Long Weekend Rider
The so-called ‘cab and a half’ is well suited to partners who require a roomy cabin, but still prefer a bakkie over an SUV – and Isuzu makes a good one.
We took another long test drive, this time 2 000 km to Namaqualand and back. A large percentage of that distance was along gravel roads and so we were glad that we could carry our mattresses, clothing and sleeping bags inside the Isuzu D-Max’s cab. The dusty load bed was fine for stuff like our tent, jerrycans and camping furniture.
Although our test vehicle only had twowheel drive, we managed to do relatively easy 4x4 trails by engaging the diff lock and relying on the good ground clearance.
How does it drive?
Isuzu is known for producing comfortable bakkies although other manufacturers have caught up. A Toyota Hilux, for instance, is no longer the bone shaker it used to be. The only negative is Isuzu’s reputation for being slow. That reputation must end because the 1.9 turbodiesel fitted to our test vehicle was surprisingly nippy.
The automatic gearbox is accurate and the interior is quiet even at highway speed.
How does it compare?
Two other bakkies have extended cabs: the current Ford Ranger Super Cab and the
Toyota Hilux Xtra Cab. The Ranger has the longest total length at 5 354 mm (9 cm longer than the Isuzu) and both the Ranger and D-Max can tow a maximum of 3 500 kg as opposed to the Hilux’s 2 750 kg. You can also load a full ton in the D-Max and the Ranger, but only 820 kg in the Hilux.
The D-Max’s relatively small 1,9 ℓ engine produces 110 kW and 350 Nm which isn’t a lot lower than the 2.2 Ranger at 118 kW and 358 Nm, nor the 2.4 Hilux’s 110 kW and 400 Nm.
Regarding after sales, the Ford Ranger is taken care of by a four year/120 000 km warranty and a six year/90 000 km service plan. The Hilux has a three year/100 000 km warranty and they provide nine ‘free’ services over 90 000 km. The Isuzu has them beat with five years of peace of mind in both categories.
Conclusion
We couldn’t believe how well the 1.9 engine performed. No, we didn’t have anything on the towbar and our camping gear was minimal, but the D-Max exceeded expectations. The interior finishes are smart and we highly recommend the cab and a half D-Max to couples who don’t need the extra seats of a double cab.