Improved comfort and performance from latest pick-up
1st July 2021
Isuzu’s D-Max pick-up has become a favourite with UK farmers, so it isn’t surprising that the latest version attracted a lot of attention from potential buyers during a week-long test by Farmers Guide. David Williams reports.
The previous D-Max was launched in 2012 and had been updated several times with new trim and extra features. Against some competitors the design had become dated, but the latest model is new from top to bottom including the chassis, cab, engine and transmission.
There are three body styles – single, extended and double cab, and four trim levels – base Utility, DL20, DL40 and V-Cross. Utility is available as 2wd single cab or 2/4wd single, extended or double cab and all have manual transmission. DL signifies higher specification models with a locking rear differential (new to the D-Max range) and DL20 models are available only as 2/4wd with manual transmission on extended cab versions, or with a choice of manual or automatic in double cab format. The DL40 and flagship V-Cross come with 2/4wd in manual or auto transmissions and with a double cab only.
Engine and transmission
Power is from a new 1.9-litre, 4-cyl diesel engine producing 164hp and up to 360Nm of torque, but an upgrade to 200hp is available from most UK dealers. The manual and automatic transmissions are both six-speed, but the latest automatic has 25 per cent faster shifting than before for a smoother ride and improved off-road and towing performance. Models with 2/4wd have 2wd-high, 4wd-high and 4wd-low operating modes.
In low range and at speeds under 5mph the rear differential lock can be engaged by a button beside the main gear stick. It automatically disengages when the speed exceeds 19mph.
Comfortable and well-equipped
The flagship V-Cross, supplied for the Farmers Guide test, has leather seats as standard. Both front seats are heated and the leather is easy to wipe clean making it ideal for farm use. The driver’s seat has full electric adjustment including lumbar support, and it is easy to achieve a comfortable seating position, even for tall drivers. The passenger seat has manual adjustment. The rear seat is also very comfortable, and there is a surprising amount of legroom unless the front seats are fully back. Although the overall length of the new D-Max is 30mm shorter than before, the wheelbase, load bed and cab are all longer, and wide door opening to the front and rear allows easy access.
The quality of finish is excellent, and there were no rattles or loose trim in the cab of the test vehicle. Heating and ventilation are controlled through switches on a horizontal panel just behind the gear stick, and air distribution is through a large number of vents in the dashboard and also in the rear of the centre console so all passengers benefit from the powerful air conditioning.
Noise levels are generally low for a pick-up, and it’s easy to have a conversation between people in the front and rear seats without needing to raise voices while travelling at 70mph.
Visibility is good, and the new steeper front grille makes it easier to judge the distance between the front corners and obstacles. Large external mirrors are ideal for monitoring clearance where space is limited, and when reversing trailers. The mirrors have electric adjustment and folding, but for parking they have to be manually folded using a switch on the door panel before the ignition is switched off, as there is no automatic mode.
New controls
The dashboard is completely new and the layout is attractive. The main dials are easy to read, although the trip computer which is operated by buttons on the steering wheel is fiddly. The V-Cross version has a large 9in central touchscreen to control and display media, but it works best connected to an Android or Apple smartphone.
The new D-Max has plenty of storage. For the driver and front seat passenger there are spacious door pockets, a large compartment under the central armrest, and upper and lower gloveboxes, both with lids. There is also a convenient flat tray with a hinged lid on top of the dashboard, and there are drinks holders in the centre and at both sides.
For rear seat passengers there is storage in the rear of the front seats plus large door pockets, and there are drinks holders in the central armrest which can be folded down is there are only two rear-seat passengers. The split rear seat can be folded and secured using tether straps to provide space for large items behind the front seats. With the rear seats folded, there is access to two hidden storage compartments in the cab floor.
