SOMETIMES sticking to what you do best is the best way to succeed and that is certainly true for ISUZU and their ultra-tough D-Max trucks.
Isuzu only make commercial vehicles and since 2012 they have trebled sales in the UK up to 6,300 in 2023 – now aiming for 10,000 this year as other manufacturers leave gaps in the market.
For instance, you are far more likely to see an Isuzu in a UK farm yard than the old traditional Land Rover… and if there’s one bunch of people who know good value and reliability when they see it then it is farmers.
Also, as the new up-market Defender is aimed at those more likely to encounter nothing more than muddy puddles rather that true off road terrain, commercial buyers are increasing going for pick-ups like the D-Max.
Equipped with a punchy 1.9 litre turbo diesel engine, the Isuzu D-Max pick-up delivers 164PS and 360Nm of torque. Each new model comes with 125,000 mile/five year warranty and five years roadside assistance with towing capabilities of 3.5 tonnes, a maximum payload of 1,120kg and on higher spec versions selectable on the move 4×4 drive.
The 2024 Isuzu D-MAX is distinguished by a revised front-end design incorporating new headlights (now with integrated indicators and LED light signature at the top) and a new bonnet while there are new wheels and a refreshed cloth and leather seat design.
Launched in 2012, revised in 2017 and then an ‘all new’ version in 2021 the 2024 multi award winning range starts with Business Utility 2WD single cab versions at £29,923 on the road through the All- Purpose DL20 Extended cab manual from £36,103 right up to the V-Cross Double Cab Auto at £44,323. There are also special edition Mudmaster and Steel D-Max versions.
Those awfully nice people at Isuzu invited yours truly along with fellow motoring hacks to try out the latest model both on road and over a challenging off road course in the South Yorkshire hills.
And this tough mudder did not disappoint as it tackled some really rough (and wet) stuff with challenging steep drops and deep water fording and then proved to be comfortable and civilized on road, even at motorway speeds
This all round ability is aided by equipment like switchable on the move 4×4, hill descent control, diff locks and low ratio gearing. For added peace of mind there is also a raft of safety kit from parking sensors up to advanced driver assistance including autonomous emergency braking.
The latest D-Max’s ride is much improved on the previous-generation model with suspension noise well contained, which helps explain why the D-Max feels right at home clambering over deeply rutted off-road terrain. The lockable rear differential is standard on DL20 models and above to provide maximum traction in difficult situations.
It has a well laid out and equipped interior with a good elevated driving position with lumbar support on the driver’s seat in all versions (electric on double cab).
Visibility out of the front is good thanks to the lifted driving position, sizeable door mirrors and relatively slim side pillars. Rear parking sensors are standard from DL20 models up, while the DL40 and V-cross get front ones as well, along with a rear-view camera.
A 7-inch infotainment system comes as standard on DL40 D-Max models with an upgraded 9-inch version reserved for the top-spec V-Cross. Also you get a row of physical buttons below the screen for the stereo and a couple of shortcuts to certain functions plus a dedicated easy to use panel for the ventilation system.
As you might expect in something as big as the Isuzu D-Max there’s enough room for even the burliest of occupants to get comfortable and lots of storage.
The Extended Cab comes with two small folding rear seats to occasionally accommodate a pair of rear-seat passengers, with small rear-hinged doors providing access. The Double Cab comes with full size rear doors and seats large enough for three average-sized adults to sit across in relative comfort.
The load bed comes in three different lengths, decreasing as cab size increases and all versions can take a standard pallet lengthways between the wheel-arch intrusions.
There are four tie-down hoops in the bed and higher spec models have a damped tailgate for ease of opening plus the rear bumper has steps so you can reach over the sides to get at anything in the load bed.
Running your D-Max as a company car will be affordable because every version is above the required 1,000kg payload to classify as a commercial vehicle and all models get the basics such as air-con, auto lights and wipers and cruise control.
For more information see www.isuzu.co.uk.
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth