Pick-up of the bunch
HOW the champagne corks must have flown in Isuzu’s offices. You sell pick-up trucks and several of your rivals announce they’re packing in making them.
That Volkswagen has stopped selling its pricey top-end Amarok was one thing – and Mercedes-Benz dropping its X-Class pick-up another – but the news that Mitsubishi was leaving the UK market must have triggered big celebrations.
Because its strong-selling L200 really was a key rival.
So it’s great timing for Isuzu to be launching the next generation of its D-Max pick-up. All of the new models are powered by a Euro 6D compliant 1.9-litre diesel engine that produces 164PS – but with a wide range of body configurations and specifications.
Isuzu splits the D-Max models into Business, All-Purpose and Adventure. In Business you’ll find single cabs, steel wheels and two and four-wheel drive powertrains.
Isuzu predicts 25 per cent of D-Max sales will be these models.
All-Purpose will make up 45 per cent and these are split between the DL20 extended cab bodies (with two doors) and the DL40 double cab four-door models. The Adventure range will make up the rest.
Isuzu badges the Adventure models as the V-Cross and that’s the one that we’re concentrating on. Not least because it looks the coolest.
All D-Maxes have new exterior styling (as well as a new ladder chassis) but the V-Cross is the one that really stands out – with a grille and surround, door mirrors, door handles and side steps plus 18in alloys all in gun metal.
There’s a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
We’re testing the automatic, costing £31,929 plus VAT. Isuzu set up a launch event at a quarry in Dorset that has an off-road course.
As with most 4x4 vehicles, pickups included, the D-Max V-Cross will easily manage most terrain its owners will throw it at.
Certainly it will deal with all the sticky situations that the new Toyota Hilux can get itself out of.
The four-wheel drive system is shift on the fly with two-wheel drive for road driving, four-wheel high ratio for grass or mud, and 4wd low ratio for serious stuff.
The Hilux and Ford’s Ranger are rivals and both have more powerful engines which is about the D-Max’s only negative when compared.
What it really has in its favour is a kerb weight of under 2,040kg which means the double cab D-Max models are subject to passenger car speed limits – whereas rivals over this weight must comply with goods vehicles 10mph lower.
The D-Max might have less poke than the Hilux but it’s a more comfortable ride – important if you’re using it as family transport.
The engine is clattery when cold and at low speeds but gets quieter as you speed up. Inside, the V-Cross comes with a 9in infotainment screen but since it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto you can bypass it. All the switches and controls look like they’d stand years of abuse. There’s plenty of room for two adults in the back. Load wise, all D-Max versions can carry up to 1,000kg and tow up to 3,500kg.
If Skoda made pick-up trucks this it what they’d be like. Sensible, with a lot of thought going into the details. The new Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is a no-nonsense workhorse that makes a decent family car.