Sprightly performer
Despite being slightly smaller than its predecessor, the new 1.9-litre engine has plenty of power and is well matched to the automatic transmission. At 70mph the engine is at 1,950rpm, although maximum power is between 2,000–2,500rpm. Gear changes are smooth even under maximum load, and when descending steep slopes a lower gear selects automatically for engine braking. Pulling the gear lever to the right selects manual shifting for maximum control, but for on-road driving the automatic gear selection is excellent, and even in hilly areas manual control offered no obvious advantage.
The new D-Max weighs less than 2,040kg unladen allowing travel at the legal maximum speed for passenger cars on dual carriageways and motorways, rather than being restricted to commercial vehicle limits. The new pick-up performs well and even with a heavy load in the rear acceleration was brisk and it easily kept up with other traffic.
Off-road ability
Off-road performance is also excellent. 265/60R18 tyres provide plenty of grip and up to 235mm of ground clearance. The new D-Max also boasts class-leading wading capability. A rotary dial on the dashboard selects 2wd, 4wd, or 4wd and low range, and a push-button by the gear stick locks the rear differential. The lock disengages automatically when the speed exceeds 19mph. Additional driver aids include Hill Start Assist which keeps the brakes applied while pulling away, and Hill Descent Control which maintains a pre-set speed when descending steep slopes.
Improved ride
Suspension is improved on the new D-Max. Isuzu claims advantages including less body roll on corners, reduced vibration, and enhanced grip from the new front set-up, while at the rear a new leaf-spring assembly improves the ride when the load buck is empty – but maintains the previous version’s excellent load carrying capability. The test week included travel on rough stone tracks which highlighted the improved performance, and on winding mountain roads the pick-up felt stable and secure.
Load carrying and practicality
Trailers up to 3,500kg can be towed, and a trailer sway detection system automatically reduces the speed if the early stages of sway are detected, and is standard on all models. The rear load bed is 1,495mm long, 1,530mm wide and 490mm deep, and maximum load capacity is 1,070kg. The rugged load bed comes with plenty of strong tie-down points, and the rear tailgate is secured by a meaty central latch and drops down smoothly on dampers for controlled lowering, a feature admired by all the farmers who inspected the pick-up during the test week.
The V-Cross is on attractive alloy wheels, and although these drew praise from farmers for their smart appearance – their design also attracted comments that they would be difficult to clean.
Owning it
The new D-Max range starts at £22,179 for the 2/4wd single-cab Utility, although the flagship V-Cross automatic tested is priced at £32,749. A five-year, 125,000-mile warranty is standard and Isuzu has an excellent UK dealer network including many specialising in agriculture. During the test week which included almost 800 miles travelling on motorways, hilly minor roads and muddy farm tracks, average fuel consumption was 36.5mpg, and AdBlue use was negligible.
There is little to criticise. Some of the controls are a little fiddly including the trip computer and temperature control, but most are chunky and easy to use – even while wearing work gloves.
Advantages over the previous version include ride comfort, the build quality and finish and the generous specification including numerous new safety features. The new engine and transmission are an excellent combination and for those wanting a practical farm pick-up which can carry five people in comfort, the latest D-Max will rival most other pick-ups and comes with a longer warranty and a competitive price tag.
Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Auto specification
Engine 4cyl, 1.9-litres, 164hp, 360Nm torque.
Transmission – 6-speed auto with manual mode.
Drive – 2wd high range, 4wd high range, 4wd low range. Selectable rear diff lock.
Tyres – 265/60R18
Brakes – Frt discs 320mm diameter. Rr drums 295mm diameter.
Wheelbase – 3,125mm
Ground clearance – 235mm
Approach/departure angles – 31/24 degrees
Load bed L/W/H – 1,495mm/1,530mm/490mm
Gross vehicle weight – 3,100kg
Payload – 1,070kg
Max trailer weight – 3,500kg
Gross train weight – 6,000kg
Warranty – 5 years/125,000 miles.
List price (OTR excl VAT) £32,759.
(Range starts at £21,009 for the 2wd single cab)
