Truth be told, my expectations for the latest D-Max had been sullied even before experiencing the product.
Last year we had seat time in the Mazda BT-50 — which shares its essential ingredients with the Isuzu and came to market before its Japanese compatriot.
It was, to be frank, a poor effort. The Mazda rode atrociously, managing to jiggle and shake on virtually all surfaces. Even smooth asphalt felt like corrugated dirt tracks in this double-cab.
The Isuzu-sourced 2999cc turbocharged diesel motor also appeared to be neutered somewhat, with a character that didn’t quite translate into the 140kW and 450Nm promised on paper.
In addition, pricing was off in comparison to the established set from Ford, Nissan and Toyota. In October 2021, when we drove the Mazda in high-tier 3.0 Individual guise, it had a list price of R794,400.
At the time, the Ford Ranger 2.0 Bi-T Wildtrak 4x4 automatic went for R806,500, the Navara 2.5 DDTi Pro-4X 4x4 automatic cost R740,000 and the Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4x4 Legend automatic had a price tag of R793,000.
Specification was nothing to write home about (it even had cloth seats), while similarly priced rival products packed considerably more in the features department as standard.
That aside, we liked the interior layout, smooth-shifting six-speed automatic and exterior styling, though we couldn’t quite come close to recommending it in good conscience. So, it was understandable that my approach to the Isuzu D-Max would be tempered with mild trepidation. The manufacturer launched its latest pick-up in April.
It is crucial to remember that while the Mazda is built in Thailand, the Isuzu is produced in the Eastern Cape, at the Gqeberha facility used by the carmaker for several decades.
In 2020, Isuzu released communications about the introduction of the new D-Max and its steps in the lead-up to launch. Obviously, they were not going to leave the fate of a product with such an esteemed heritage to chance. Development and engineering under SA conditions, specifically for our market requirements, was the priority, according to the company.
And if you ever get the chance to drive a D-Max back-to-back with the BT-50, the superiority of the former is as glaring as night and day. We spent time with two representatives of the Isuzu range and came away largely impressed. The model marks a considerable leap in all areas, vs the former D-Max.
As before, the pick-up is available in three configurations: single-cab, extended-cab and double-cab. The previous generation model will continue to be sold alongside it, but with a de-contented, rationalised line-up aimed at budget-conscious fleet owners.
Our test with the D-Max was limited to the double-cab version, starting with the middle-tier LS grade, in 4x2 automatic guise, for R537,500. It slots above the basic L model (with its steel wheels); and just below the LSE, with the V-Cross taking flagship position.
The LS boasts the essentials buyers would want and is clearly aimed at the kind of customer balancing workhorse requirements with daily usability and comfort. Our unit looked spiffy in its shade of orange paint, complemented by plain, but attractive 17-inch alloys.
Inside, the bare necessities are present. The cloth-upholstered seats are fulsome and contoured, supporting one’s frame in an assured way. A soft, leather-wrapped wheel is chunky in the palms. The quality of plastics used are fair in the category — and certainly a huge jump compared to what was found in the previous D-Max.
Ergonomics are on-point, with the flat-faced, horizontal dashboard offering a clean, easy-to-navigate layout. My only gripe were the satellite audio controls, where volume adjustment and track-seek buttons caused minor irritations: you intend to press the former, but inadvertently change songs as your thumb makes contact with the latter.
Sure, the seven-inch infotainment screen is not the most impressive in execution and user-friendliness, but its presence ticks the box at least. The system incorporates Android Auto and Apple Car Play.
The entire range is standard with anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and hill descent control. In the LS, seven airbags are part of the deal, as well as cruise control and a reversing camera. Our vehicle was equipped with the 1.9l turbocharged diesel engine (four cylinders); good for 110kW and 350Nm.
It is a reasonable power source with sufficient torque for applications that might include rubble hauling. The characteristic acoustic clatter of the motor is assuring: the type of low stress, diesel heartbeat that would probably tick over for hundreds of thousands of kilometres.
Claimed consumption is 7.3l/100km. We achieved 9.6l/100km after 450km of urban and freeway driving.
You can have a six-speed manual, but our vehicle was equipped with a six-speed automatic that proved hassle-free in operation. Shifts are smooth and without hesitation.
The ride quality offers clear evidence that Isuzu did their homework for the benefit of local customers. About 700,000km of testing was done on Mzansi soil. Torsional and longitudinal rigidity has been increased, uprated chassis mounts purport a reduction in noise, vibration and harshness, while larger, thicker brake discs are on duty.
Coil springs feature at the front with leaf springs at the rear, and while this is converse to the coil set-up adopted by some rivals, it manages to strike a pleasant balance between firm and pliant. Its twin-tube, gas pressurised shocks handle the business of road ruts and ripples with relative composure.
Overall, the D-Max in LS guise is a fine daily companion, easily capable of rolling up its sleeves for hard graft.
Next we drove the V-Cross, offering a more flamboyant, upmarket persona aimed at leisure-orientated buyers. It costs between R760,100 for the 4x2 model and R814,700 for the 4x4 we tested.
Its exterior is distinguished by 18-inch wheels in dark grey matte, a liberal sprinkling of gun metallic elements and a sports bar over the load bin. Our vehicle also came equipped with a lockable roller shutter, hiding cargo from prying eyes.
The V-Cross is only available with the 3.0l turbocharged diesel engine (four cylinders); which produces 140kW and 450Nm. It certainly felt less lethargic than what we recalled from our BT-50 experience. In two-wheel drive mode, around town, the D-Max pulls strongly and that six-speed, self-shifter is happy left to its own devices. The claimed 8.1l/100km consumption is a tad ambitious.
Opening the door, the appointments confirm that this is indeed the chief executive of the D-Max range. Leather interior upholstery, an electrically-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry, keyless start and dual zone climate control are all on the list.
But it gets more impressive for the person behind the wheel as the D-Max V-Cross is equipped with a host of driver assistance features. That includes adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping system that employs steering interventions, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and blind spot alert. You can believe them when they say this is the most technologically advanced Isuzu model yet released in the country.
We all know the pick-up market in SA is hotly contested. With the new D-Max, Isuzu has a contender worthy of sparring with the best.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.