The Isuzu D-Max is a household name in South Africa and for a good reason. When it comes to getting the job done, there’s no vehicle more suitable than the Isuzu D-Max, a rugged all-rounder that just works. A Master of all trades and the perfect blend of rugged capability whether off-road or load-lugging paired with both performance and comfort.
The latest version of the D-Max has added a new 1,9-litre engine to its stable but the venerable long-stroke 3,0-litre turbodiesel is still fitted to the flagship model as we tested here. The power output has been tweaked from 130 kW to 140 kW of power and the maximum torque is raised from 380 N.m to 450 N.m. The engine is noisier than some of the latest turbodiesels but this is evident only at low speeds. Performance is more than adequate and the sprint time to 100 km/h from a standstill without a load is just over 10 seconds, leaving enough leeway to still be rapid enough when fully loaded.
Isuzu has always tried hard to deliver a decent ride while remembering the purpose of any bakkie is to carry loads, the latest D-Max manages to improve ride quality even further. With its soft suspension, it is not jarring but smooth and bumps absorbing, this complements the laid-back six-speed Aisin transmission.
Styling has become an important feature and status for the new-age bakkies and the new Isuzu leaves nothing on the table when it comes to appearance. The orange paintwork matched with attractive wheels and a metallic graphite trim. The D-Max is also equipped with LED daytime running lights mounted in the front bumper. The upgrade to LED DRLs ensures high-level response and better light distribution for improved visibility. An added benefit is LEDs consume less power and are more durable than standard lamps, so replacement is less likely.
How much does the Isuzu D-Max 3,0 Double Cab 4×4 V-Cross cost in South Africa?
Price: R814 700
It also gets the Advanced Driver Assist Systems bundle with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and prevention, intelligent speed limiter and traffic sign recognition. The double cab adds blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and emergency lane keeping.
The Isuzu D Max has two main competitors which are the Ford Ranger 2,8GD-6 DC 4X4 Stormtrack which is slightly more refined than the Isuzu, but still capable of workhorse bakkie duties. The Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC on the other hand has features similar to the Isuzu’s, including sporty trim and a standard roller shutter cover for the load bay. It could be the top choice of many potential buyers but does come at a premium price.
Isuzu D-Max 3,0 Double Cab 4×4 V-Cross Automatic FAST FACTS:
Engine: front-mounted, turbocharged, 3,0-litre, 4-cyl, turbodiesel
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 140 kW @ 3 600 r/min
Torque: 450 N.m @ 1 600 – 2 600 r/min
Driven wheels: Selectable Four-wheel drive
Wading depth: 800 mm
Find the full story in the September 2022 issue of CAR Magazine.
