Professional Builder tests drives an Isuzu pick up that has MAX-ed out on new features
If you’re going to choose a commercial vehicle then a company that specialises in the sector would be a good place to start. The Isuzu D-Max has built a reputation for being a tough and dependable workhorse and, when it comes to spec, there’s plenty of choice. The latest iteration is available in four trim levels – Utility, DL20, DL40 and the highest spec V-CROSS. Increased capability, safety and comfort has been built into every level, with some enhancements to exterior styling, including headlamps with integrated indicators, and a bolder radiator rail. Aerodynamics has been improved and the rear tail light features a triple shield design.
At the Utility level there’s a choice of single, extended or double cab but even at this spec the functionality is generous. At the wheel the bonnet design and windscreen provide a wide field of vision. Inside the cab there’s an 8in. infotainment system on the centre console with a larger 9in. on DL40 and V-CROSS, complemented by a 7in. multi-information cluster on the dash. There’s wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and USB ports.
If you’re towing, torque is all important and the D-Max delivers a burly 36Nm joined by 164horsepower. There’s 3.5 tonne of towing ability, in fact, and a payload of 1,205kg.
Safety has always been a priority for Isuzu and that reflected in the highest possible 5-Star Euro NCAP rating for the new D-Max. The camera system now has a much wider field of view from 40° up to 120°, which means it can see a lot more – and a lot further in front. That allows for Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, where the target speed is set whilst safe distance is also maintained from the vehicle in front. Added to that is Traffic Sign Recognition and Autonomous Emergency Braking that recognises potential collisions and automatically applies the brakes.
The real innovation comes with this vehicle’s impressive off-roading prowess via the Rough Terrain Mode traction control system. Selected via a simple button on the console, this intelligent design uses sensors to make sure power is transferred to the wheel, or wheels, with the most grip. It is operational on all four-by-four and two-wheel drive modes even with differential lock and traction control systems disabled. As a result, and regardless of the surface – whether it’s slippery tarmac, viscous mud or deep snow – you’ll have confidence in your D-Max’s ability to cope with conditions.
The launch venue for our off-roading experience was the Gliding Centre in Lutterworth, Leicestershire but it was terra firma that held the challenge. This is a taxing circuit and, with Storm Eowyn raging just before our visit – delivering positively biblical levels of rainfall – there was nothing ‘firma’ about it.
With the Isuzu D-Max Rough Terrain Mode, however, there’s no more stick in the muds. Its clever management of traction makes light work of some very heavy going and greatly simplifies the off-roading experience for the driver. Hitting this kind of dirt in anything other than all-terrain tyres would ordinarily be inadvisable but, with the Isuzu D-Max, road rubber glides over the kind of ground that would give you trench foot.
If the conditions under wheel are difficult what vehicles like the Isuzu D-Max allow you to do is run with a much less aggressive tyre than all terrain. These will wear out quicker are more expensive and increase road noise. Not only that, but all terrain tyres are also less effective on wet tarmac so you’re effectively covering every conceivable surface with the one pick up.
This vehicle is equipped with the usual choice of 2H, 4H and 4L and it is the last of these that will need to be selected for serious off-roading. At the same time, a rear differential lock is available in 4L providing a better performance than a limited slip differential. Add Hill Descent Control to that, and Hill Start Assist, and this pick up is turned transformer-like into a marvel in the muck.
The Isuzu D-Max is equipped with a wider camera on the front which picks up more and allows the system to adjust to what’s coming. Keep the gas on when climbing and you’ll glide upwards. When descending even very steep inclines, if you’ve got the wheels in the right place, you can take your feet off the pedals and let the technology do the work.
The same facility gave us the opportunity to experience a rutted concrete track, this time in 4-wheel high, with traction control activated. Here, there’s the opportunity to open up the vehicle with no vehicles coming the other way. This is the kind of ground that would be more familiar to builders and, again, the suspension and the handling doesn’t disappoint. Even when making tight corners on a slippery surface it will hold.
Where some pick-ups might be more comfortable on a golf course, with a set of clubs for a payload, than on a construction site, the Isuzu D-Max looks a feels like a workmanlike solution. That’s not to say that creature comforts have been neglected and, with four trim levels, you can specify the level of luxury your trade will allow. Add to that some very creditable off-road credentials and you have an accomplished all-rounder.
For further information on the new Isuzu D-Max visit The New Isuzu D-Max: The Best Pick-Up Truck in the UK – Isuzu.
