist of six and eight-speed automatic.

In terms of practicality, payloads vary between 875 and 1,020kg, and a towing capacity of up to 5,670kg. There are two wheelbases offered, corresponding to load lengths of 1.98 and 2.44 metres.

ed to be many differences between the American and international Ranger.

The Ford Transit replaced the long-running Ford E-Series in 2014, and has quickly established itself as the market The Ford F150 was introduced in 1948 and since 1981 leader for commercial vans. Pennsylvania-based Quigleys has been the best-selling vehicle in the US. Now into its converts thousands of Transits each year into 4x4s for 13th incarnation, the F150 is as popular as ever with both commercial customers. lifestyle and commercial customers, with over 820,000 In the next issue, we will be road testing the flagship sales in 2016 alone.

Ford F150 Limited, with the 5.0-litre V8 and 10-speed auLatest generation models shed almost 400kg in weight by tomatic! employing military-grade aluminium sheets for the body panels. Power and torque ranges between 282hp and 385hp and 343Nm and 525Nm across the four engines (2.7-litre EcoBoost V6, 3.5-litre V6 Cyclone, 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 and a 5.0-litre Cayote V8), and they are coupled to either a six or 10-speed automatic. A 3.0-litre Powerstroke (254hp/600Nm) diesel will be offered from 2018.

Ford withdrew its mid-size pickup, the Ford Ranger, from sale in 2012, but the recent growth in the market prompted John Ruppert, Ford’s general manager for commercial vehicle sales, to confirm the reintroduction of the Ranger to the American market “in the next couple of years”. Unlike previous models, there isn’t expect-

Nissan’s pickup truck offering consists of the full-size Titan and the mid-size Frontier, which will be very familiar to European operators as the previous-generation Navara with only a handful of alterations for the North American market.

The Nissan Titan is the newest entrant to the full-size pickup market, having been launched in 2003. It has struggled to capture the American public having sold just 21,880 in 2016, despite boasting two powerful engines; a 5.0-litre Cummins V8 turbo-diesel (310hp/752Nm) and a 5.6-litre VK V8 petrol (390hp/534Nm) with a six and seven-speed automatic respectively.

One of the Titan’s downfalls is variety. There are just two engines, two trim levels and one wheelbase on the double-cab (usually there are two). The bed length is quite short at 1,702mm and the payload is as low as 700kg on some double-cab models, although there is a respectable towing capacity of up to 4.5 tonnes.

While the exterior of the Frontier is very similar to the Navara, it’s a different story under the bonnet. The entry-level 2.5-litre petrol (152hp/232Nm) is complemented by a 4.0-litre QL V6 petrol (261hp/381Nm).

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Chevrolet Ram Trucks is the smallest of America’s ‘Big 3’ when it comes to pickups, having sold 489,418 units in 2016. Ram pickups were traditionally badged as ‘Dodge’, but it was made a brand and division in 2010 following Fiat’s takeover.

The Ram 1500 was introduced in 2009, and is looking increasingly outdated when compared with its newer competitors. There are two petrol engines; a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 (305hp/364Nm) and a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 (395hp/556Nm), and a single diesel engine, a 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V6 (240hp/569Nm) which also features in the Maserati Levante and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The diesel engine, although still gaining traction with American operators, is the most fuel-efficient in its class, achieving 29 mpg (US) according to the EPA – which isn’t bad for a country that pays less than £2 for a gallon (US).

Along with Nissan, Toyota is another latecomer to the American pickup market. Unlike Nissan though, the Japanese manufacturer is making serious inroads, clocking up over 300,000 pickup truck sales in 2016 across its two vehicles.

Interestingly, the smaller Toyota Tacoma is the better seller and is the mid-size market leader. The Tacoma was launched in 1995 as a replacement for the Hilux, and in the early years still shared many common components.

However, as time went on, the Tacoma and Hilux developments became more independent with fewer shared parts.

There are two wheelbases on the double-cab Tacoma corresponding to load bed lengths of 1,537mm (similar to the Hilux) and 1,871mm. Payloads vary between a measly 500 and 750kg and the towing capacity is equally disappointing at 1.5 tonnes, although this is upgraded to three tonnes with the V6 tow package. Engines include the entry-level 2.7-litreVVT (181hp/244Nm) and the 3.5litre VVT V6 (278hp/359Nm).

Moving up to the Tundra, the maximum payload remains very low at 934kg, although the towing capacity is far better at 4,773kg. Engine options are limited to the aluminium 4.6-litre i-Force V8 (310hp/443Nm) and the 5.7litre ‘i-Force’ V8 (381hp/543Nm).

