All New Isuzu D-Max

In the ever dwindling UK pick-up market, the Isuzu D-Max has always appealed to a wide variety of drivers, from fleet operators to farmers, and with an all-new model, Isuzu are hoping the tradition continues.

So let's find out what’s new...

Let's begin with the exterior

The all-new Isuzu D-Max benefits from a dynamic new exterior design, which includes a more horizontal bonnet and vertical front face, a new front bumper with contoured fog lights and an ‘assertive’ radiator grille that gives it a much more powerful stance on the road. Newly designed headlights not only improve the look, but also offer improved visibility with Bi-LED headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights and LED front fog lights, depending on which model you opt for.

A newly designed side step protects the body from stone chips and features a non-slip surface, and there’s a new, flush rear bumper that has an integrated rear step.

Workhorse credentials

Let’s deal with the elephant in the room first. Isuzu have opted to retain their 161bhp 1.9 litre diesel, that now requires the use of AdBlue. The 14 litre AdBlue tank is located underneath the body, in front of the fuel tank with the filler conveniently positioned next to the fuel filler. In all the models I drove I have to say that it isn’t the quietest, or smoothest, but it gets the job done.

The All-New Isuzu D-Max is capable of towing up to 3.5 tonnes, and carrying a payload of over a tonne. All 4x4 models are equipped with trailer sway control, and Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control are standard on all variants.

The four-wheel drive system is still shift-on-the-fly and has three configuration settings, but it has a new actuator that now provides much faster transfer between the different drives.

Another bonus is that a rear differential lock is standard on the DL20, DL40 and V-Cross.

To protect key components whilst off the beaten track, the underbody protection cover has been extended, and there is now a new underbody air deflector. The chassis has been strengthened with the addition of an extra cross member. These upgrades have also improved safety even further on side impacts.

Another selling point is that every variant of the all-new Isuzu D-Max weighs under 2,040kg and is therefore subject to normal passenger car speed limits. Many a double cab pick-up these days exceed this weight limit so must comply with goods vehicle speed limits which are 10mph lower on single and dual carriageways.

Safety

Among the raft of new features to adorn the all-new D-Max, perhaps the most coveted is that it’s the first pick-up to achieve a maximum 5-star safety rating award in the tough new Euro NCAP test - no small feat.

The ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist Systems) package includes forward-facing stereo cameras and, as a result, every model comes with Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Limiter and Lane Departure Warning & Prevention System.

As the only UK pick-up to feature a rear radar as standard on all double cabs, these models include Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Emergency Lane Keeping, as standard.

Inside you’ll find that a new driver’s knee airbag is standard on all models, and double cabs are now equipped with eight airbags, including a new centre airbag which offers additional protection in the event of a side-on collision.

There is also a new E-Call system which dials the emergency services in the event of an accident. This is a mandatory requirement for the Euro NCAP 5-star rating as it automatically activates when the airbags are deployed. In the event of a less serious collision or to report an emergency incident, the driver can simply press the E-Call button on the overhead console.

Interior

The interior has been transformed thanks to a horizontal and layered design which gives a more spacious feel. Soft-touch panelling and elegant detailing contribute to a more premium interior which remains fuss-free and practical to operate.

The wheelbase is 30mm longer which creates and more spacious cabin, especially for rear seat passengers who have ample leg room, and an extra 20mm more shoulder room, higher hip points and more reclined seat backs (now 24°).

The steering wheel is height and reach adjustable and there are up to 10 cup holders located around the truck: 6 in the front and 4 in the rear.

Like previous models, the D-Max has several handy storage compartments conveniently placed around the cabin - the upper dashboard for items such as a work notebook, standard glovebox and a top glovebox.

The driver and passenger sunvisors have a clip for business cards, there’s an overhead console for sunglasses, and a convenient spot for your phone in front of the gearstick and close to the USB port.

The instrument panel now features a 4.2" Multi- Information Display on all models, and depending on which model you choose, there are three types of audio system and touchscreens available.

THE RANGE

To appeal to a wide variety of drivers, from feet operators to families, the model range is structured into three segments: Business, All-Purpose and Adventure, with 4 new trim levels: Utility, DL20, DL40 and V-Cross.

Business

The Business range features the Utility trim and this base specification workhorse is offered in 4x2 or 4x4, and in three different cab types: single, extended and double cab. Developed with work in mind, the Utility features a wide range of practical features to ensure drivers are as productive, safe and comfortable as possible.

