Focusing solely on commercial vehicles, Isuzu’s new-look D-Max is better than ever and is sure to keep this multi award-winning pick-up at the top of the judges tablesw for years to come.
As a true workhorse, the D-Max remains more utilitarian than its rivals, And when used as a passenger vehicle rather than for commercial use, it is fairly agricultural in comparison to the likes of Ford’s Ranger.
With a five-year, 125,000 mile warranty, a 3.5 tonne towing capacity, and over one-tonne payload, the Isuzu D-Max Has proved itself year after year as being a hard worker. Alongside a 12-year anti corrosion warranty, there is five years of UK and EU roadside assistance.
Outside of the business range of pick-ups, Isuzu offer two models within an adventure range. The pinnacle of this brace of vehicles is the Arctic Trucks AT35. Priced from £52,495 plus VAT, this D-max has been fettled beyond conventional and is suited to extreme adventures due to being on steroids.
For the small-business user, surfer, mountain biker, rough camper, and family user, the high spec V-Cross, starting from £36,495 plus VAT proves very popular. Pricing for the automatic transmission V-Cross, as tested and pictured, starts from £38,495 plus VAT.
“No other pick-up does adventure like it,” states Isuzu UK. “Any time you want to escape to a new landscape or get extreme with your sport, the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross pick-up is packed with all you need to shake off the working week.
“This substantial pick-up features Gun Metal exterior styling, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 9” multifunction colour touchscreen, reversing camera and rear differential lock. Do something v. different with your time, in the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross.”
Top features of the V-Cross include very dark grey exterior styling, gun metal side steps, 18-inch black chrome alloy wheels, keyless entry and push button start system, dual zone climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear parking sensors, and advanced driver assist systems.
Available with a choice of eight paint colours, this D-Max features automatic Bi-LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, high beam assist, LED rear lights, LED front fog lights, and automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensor.
Inside, the driver’s seat is eight-way electrically adjustable with powered lumbar support, And alongside the leather upholstery is a leather steering wheel. Plenty of cup holders and storage features throughout, along with flat folding rear seats.
The 9-inch infotainment hub features Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio, CD player, and a total of eight speakers. Front and rear USB ports add charging convenience.
The advanced driver assist system on the model tested includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency breaking, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed limiter, lane departure warning and prevention system, lane keep assist, pedal misapplication mitigation, blind spot monitor, and rear cross traffic alert.
Other driving features include 4WD shift on the fly, speed-sensitive power steering, traction control, trailer sway control, brake assist system, and hill start assist as well as hill descent control.
Engine wise, all Isuzu D-Max models are fitted with a 1.9-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel unit, which produces 164PS with 360Nm of torque. With a maximum speed of 112 mph, the automatic D-max will travel from 0-62mph in 13 seconds with a combined return of 30.7 mpg.
During my week spent with the V-Cross model, covering significant mileage with a good mix of motorway and mountainous A-Road driving, I saw a combined return of over 31 mpg. Some aspects of that week saw me semi-off-road, where the 240mm ground clearance was of great benefit.
For many years I have been a fan of the Isuzu D-max, putting it through its paces both on and off-road, as well as experiencing first hand it’s working capabilities whilst towing another D-Max. This new-look model with its enhanced aesthetic features, hasn’t changed my perceptions of this highly regarded pick-up.
For those who work in acres not hours: Isuzu has been available on the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) affinity programme since 2015 and also partners with The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC).