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Ram withdrew the mid-size Dakota from general sale in 2011 but its dealers are keen to see its return. Considering that sister company Fiat Professional launched the Fullback (based on the Mitsubishi L200), there is opportunity for Ram and Fiat to combine force to develop a global one-tonne pickup in-house.

ROAD TEST

Isuzu on ice D-MAX AT35 PUT TO THE TEST

14 | SPRING 2017

Through collaboration with off-road specialist Arctic Trucks, Isuzu is able to offer the most extreme pickup on general sale in the UK. We put the mean-looking D-Max AT35 to the test on the snowladen fire roads in Cumbria’s Grizedale Forest.

Building and adapting 4×4 vehicles for over 25 years, Arctic Trucks is one of the world’s leading experts when it comes to off-road vehicles. This is the first time UK customers have been able to purchase an Arctic Trucks pickup through an authorised dealership.

Upgraded to the Arctic class One of the most obvious alterations is the ride height. Arctic Trucks has raised the body by 30mm and the suspension by 20mm which, combined with the big tyres, results in a 125mm lift in the chassis height. This increases the ground clearance to 318mm, wading depth to 650mm and the approach and departure angles to 36 and 28 degrees respectively.

Fox Performance Series shocks have also been fitted all-round, which help deliver increased mobility over even the most rutted tracks and brutal boulders.

The AT35 sports all-terrain Nokian Rotiiva AT tyres, which help to create that ‘butch’ look and pro-

vide excellent grip in the most challenging and slippery of situations, the manufacturer claims.

The extended wheel flares are not only designed for housing the 35inch tyres they give the Isuzu DMax AT35 a powerful look making it stand out from the crowd.

Optional upgrades include the sports bar for a heavier-duty offroad look and the Arctic Trucks Truxedo that provides added security for cargo in the load bed.

Furthermore, off-road extras such as a 27-LED work light can provide widespread illumination under darkness, skid plates provide enhanced under-body protection, and an ARB tyre inflator with inline gauge help the most adventurous continue on their way.

Business as usual elsewhere The only modifications have been to the exterior body to improve off-road performance and aesthetics therefore, in terms of the cab, driveline and the load area, it’s business as usual for the DMax. Aside from the extra effort required to lift yourself into the cab, there are no changes to the interior. The cab is spacious and there’s great visibility, thanks to a low-lying dashboard, and there are plenty of useful storage spaces including a large, lidded central cubby.

Based on the Yukon model, there is a lot of spec included as standard like air conditioning, rear parking sensors, steering-mounted controls, cruise control, leather seats (heated in the front) and a CD player with auxiliary, USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

The load area is short, but wide; measuring 1,485mm but 1,570mm respectively. There have been no alternations under the bonnet, either. Isuzu’s famed 2.5litre unit provides the power; producing up to 161bhp at 3,600rpm and 400Nm at 1,400-2,000rpm.

How it performed On the drive up the M6 to Cumbria, one problem was immediately obvious. The combination of the increased rolling resistance associated with the wide tyres and poor aerodynamics associated with the higher chassis had a negative effect on the fuel economy. The veteran 2.5-litre engine averaged 30.8mpg at 70mph, which is down from the 34/35mpg that we usually get out of the standard D-Max. Once we reached the Lake’s famous winding, narrow-track roads, the fuel economy looked more promising and the noise generated by the high air resistance started to subside. Despite the raised suspension, the AT35 composes itself very well into the bends.

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ROAD TEST Some of the D-Max’s charms start to show on these roads, like the elevated ride position which allows you to see beyond the elderly couple in front that have been holding you up for the past four miles for potential overtaking spots.

Onto the fire roads, the D-Max AT comes into a world of its own. The electronically-selectable fourwheel drive system has three settings (2Hi, 4Hi and 4Low) and is fly-on-the-shift so transfers can be made on the move. Like most manufacturers nowadays, Isuzu has replaced the locking differential with a traction control system.

On the night before our January road test, a couple of inches of snow had fallen but you would never have guessed. The combination of an excellent traction control system, four-wheel drive and the Rotiiva AT tyres meant that the D-Max AT35 was as surefooted as a mountain goat on the slippery terrain.

The re-engineered suspension cushions the ride without depriv-

ing you of that essential ‘feel’ for whatever you are driving over and hill descent is controlled by automatic engine braking.

The D-Max finally met its match on an ice-covered 50% ascent.

Four-wheel low had to be engaged and with the occasional kick of traction control, the twotonne machine was able to climb the steep incline.

