Isuzu D-max LS-T

The LS-T is Isuzu NZ’S top-of-the-line model, with our five-speed automatic transmissionequipped test unit having an RRP of $60,990, and for that you get leather seats (the driver’s six-way electrically-adjustable), a touch screen and reversing camera, and one of the simplest and easiest to use climate air conditioning systems on the market at the moment. The D-max in this company it is now one of the older designs on sale here. The engine harks back, for instance, to a day when you expected to hear a diesel engine – particularly such a large capacity in-line four – chatter away as it went about is work. For all its capacity (at a full 2,999cc the second largest engine in the sample) the 130kw/380nm four is only a modest performer. Ian felt the D-max had “enough power and torque but was just a little noisy.” And Damien was of the opinion that it could do with more, particularly off-road. The lack of any sort of push-button electronic hill descent control was noted by all our testers when we were off-road. Yet once over the fact, the Isuzu was one of the better, more assured performers on our downhill section. “Excellent engine braking helped here,” said John. And even Kevin, who never really gelled with the D-max, admitted that “the low box worked really well.” I was pleasantly surprised with the ride quality on the road. While it is definitely firmer, it had real compliance, and would have been a candidate for top of the class before Amarok and new Ranger came along. “It’s pretty traditional,” offered Damien, “but still good on the road and decent, though not the most refined, off it. The steering is nice too, if a bit distant.” Handling itself is a mixed bag, with a nose-heavy feel, strong understeer and more body roll than I’d ultimately prefer. At ordinary road speeds you are naturally limited in how quickly you want to corner by