Isuzu D-Max review, test drive

Pick-ups work well for commercial duties, but Isuzu feels there's an emerging consumer market for them too. We put it to the test.

Published on May 13, 2014 05:45:00 PM

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Isuzu D-Max

Though not as basic as the one in the flat deck version, the cabin still doesn't have a lot of frills. The basic dash design is shared with the MU-7 SUV, but it's all black and grey plastic, rather than faux wood and silver trim, and in place of the touchscreen, there is a single-DIN Kenwood audio system. It has to be said, however, that the quality in this cabin is fantastic for the segment, with fit and finish that surpasses its local competition. The plastics feel hard wearing, but at the same time aren't rough around the edges. There are bottle holders in the doors and two cup-holders in the centre console, but neither is large enough to properly fulfil its purpose. There are proper-sized cupholders in a console against the back wall of the cab, but reaching them is a stretch.

This version gets power windows, central locking, steering rake adjust, air-conditioning, and a day-night rear-view mirror. You have to adjust the wing mirrors by hand though, there's no ABS or airbags, and no seat height adjustment either. However, the driving position is really good; not ridiculously high up, but enough to see where the bonnet ends, even if you're not too tall. The fabric seats are a touch firm, but supportive and comfy on a long drive.

Isuzu knows that its name is synonymous with diesel engines in India, and so the D-Max's 2.5-litre, four-cylinder common-rail diesel engine features prominently in the promotional material. Its 134bhp and 29.97kgm feel more than sufficient to haul a potential gross weight of 2,850kg, should you find yourself loading it up to its limit. More in tune with Indian sensibilities, however, the D-Max is claimed to be capable of over 1,000km on a single, 76-litre tank of diesel.