Utility models are ideally suited to working environments with features like an easily-cleanable vinyl flooring and durable steel wheels, while the bumpers, door mirrors and door handles are made from a hard-wearing black plastic.

All-Purpose

The All-Purpose range consists of the DL20 and DL40, with ‘DL’ signifying it has a rear diff-lock as standard.

All-Purpose models are also available with an automatic transmission, which come with the additional ADAS functionality of Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist.

DL20

DL20 features heated front seats, rear parking sensors, front fog lights and a front centre armrest for increased comfort and practicality, while bodycoloured front and rear bumpers, silver door handles, a medium grey radiator grille and 18” alloy wheels provide a more premium appearance.

DL40

DL40 adds a variety of sophisticated enhancements like distinctive Bi-LED headlights, LED front fog lights, daytime running lights and rear lights, a chrome radiator grille, silver side steps and twotone 18” alloy wheels.

DL40 models also include front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Keyless entry works on both the driver and passenger side, and is accompanied by a push-button start system and welcome light.

The interior benefits from leather upholstery, a leather steering wheel and an 8-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat.

The 7” multifunction colour touchscreen is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and there’s also a dualzone climate control system, allowing the driver and passenger to set different temperatures.

Adventure

Topping off the new model line-up is V-Cross which sits within the Adventure range. It features distinguishing ‘Gun Metal’ exterior styling on the radiator grille, side steps, door mirrors, door handles and 18” alloy wheels.

The premium interior is practical and fuss-free: entertainment is provided by a 9” multifunction colour touchscreen with a CD player and eight speakers,. There is an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic headlight levelling and the smart leather interior is complemented with V-Cross branded carpet mats.

At some point in the near future, I’m confident that we’ll also see the XTR and AT35 variants join the line-up.

What is it like to to drive?

Isuzu only make commercial vehicles, and therefore they focus on making their pick-ups tough, strong and built to go the distance.

The first D-Max I took out was the V-Cross automatic, and around the off-road course, almost immediately, I felt the improvement offered by the revised suspension; it felt smoother, even when unladen.

As promised, switching from 2wd to 4wd and low-box took at maximum a couple of seconds, which was a pleasant surprise. Around the course there were lots of very steep ascents and descents to deal with, and the V-Cross coped with ease, just as you would expect. We even had the opportunity to test out its maximum 800mm wading depth.

The team had dug out some pretty deep, opposing holes on a particularly steep incline, not just to test the articulation, but to show how well the new rear diff-lock works. Driving slowly in low-box it didn’t take long before the two opposing wheels became airborne, and we scrambled to a halt. Within a second of activating rear diff-lock the light was illuminated on the dash, and after gently pressing the accelerator, forward and upward motion was resumed.

Next was the road route, and for this I chose to take out the basic, single cab Utility model, and, oh my, what fun it was.

It’s well known that the manual gearbox of the outgoing model was one to avoid; it just felt wrong. However, this latest unit is a totally different animal, an utter joy to use as it it slips in and out of each gear with ease.

After having a bit of fun zooming along the A54 and A537 between Buxton and Macclesfield, I decided to deviate from the road route as I wanted to check out a green lane.

Macclesfield Old Road offers splendid, yet bleak views across the moors, and at the eastern end, where it becomes a bit rocky, the single cab took it all in its stride. Engaging first gear, low-box meant that I was able to slowly negotiate some of the larger rocks with ease.

Next for the road-route and green lane was the automatic V-Cross, and (because they’re both easily influenced) two other members of the Northern Group of Motoring Writers, Andy and Ben, came along with me in the Utility Extended Cab and red V-Cross, respectively.

Tackling the Macclesfield Old Road green lane in reverse meant that all three of us had a bit of rock climbing to do, and again engaging first gear in low-box, the V-Cross made mincemeat of the rock steps

Back on the road, and the automatic gearbox, which incidentally is upgraded to enable up to 25% faster gear changes, gives the new D-Max a more luxury feel, and does a great job as it reduces inertia loss and provides a smoother ride.

Overall I’m pleased to report that the D-Max has just got better, a whole lot better. It remains a capable offroad and work-ready pick-up, but now it’s far better on the road with a more updated interior. Isuzu has now future-proofed it’s pick-up.