Taking it to the Max with revamped Isuzu pick-up
Isuzu's iconic off-roader has just got even better. On road and most certainly off road as a challenging off-road course on a particularly wet winter day proved
.Revamped for 2025, the iconic pick-up comes with several improvements to the exterior and interior design and an enhanced ability to tackle the really rough stuff.
Not to mention a five-year, 125,000 mile warranty and a VAT inclusive starting price of £32,916. The range is structured into two segments: Business and All-Purpose with four variations: Utility, DL20, DL40 and V-Cross and a choice of angle, extended or double cab configurations.
For the even more lifestyle-conscious, there is the blinged up, but still seriously capable Arctic Truck versions.A favourite for builders, on a farm or families looking for a lifestyle choice, it is bucking the trend with increasing sales in the segment. It is primarily designed to tackle rough terrain and offers 250mm of ground clearance and solid stability.
Already stylish looking in the competitive pick-up truck glamour stakes, it now looks even more muscular with a new radiator grille, bonnet and bumper and smart 18-inch alloy wheels. Also new are Bi-LED headlamps, automatic windscreen wipers, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, keyless entry, and dark side steps for easy access. Primarily a commercial vehicle, there is no shortage of creature comforts to keep the driver happy on the farm, in the Amazon rain forest or even on the school run.
The days of bog basic commercial vehicles are gone and interior features include a new touchscreen. It controls features like navigation and an updated, wireless infotainment system with DAB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a new digital seven-inch driver display - higher spec models have uprated, larger screens.
It offers premium features like cloth or leather heated seats, a new multi-function steering wheel and upgraded door trims. Extra for the DL40 and V-Cross are an eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and larger info screens.
Under the bonnet, the 1.9-litre diesel engine has been retained and paired with a six-speed manual or upgraded auto transmission.It delivers 162 bhp and 371Nm of torque for tackling the toughest of conditions. Traditionally not the quietest of power units, this latest version has better sound proofing to quieten engine noise.
A definite improvement on the road where the ride is surprisingly stable for a vehicle sitting so high off the ground. It does not bounce around when unladen like some competitors and the upmarket interior keeps other occupants in decent comfort. It's no cheap runabout, with economy depending, on the model, hovering around 31-33 mpg with high CO2 emissions at between 220 and 236 g/km.
Equipped with a 4WD Shift-On-The-Fly system, and wading depth of up to 800mm, it’s all built on a sturdy ladder chassis with underbody protection coverings.
With a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes and a loading bay payload over a 1.2 tonnes that accepts a full pallet, the D-Max can handle heavy loads. The tailgate has been redesigned with triple shield taillights and a damper for smooth load bed opening. Added sensors detect trailer swing and lower the speed if any sway is identified, while the refined suspension improves ride quality without compromising the payload.
Each model features the latest generation of Rough Terrain Mode (RTM), an off-road traction control system which works in conjunction with the rear differential lock to maximise torque transfer and keep going through the most difficult terrains. It controls brake force to individual wheels when slippage is detected and directs torque to the wheels with the most grip.
While new displays show the angle of steering and side incline to help the driver decide what's feasible over rough terrain.
On a particularly muddy and difficult off-road course, the pick-up dealt with the challenges with ease. One impressive manoeuvre came when the vehicle was stopped, deliberately, on a steep muddy slope and then started again with little or no wheel slip.Upgraded safety kit includes a full complement of airbags, reversing camera, traffic sign recognition, tyre pressure alerts and dual-zone climate control.
Emergency braking has been improved together wth new intelligent adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor and emergency lane keeping.
The Utility starts at under £33k while the range-topping V-Cross with all the bells and whistles has a price tag of £47,916.
A significant improvement on its predecessor, the latest D-Max undercuts its rivals in price, while offering an impressive range of standard kit and there's the five-year 125,000 mile warranty, not to mention customer loyalty.No wonder it's bucking the pick-up trend with increased sales.
