
The all-new Isuzu D-Max has been on sale in South Africa for a little over two months now and having featured on the cover of our CAR July 2022 issue, the compelling contender is showing strong local sales.
Of course this is because the new D-Max takes the fight straight to the segment leaders (in terms of units sold and brand cachet), the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. The predecessor to this seventh-generation model played a consistent number three in the bakkie sales stakes, admirable for what was a notably older product than the two top dogs.
Design
In terms of the design this new bakkie is a far departure from the old-school-feeling model it replaces. Under the skin the D-Max is all-new, the body construction, ladder frame and suspension having been engineered for improved rigidity and better ride comfort and handling over its predecessor. The fresh exterior design hits the mark with a bold and imposing face and the flagship 3,0 TD V-Cross model features many a bell and whistle for those in search of thew perfect ‘lifestyle bakkie’ something which many might consider to be a questionable – albeit very real – new segment.
As a result, leather seats with eight-way power adjustment, Isuzu’s full suite of advanced active driving safety features, eight airbags and is differentiated from the rest of the range with a roller shutter, gun metallic finishes for the grille, fender flares, door handles, mirror caps, roof rails and the distinctive hooped sports bar go a long way to add to both the premium and visual appeal of the D-Max as an everyday companion – tough, but also tres trendy…
Competition
The V-Cross model and can be directly compared to the Ford Ranger 2.0Bi-Turbo double cab 4×4 Wildtrak and Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 double cab 4×4 Legend RS auto, yet these rivals cost R17 400 and R103 200 more respectively.
Interior
Hop into the cabin of the all-new D-Max and those with a keen eye will note that it is rather similar to that of the new Mazda BT-50. Being built as part of a platform and drivetrain sharing deal the two are identical under the skin and share much of their interior trim but sport markedly different exterior designs and thankfully the D-Max suspension has been specifically tweaked for South African traffic and terrain over some 700 000 km of local testing. The seats are a highlight being wonderfully comfortable yet are well bolstered for support while tackling rocky sections of driving. The multi-function steering wheel is wrapped in a quality feeling Nappa leather and offers adjustment for both rake and reach which makes finding the ideal driving position a cinch.
Those who spend lots of time behind the wheel will appreciate the well-thought out cabin which include extra cupholders below the air vents, a specific cellphone area underneath the centre stack, a dash-mounted storage compartment, large door bins and air vents for rear passengers. The ladder-frame design has not eaten too much into rear legroom as I could happily sit behind my own laidback driving position.
Behind the wheel
The new D-Max V-Cross feels solid as you’d expect from behind the wheel with the ride is more forgiving and refined than before. It offers a high-level of specification and keen value while retaining its proven 3,0-litre engine. It does lack some on-paper performance when compared to the 157 kW/ 500 N.m bi-turbo Ranger and 150 kW/ 500 N.m Hilux, however, the on-road performance is more than sufficient. The low-stress drivetrain will keep its die hard fans coming back while the purposeful design should garner attention from new potential buyers. We look forward to having the D-Max in for a full road-test soon.
A five-year/120 000 km warranty and a five-year/90 000 km service plan is included in the purchase price.
FAST FACTS:
Model: Isuzu D-Max 3,0 Double Cab 4×4 V-Cross Automatic
Price: R814 700
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
Words: Damian Adams and John Whittle