Photo: Isuzu
Best known for world-class diesel engines, Isuzu also makes quite a capable workhorse in the guise of the D-Max. Redesigned from the ground up two years ago, the mid-size pickup truck is scheduled to arrive in British showrooms this March with “superior levels of comfort and refinement.”
Manufactured in Thailand, the UK-spec model is a pretty interesting proposition if you’re a fleet owner, thanks to a five-year and 125,000-mile (201,170-km) warranty accompanied by five years of roadside assistance. Stronger and more durable than the D-Max before it, the newcomer is also more assertive thanks to sharp contours, bi-LED headlights, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Isuzu has also worked its magic inside the cabin, where you’ll find “a sophisticated layered dashboard design and new infotainment systems.” As far as phone connectivity is concerned, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are the highlights. Soft-touch paneling, improved road and wind noise sound-proofing materials, and speed-sensitive electronic power steering also need to be mentioned, along with the shift-on-the-fly 4WD system.
The All-Purpose and Adventure trim levels are a little more capable off the beaten path thanks to a locking rear differential. Isuzu makes a case for larger rails and an extra panel for the frame, which is strong enough for “over a metric ton of payload” and up to 3.5 tons (7,716 pounds) in terms of towing.
Offered with 2WD as standard and 4WD at an additional cost, the D-Max can be specified with a six-speed manual or a torque-converter automatic. Regardless of the drivetrain, only one engine is available this model year in the guise of a 1.9-liter turbo diesel that cranks out 164 PS (162 HP).
The horsepower rating isn’t all that impressive, and the same can be said about the 360 Nm (266 pound-feet) of torque. Don’t forget, however, that Isuzu is all about dependability and reliability. Forcing an engine of this displacement would forfeit those two, which is why the Ford Ranger only offers three years or 60,000 miles (96,560 km) of warranty in the United Kingdom.
Isuzu has also worked its magic inside the cabin, where you’ll find “a sophisticated layered dashboard design and new infotainment systems.” As far as phone connectivity is concerned, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are the highlights. Soft-touch paneling, improved road and wind noise sound-proofing materials, and speed-sensitive electronic power steering also need to be mentioned, along with the shift-on-the-fly 4WD system.
The All-Purpose and Adventure trim levels are a little more capable off the beaten path thanks to a locking rear differential. Isuzu makes a case for larger rails and an extra panel for the frame, which is strong enough for “over a metric ton of payload” and up to 3.5 tons (7,716 pounds) in terms of towing.
Offered with 2WD as standard and 4WD at an additional cost, the D-Max can be specified with a six-speed manual or a torque-converter automatic. Regardless of the drivetrain, only one engine is available this model year in the guise of a 1.9-liter turbo diesel that cranks out 164 PS (162 HP).
The horsepower rating isn’t all that impressive, and the same can be said about the 360 Nm (266 pound-feet) of torque. Don’t forget, however, that Isuzu is all about dependability and reliability. Forcing an engine of this displacement would forfeit those two, which is why the Ford Ranger only offers three years or 60,000 miles (96,560 km) of warranty in the United Kingdom.
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