AFFORDABLE WORKHORSE

The engine’s smaller but the work ethic remains

Debate has raged for years about what size engine a load-lugging ute needs to deliver meaningful performance and shift all the things utes are expected to shift. Volkswagen kicked things off in 2010 with a 2.0-litre for its first ute, the Amarok, while Ford sparked debate when it introduced a 2.0-litre twin-turbo engine that outpunched the older 3.2-litre five-cylinder in the Ranger.

But Isuzu has taken downsizing to a new level with a 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel in its D-max ute.

Available only in the single-cab version of the entry-level SX 4x2 model, the 1.9-litre shaves $2000 off the asking price compared with the 3.0-litre four-cylinder that is fitted to other D-maxes. The latest deal on offer has the SX at $29,990 drive-away, making it the cheapest way into a D-max.

For that price you’ll be shifting gears yourself. There are no deals on autos, which are about $40,000 drive-away. That’s quite the step up for leaving the gear changing to a computer, although you might be able to talk the dealer down if you’re ready to buy.

The big question is whether the smaller engine is up to the task.

With 110kw and 350Nm it’s well off the 140kw and 450Nm outputs of the standard DMax engine. That’s not the whole story, though, especially when you consider that most twoseat utes will be doing the bulk of their work around town.

While capacity is down by 37 per cent, power is only down by 21 per cent and torque 22 per cent. The 1.9-litre D-max is a featherweight by modern ute standards. At 1620kg for the auto it’s 80kg lighter than its 3.0-litre SX sibling and about 400kg lighter than the dual-cabs that are popular with adventurers and families.

The 1.9-litre also has a shorter final drive ratio, so the engine is revving faster at any given speed. By 70km/h, for example, you’re well into third gear whereas in the 3.0-litre it doesn’t grab third until 74km/h.

It means the 1.9-litre in the base ute doesn’t feel wildly different in suburban acceleration to an Isuzu MU-X with the 3.0-litre. The higher the speed and the more weight you’re carrying the more pronounced the difference.

Shorter gearing means higher revs when cruising, so at 100km/h in sixth the 1.9 is ticking over at 1650rpm, whereas the 3.0 is at 1500rpm.

The 1.9 is more economical, with claimed consumption for the auto of 7.0 litres per

100km, or almost 13 per cent less than the 3.0. Plus it’ll save you $140 in servicing over the first five years.

So, the numbers add up, important for business buyers who are the target for a ute at this end of the market.

Tow capacity is down from the 3500kg limit of the 3.0-litre models, but at up to 3000kg (2800kg for the manual) it’s still useful.

Elsewhere, the D-max SX is a basic bit of kit, with single zone airconditioning that even has an old school slider to recirculate air. Mechanical dials adjust the temperature and fan speed.

The four-speaker sound system lacks depth and you’ll have to pop a key in the ignition instead of pressing a button. The biggest disappointment is the touchscreen, which looks wide until you start the car and realise that a large part of the 7.0-inch screen is taken up by big black borders. At least there’s wireless Apple

Carplay and Android Auto, although we wish there was a volume dial.

Isuzu hasn’t skimped on safety gear. There’s a reversing camera, speed-sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking and driver attention monitoring, while auto models get hit and miss lane-keeping assistance tech.

Elsewhere, the D-max is about work. Steel wheels look functional and the aluminium tray holds loads. Vinyl floors are more about cleaning than comfort.

The suspension is rugged courtesy of “heavy duty” rear leaf springs that buck and jar when unladen. It’s a genuine workhorse ute screaming for at least a few hundred kilos aboard to settle it down.

The SX may be a basic, no-frills proposition but its small diesel gets the job done with a minimum of fuss.

VERDICT

An honest workhorse that makes a convincing case for engine downsizing.