Isuzu D-Max put through paces

It’s a rare treat, here at The Courier’s motoring desk, when the keys to a pickup truck arrive.

There’s something special about a pickup. They look great, in that rugged American way, and they make you feel like you’re king of the road.

Most of the pickups that come my way are aimed at “lifestyle” customers – those who are more likely to throw some mountain bikes in the back than a pile of plumbing equipment or a few bales of hay. Pickups like the Volkswagen Amarok and Ford Ranger have tried to please these buyers with improved ride quality and comfort.

The Isuzu D-Max is a truck that’s squarely aimed at those who use their pickup as a work tool. It’s rough, rugged and solidly built.

The D-Max was refreshed last year, with the old 2.5-litre diesel being replaced by a more efficient 1.9-litre engine. That’s improved economy – at 36mpg it’s more parsimonious with fuel than most of its opposition.

Acceleration is on the sluggish side – tellingly, Isuzu don’t quote a 0-62mph time for the D-Max – but the engine has plenty of low down power and is well capable of pulling a heavy load.

The D-Max range is split into two – the Utility range consisting of four predominantly workhorse models, mainly distinguished by their bodystyles – a two- and four-wheel drive single cab, an extended cab and a double cab variant.

Those looking for a touch more comfort and convenience have the Premium range to choose from, which includes the Eiger, Yukon, Utah and Blade – all of which are only available as a double cab, apart from the Yukon which can be had as an extended cab too.

I drove the range-topping Blade version, which has luxuries including leather upholstery and heated seats. There’s also a touch screen monitor.

Prices start at under £16,000 (ex-VAT), making it a good-value proposition. Even my range-topping model carried a relatively modest £28,000 price tag.

Anyone who’s driven an Amarok or a Ranger will be disappointed on a long-distance drive. The D-Max is not a comfortable cruiser. The suspension’s a bit bouncy (although it improves if there’s a load in the back) and the engine’s noisy.

But, then, it’s a pickup and it does what it’s designed for well. The fourwheel drive system’s good enough to get across the most inhospitable terrain, it’ll tow almost anything, and it feels like it’ll never break down.

The Isuzu D-Max is a truck that’s squarely aimed at those who use their pickup as a work tool