When it comes to pick-up trucks many manufacturers offer them somewhere within their line-up of passenger vehicles, but for Isuzu pick-ups are all they do.
Self-named the pick-up professionals, Isuzu has been the go-to for hard-working fleets for many years. Focusing solely on just one vehicle, their multi award winning D-Max offers something for everyone.
The range starts with a utilitarian model which suits the needs of a farmer or the likes of Northern Ireland electricity perfectly. D-Max then offers progressively more as you move up the range towards a nicely styled family-friendly model with much more tech.
If budget constraints are not a thing, and you want to stand out from the crowd as well as have unstoppable off-road capability, there is the range topping AT35 which is essentially a steroid filled D-Max built by Arctic Trucks on behalf of Isuzu.
First launched over a decade ago, the D-Max stamped its authority on this very commercial segment thanks to its 3,500kg towing capacity, as well as a 1,100kg payload, something that many rivals couldn’t match across their full range.
Combined with its heavy working ability, Isuzu’s build quality and renowned reliability have allowed them to offer a 125,000 mile / 5-year warranty making D-Max an irresistible choice for many.
The Isuzu D-Max DL20 is a versatile and capable pick-up truck that combines workhorse performance with comfort and convenience. It is available in extended cab and double cab variants, with manual or automatic transmission options.
The D-Max DL20 is powered by a 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine that delivers 164 PS and 360 Nm of torque. A 0-62mph sprint is achieved in just less than 13 seconds with a top speed of 112mph.
A combined return of around 30mpg can be expected, although with 1,000kg on the truck bed and with a hefty load on a trailer I would anticipate mid 20’s mpg.
The D-Max DL20 has a strong and durable design, with a strengthened ladder chassis, extensive underbody protection, and an 800 mm wading depth. It also has a spacious and practical load bed, measuring 1805 mm in length for the extended cab and 1485 mm for the double cab.
The D-Max DL20 also offers a range of features that improve its comfort and convenience, such as cloth upholstery, heated front seats, manual air conditioning, rear heating ducts, power windows, remote control central locking, follow me home light, driver’s seat lumbar support, front and rear USB ports, DAB radio, CD player, four speakers, and a 4.2-inch multi-information display.
The D-Max DL20 also boasts a high level of safety and security, with advanced driver assist systems such as cruise control, adaptive cruise control (auto only), forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed limiter, lane departure warning and prevention system, lane keep assist (auto only), AT pedal misapplication mitigation (auto only), blind spot monitor (auto only), emergency lane keeping (auto only), and rear cross traffic alert (auto only). It also has rear parking sensors, ESC (electronic stability control), speed-sensitive power steering, locking wheel nuts, full size spare wheel, and six airbags.
The D-Max DL20 has won the 2023 Pick-up of the Year award from the 4×4 Magazine and achieved the maximum five-star safety rating from the Euro NCAP.
The Isuzu D-Max DL20 is a pick-up truck that offers a powerful presence, unquestionable workhorse DNA, and a comfortable and convenient cabin. It is suitable for various purposes and environments, whether on fields, building sites or on road.
As a working vehicle I still maintain that the Isuzu D-Max is at the top of the pecking order and is worthy of each and every award it has received. If, however, you are using a D-Max like a car through your VAT registered business, I can’t help but feel that the likes of the Ford Ranger automatic is a better and more car-like choice when it comes to comfort and on-road agility.
Pricing as follows:
Extended Cab Manual: £28,929 CVOTR
Double Cab Manual: £29,679 CVOTR
Double Cab Automatic: £31,179 CVOTR
All prices stated are commercial vehicle on the road plus VAT.
Words & Photos: GRAHAM BAALHAM-CURRY
Images must not be used in any way without prior written consent of the photographer
