Isuzu D-Max – heavy metal thunder

SOMETIMES the sound of a good old diesel engine can seem like a breath of fresh air – especially if you’re planning on driving a long distance.

Or if you happen to have spent an extended period behind the wheel of various electric models, that grating clatter can seem like a return to more traditional motoring.

That was certainly the case with the latest generation of the Isuzu D-Max, one of the best performing as well as best value pick-up trucks on the market.

The D-Max is Isuzu’s signature model line-up and not only looks the part both inside and out, but raises the bar in terms of comfort, refinement and safety.

Ranging from single-cab to extended and double-cab versions and with two or four-wheel drive – all variants offer strong fuel economy combined with a 3.5-tonne towing capacity, one tonne payload and five-year/125,000-mile warranty.

And an indication of just how versatile yet user-friendly the D-Max has become is that while the big Isuzu once appealed to people who worked principally in acres, it is now aimed equally at those whose lives revolve around hours.

That’s because it caters for just about every need – and does the job economically and effectively via the three categories of Business, Adventure and All-Purpose, the latter models being more luxurious than the more utilitarian Business ones.

But back to that diesel engine. All D-Max models feature the same 1.9-litre turbodiesel unit producing 164PS, good enough for 0-62mph in 12.7 seconds.

Yes, it’s on the noisy side, especially in its slower paces, but once you pick up pace the engine packs plenty of punch, the aural side dumbs down a bit and the D-Max feels extremely smooth for its size.

It’s a vehicle you really come to enjoy and appreciate – even more so once you get the hang of parking, which can be a challenge at first but becomes simple enough thanks to a pin-sharp reversing camera plus front and rear sensors.

Part of our 350 miles of mixed motoring included a trip to Snowdonia, including both steep inclines and badly potholed surfaces, and we were able to return an average 34.5 miles per gallon – marginally better than the official Combined figure.

On fast roads and motorways the D-Max proved strong and stable, while for off-road tracks the truck’s 4×4 system took care of business.

The Isuzu’s four-wheel drive shift- on-the-fly has three configuration settings – 2H for rear wheel drive, 4H provides drive to all wheels in a high gear ratio for slippery surfaces, and 4L provides drive to all wheels in a low gear ratio for more extreme off-road challenges – but a new actuator now provides much faster transfer between the different drives.

There’s also a wading depth of 800mm and both trailer sway and hill descent control systems are standard kit.

As for passenger space and comfort, the All-Purpose range of which the DL40 Double Cab is a part, affords plenty of room for five – including a centre rear passenger – thanks to a 30mm longer wheelbase than the previous generation versions.

Seating is in soft black perforated leather and the load bay can cope with the contents of a medium size skip, while the cabin has lots of stowage spots, cubbies and 10 cup holders.

There’s a premium eight-speaker sound system, heated seats, keyless entry and push-button start, dual-zone climate control and an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat while the multifunction colour touchscreen is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

You also get the likes of body coloured bumpers, Bi-LED headlamps, LED front fog lights, a chrome radiator grille, silver side steps and 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels.

It’s the complete pick-up, represents excellent value for money and is as smart looking as it is workmanlike.