New Isuzu D-Max
By Tim Saunders
Life is one long problem, it seems. Things break and need replacing. Whether it’s a sofa that needs throwing out, doors that need collecting or simply loads of rubbish that needs clearing. All of a sudden the to-do list is depressingly endless. Especially with three children aged 10 to 15 and a house that feels like an ongoing work in progress.
This is the challenging backdrop against which I evaluate the brand new Isuzu D-Max complete with Truckman canopy on the rear. It’s a vehicle that really does solve problems and I am so thankful for it. As it arrives it’s as if a huge weight is lifted. Open the split tailgate at the rear and slide in whatever it is that needs transporting. Large awkward items can be strapped in securely. It’s a Godsend, I tell you.
This updated version is sleek and fitted with the latest technology. With its double cab it allows all the family to travel in comfort while carrying whatever luggage is needed such as Henry’s scooter and footballs.
As I get behind the wheel I am met by endless tailbacks on whatever road I choose to go on, terrible embarrassing amounts of litter by the roadside and the deepest potholes known to man. While the D-Max sadly cannot do anything about the first two, it takes to travelling across tarmac lacking, pitted roads like a duck to water. It does the same with speed bumps. I take my son to football training and these anti-motorist humps are unhelpfully positioned in the middle of the road. Usually they catch my wife’s car but the 5ft wide Isuzu escapes unscathed. Oh, it’s a real joy. Now I can appreciate why such a capable off-roader is a necessity on Britain’s broken third-world-like surfaces. I’ve said it before that the roads in Bulgaria were like this a decade ago and my wife and I were appalled at how we used to have to swerve to avoid deep potholes. Now the roles have reversed and we’re doing the same here. What on earth is going on Sir Keir?
On the school run we spy an RAC emblazoned D-MAX by the roadside answering a breakdown.
I drive to Devon on a Friday night fully expecting yet more roadworks. There aren’t actually but instead temporary traffic lights dealing with flooding on some of the main roads. There have been many weather warnings but driving the Isuzu gives the motorist confidence that they can tackle whatever the world throws at them. With its switchable four wheel drive function it’s possible to change between two- and four- wheel drive at speeds of up to 60mph.
Night driving is a delight on empty roads because it is fitted with a row of really powerful headlights that seem to light up the whole world.
“I love being so high up,” smiles Henry (10) as he savours being in the front seat.
The automatic 1.9-litre diesel is capable of carrying over a tonne in the rear, meaning that heavy builder’s materials or even livestock can be transported without trouble. Adding Adblue into the system reduces the nitrogen oxide and its 76 litre tank will travel over 600 miles, returning more than 33mpg over the course of the test.
The leather seats are hardwearing and when driving for more than four hours at a time I feel that the driver’s seat, which is electrically adjustable, could do with more padding for my achy derriere. It comes with all round electric windows and wing mirrors, air conditioning and a decent stereo.
Facts at a glance