Pricing and availability All models are only available through select Isuzu dealerships and come with Isuzu’s five-year

Technical data Engine: 2,499cc inline 4cyl DOHC with 16 valves and direct-injection two-stage turbo system Bore and stroke: 95.4 x 87.4 mm Output: 161hp @ 3,600 rpm and 400 Nm @ 1,400-2,000 rpm Transmission: Six-speed manual Chassis: All-steel body mounted on steel ladderframe chassis Suspension: Independent coil springs front/leaf spring rear with 20mm lift and Fox shock absorbers Wheels: 315/70 R17 AT Nokian Rotiiva tyres riding on 17 x 10 -25mm Offset AT Alloys Length/Width/Height: 5,295/1,860/1,785mm App/dep/RO angles: 36/28/32 degrees GVW/GCW: 3,050kg/6,000kg Clearance/wading depth: 318mm/650mm 16 | SPRING 2017

manufacturer warranty. Prices start from £30,995 plus VAT for extended cab models with double-cabs at £33,495 (the fivespeed automatic is a £1,000 premium).

This represents a £8,000 lift over the price of the current flagship model, the Blade, so it’s a very pricey upgrade. These modifications could be retrofitted a lot cheaper, although this may invalidate the warranty and affect the residual values.

ADVENTURE

Navara in the sahara Dune driving techniques When it comes to off-road driving styles, sand dune driving has to be one of the most exhilarating. Some of the sand dunes in the Sahara reach up to 200m and the steep climbs and descents get the adrenaline flowing like a roll coaster, but there are a number of techniques you need to know before you hit the slopes.

The journey there…

Our starting post was a small oasis town called ‘Erfoud’, 350 miles east of Morocco’s largest city and capital, Marrakesh. As a measure of how busy this place is, the airport consisted of a dirt runway and the ‘terminal’ was nothing more than a mud hut with a water dispenser!

After making our way through security (a man called ‘Mehdi’ with a metal detector), our Navara was waiting outside and we began the 100 mile journey south towards the big sand dunes near the Algerian border at Erg Chebbi.

Asides from the road through Erfoud, there were very few tarmacked roads. The day of our trip coincided with market day, which made it hazardous to say the least. We had to avoid people walking out, bicycles, animals, potholes and, to make it really interesting, a large number of car doors that would fling open at the last minute.

Out on the rural gravel tracks, the Navara came into its own. The rear coil suspension made light work of the uneven surface while the traction control meant we could take the corners at greater speed. After two hours of driving, the gravel tracks started to disappear into the sand dunes of the Sahara.

18 | SPRING 2017

Driving techniques 1. The first thing to remember is to deflate the tyres to around 16 to 18 PSI. This creates a larger contact surface with the sand to distribute the weight of the vehicle and avoid sinking – although any lower and you’re at risk of pulling the tyres off the rims when you turn.

2. Never stop on an incline. Always make sure that the route to the top of the dune is clear before starting an ascent, as a loss in momentum inevitably leads to a reverse back down to the bottom.

3. Drivers must also be very aware of the location of other vehicles and the edges of the sand dunes. When approaching the crest, drivers must ease off the accelerator and stop at the top to assess the descent.

4. The last major thing to remember is no sharp turns on the slopes. The high centre of gravity of pickups and unstable sand means that it’s a lot easier to roll than you’d imagine.

Due to its proximity and extremity, the Sahara Dessert is a popular spot for 4x4 adrenaline junkies from the UK. A popular route is to get a ferry from the south coast to either Dunkirk or Bilbao, and then driving down to Algeciras in southern Spain to board another ferry for Morocco.

19 | SPRING 2017

LONG TERMER

An L200 joins us on the farm Mitsubishi has kindly lent us an L200 as a long term test vehicle for six months. It’s the flagship Barbarian model (sitting above the Warrior, Titan and 4Life) and comes packed with equipment, like SatNav, climate control, keyless entry and start, reversing camera, etc.

Under the bonnet is the newly-developed 2.4-litre engine, producing 178bhp and 420Nm. This is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, although there is the option of a five-speed automatic.

Most comfortable cab in the class The interior of the Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian is the most comfortable and one of the most luxurious in the pickup sector. The cab is the longest in the class which provides plenty of legroom for front and rear occupants, and the low, sloping bonnet and low sitting windows provides great all-round vision. Driver and passenger well-being was clearly a priority for the designers of the L200 and the six-way adjustable driver seat is fitted with very soft cushions and plenty of padding, which provides great comfort.

Faster than a 3.2-litre Ranger The new 2.4-litre engine from Mitsubishi has two power ratings of 151bhp/380Nm and 178bhp/430Nm. Peak power is achieved at 3,500rpm and peak torque at between 1,500rpm and 2,500rpm.

Combined with the extremely light chassis (just 1,855kg on the Titan model), higher output double-cabs can reach 62mph from standstill in just 10.4 second, which is faster than the 197bhp, 3.2-litre Ford Ranger.

20 | SPRING 2017

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