Isuzu cleans up

ARMERS know a thing or two about machinery so for the Isuzu D-Max to be their pick-up truck of choice speaks volumes.

Apparently the D-Max has become the spiritual successor to the legendary Land Rover Defender and that’s some accolade.

In the agricultural community things have to work when the going gets tough and that’s what the D-Max does best.

The same is true in the hunting, shooting and fi shing fraternity and for those who need a good and proper workhorse in the urban world, such as builders and tradesmen.

Sales of the D-Max to farmers in the UK shot up by almost 60 per cent last year just as the Defender went out of production and this year Isuzu is targeting overall sales of almost 7,000 for its new-look truck that’s about to break the mould in the pick-up sector.

Out goes the long serving 2.5-litre diesel engine and in comes an all-new 1.9-litre turbo that delivers just as much clout but is significantly more economical.

As such the D-Max becomes the only pick-up on the market with an engine below 2.0-litres in capacity and while that may raise a few eyebrows, Isuzu has come up with a few surprises.

Developing 164ps the new engine is actually more powerful than the venerable 2.5-litre block and while torque may be down from 400 to 360Nm the gear ratios have been shortened to compensate.

The result is plenty of power just when you want it and the new D-Max can still pull up to 3.5 tonnes and carry more than a tonne.

In fact the maximum payload is more than before – by more than 150kg on some versions and to put that into perspective the new D-Max can pack in some 400 facing bricks on to its load bed - enough to build a sizeable wall.

The five trim levels from the previous line up – Utility, Eiger, Yukon, Utah and Blade – are carried forward and on the Double Cab models we tried the cabin is clean cut, functional and comfortable.

Sat nav is standard on the top two models and the Blade versions now come with heated front seats, soft pad armrests, keyless entry and remote locking all round, including the upper tailgate as well as the posh interior – and even farmers like a bit of bling.

And for any doubters who may think a 1.9-litre engine can’t pass muster in the heavy duty world, Isuzu is launching the new D-Max with the opportunity of a 48 hour free trial of the new model from any of its UK dealers – and all demonstrators will come fitted with towing gear so they can be tried out to the full. Those taking the opportunity will not be disappointed.

CHRIS RUSSON