While the design and styling of the new Isuzu D-Max range give the bakkies a more modern and appealing look, perhaps the most significant part of the redesign is the much-improved reduction in engine and road noise.
The six generations of Isuzu light commercial vehicles released before the latest iteration established an enviable, dependable, and trustworthy reputation for the brand. While it may have lagged a little behind other makes in terms of luxury features for the more leisure-orientated derivatives, it gave nothing away in on-and-offroad capabilities.
Sportier look with a revised front fascia
With the new seventh generation, Isuzu has gone for a sportier look with a revised front fascia and grille with slimmer headlights that include Bi-LED projector headlamps and LED daytime running lights on the LSE specification models.
The roofline is 10 mm lower than its predecessor, but the bonnet and load area are heightened by 15 mm and 30 mm, and the wheelbase is now 30 mm longer.
The wheelbase changes and 25 mm forward shift to the B-pillar allowed for longer front doors, making getting in and out much easy. On the extended cab, the rear ‘suicide’ doors reveal a flat, carpeted floor with two small hidey-hole storage spaces upon opening.
The redesign also means more load box space with up to 15 mm added to the length and 30 mm depth for the sides, giving it a 1-ton load capacity, which is greater than some of its market competitors with around 800-kilogram load space.
Soft-touch textured dashboard and modern tech
The interior has also been suitably upgraded, most noticeably the soft-touch textured feel of the dashboard and the simplified layout.
It utilises a slightly smaller steering wheel than previously, and the range of seat adjustment has been improved along with the provision of 20 mm telescopic adjustment on the steering.
The instrument binnacle features analogue dials for the rev counter, a speedometer, and an extended 4,2-inch LCD multi-information display (MID).
Then, there is the Wide Extended Graphic Array (WXGA) 9-inch display infotainment system that is touch screen activated and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Having spent plenty of time offroad in the previous version in events such as Burn Run, the revision to the interior is not just cosmetic. It invites long-haul journeys to far-flung places with more than enough room for both occupants never to have feelings of claustrophobia.
Ample space at the back
Safety is taken care of by anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Trailer Sway Control.
Along with the dual front passenger crash bags, there are roof rail (curtain) bags, seat side bags and a driver’s knee crash bag.
The 3,0-litre Ddi turbo-diesel engine has also been upgraded and optimised for more torque, lower engine speeds and improved acceleration. The power unit produces 140 kW of power at 3 600 r/min with maximum torque of 450 Nm available from 1 600 r/min.
Noise levels have been noticeably reduced, especially under acceleration.
Driving through a six-speed automatic gearbox (with sequential manual operation for extreme offroad conditions), the D-Max gives very little to its rivals in terms of performance – exiting my test routine with an overall fuel consumption average of 7,9 l/100 km.
The average fuel consumption translates to a tank range of around 962 kilometres – slightly less than the similar Ford Ranger, but the Isuzu has four litres less fuel tank capacity.
Ultimate workhorse and off-road conqueror
On the road, the Isuzu feels solid and rides comfortably, absorbing most of the ripples and other bumps while doing the same on dirt roads and, even unladen, not suffering ‘tail-waggle’ even at increased speeds. Given full reign in four-wheel drive, it is even more poised, and its ability in rough stuff in low range is in the go-anywhere league.
Handling is typically bakkie – quickly into a corner, and it will understeer followed by oversteer in the two-wheel drive. But there is a reasonable level of predictability about this that is easily conquered or contained.
Despite the bulk of the vehicle, it is quite manoeuvrable and, with the aid of the rear camera, can be teased into narrow spaces with little difficulty.
Isuzu Complete Care is standard with the D-Max, giving it a 5-year/120 000 km warranty and roadside assistance, a five-year unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan. The service intervals are scheduled every 15 000 km or annually, whichever comes first.
