The current Isuzu D-Max has been launched with hype and fanfare about an all-new revolutionary vehicle.
The introduction by the Australian public relations and marketing team was nothing short of stellar, and all that was new and important was proudly presented in a modern and professional manner that made a lot of sense.
In many ways, it is a completely new car: new lines, new interior, new powertrain… it has been upgraded in every way and most notably every electronic safety feature has been added. formed so far.
Aside from the hype, however, the new D-Max is known for its uncanny legacy and a cult in a way, it all makes sense.
Isuzu is a truck manufacturing company that specializes in the production of reliable commercial vehicles. The move into the ute world was exciting, but it made sense when a ute at the time was a basic vehicle with a job to do.
So, building on the reputation of its trucks, the Isuzu D-Max hit the market with a truck-style engine and a fairly basic (Holden-derived) styling, while finding a niche in the market. school with gray nomads.
In fact, the Isuzu D-Max proved to be a hit with retirees hooking up the caravan and roaring across the country. The loud engine and basic styling make for a great tow truck, and the D-Max has been known by many as a dependable tow truck.
Basically, the Isuzu D-Max is one of many other vehicles in the dual-cabin 4×4 utility segment.
Dual cabs top the car sales charts in Australia. They are in high demand and fit into our lifestyles by offering unparalleled adaptability and applicability.
So where does the Isuzu D-Max fit in; what does it really have to offer and does its off-road reliability stand up to the hype and reputation? Get behind the wheel of a bright blue D-Max to see how it performs and what it can do off-road.
Right from the first appearance, D-Max looks somewhat different with bold, muscular design. The interior is also a big winner for me.
I am impressed with the Mazda BT-50 (same platform as the D-Max, the interior is the same). Its layout, styling, appointments and colors are sharp.
The downsides, though, are the noisy cabin, the rattling engine (we should have expected less in the Isuzu) and the uninspiring ride.
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The D-Max is a sensible player with good manners at speeds on rougher roads and good performance at slower speeds on tougher obstacles. Four-wheel drive is standard, it’s easy to operate and engage, and the dash lights basically indicate which mode you’re in.
Extensive work was done prior to the launch of the D-Max to improve the factory suspension and this is evident especially at the rear. Changes to the leaf design were developed in Australia and as a result the D-Max offers improved load-carrying, comfort and responsiveness, which is of course more evident on the go. topographic.
Like most vehicles in its class, the D-Max has a proper dual-speed transmission. While the independent front suspension is a trade-off in terms of performance and comfort, again the saving feature on this model is the locking rear differential.
Paired with a suitable low-range gear box, the locking differential dramatically improves the off-road performance of any vehicle. For the best possible results, adding a front locking differential (such as the Selectable Airlock) will provide maximum traction and ability beyond the range of any four-wheel drive system. open any difference.
The stronger CV in this model also adds to its terrain resilience. Among other features such as downhill, there is some sort of traction control. It works fine, but it’s nowhere near what we’ve come to expect from Toyota Prados, for example.
What’s under the bonnet??
The original 4JJ (named 4JJ1) holds legendary status among D-Max owners.
Building on the design, reliability, and performance of the 4JJ1, 4JJ3 offers newer technology that improves power, performance, and efficiency, although its effectiveness has not been proven. The quoted power and torque figures read well on paper, but it’s no real-world cannon.
The engine is well matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, providing solid drivability.
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There is no shortage of aftermarket accessories for the Isuzu D-Max, with a wide variety that complement and improve nearly all aspects of its performance.
Keeping in mind that most vehicles are a trade-off between production cost and performance, you should definitely equip your D-Max if you plan to use it for anything other than supermarkets and schools.
The golden trio is a great place to start – suspension, bull bars and tires.
An aftermarket suspension like ARB’s Old Man Emu Sport or BP51 will deliver enhanced performance, ground clearance and comfort. If you intend to get out of the city, a bull bar is a must-have on Australia’s country roads.
Quality steel bars offer the best protection but making sure your bar is ADR compliant and correctly crash tested in Australia is very important. This is another area where ARB outperforms every other provider. Tires are your only connection to the terracotta and so your life depends on them every time your car moves.
All-wheel drive light truck tires, such as Cooper or Mickey Thompson, will provide improved traction, handling and safety, and will perform better in harsh off-road conditions. with modern compounds that resist chipping and improve tire life and overall performance.
Think about the type of driving you’ll be doing, what you expect from the vehicle, and where you’ll be driving it. Talk to an expert if necessary to get tailored advice on what accessories you really need.
CarExpert tests Isuzu D-Max LS-U+
The current Isuzu D-Max hits the market with the hype and reputation of a modern caravan van, a touring around Australia and a safety-equipped 4×4 dual-cab. It’s not perfect, but still a safe choice based on its reputation, reliability, and sales figures.
I found the D-Max annoying due to its invasive electronic safety features. I’m a strong advocate of active driving, being aware of your surroundings, understanding traffic and ultimately taking control of your own vehicle but the D-Max struggles with you.
I would go as far as to say that the safety features in the D-Max (and BT-50) can be distracting, and especially when you need to focus on the road.
Depending on the situation, you may end up fighting the vehicle to do what you know is safe.
You will see this topic in my articles as more and more manufacturers go this route; If you’re content to sleep at the wheel, these active safety features will be a great fit. If, like me, you’re an enthusiast and pride yourself on active driving, the D-Max will drive you crazy (about that, after talking to current D-Max owners, many people feel the same way).
In favor of the D-Max, there are ways to detract from the safety features.
Overall, I was satisfied but not overwhelmed when driving the D-Max.
It’s reliable, it tows well, and it retains the tough reputation of Isuzu trucks and earlier models, but my frustrations with the driver-assist features have diminished its value.
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THAN: Isuzu D-Max
