ISUZU D-MAX

In the January/February 2019 edition of Nkwazi magazine we featured the new Isuzu D-MAX range being launched in Southern Africa.

I had the opportunity to test drive one of these new Isuzu D-Max, namely the Isuzu X Rider during my recent visit to South Africa and decided to load my family and hitch a trailer and explore the mountains of the Eastern Free State in South Africa.

Testing its on- and off-road capabilities was not the only thing that I wanted to see, since I was also interested in seeing how the 2.5lt engine performs when towing a heavy load. So I hitched a large trailer and loaded it with three off-road motorcycles as the Isuzu 2.5lt is capable of towing 2000kg and the 3lt can tow up to 2900kg. The 2.5lt double cab X-Rider delivers 100kw@3400rpm and 320Nm between 1800 – 2800 rpm and it did not disappoint when pulling. Although I had to gear down from gear 5 to 4 when going uphill to keep my speed I easily managed to maintain a constant speed of 120km/h and had that extra power to overtake when necessary. The whole trip was just over a 1000 km and I managed to have an average of 7.6 lt/100km thus making the new D-Max a lot less thirsty.

The Isuzu KB range has been part of South Africans’ fibre for the past 40 years and with the new D-MAX evolving Isuzu still promises you a slick exterior, luxury interior, bold stance and multi-purpose flexibility made for local conditions, business and leisure. Isuzu offers you a choice between in the single cab segment between a Standard D-MAX 250, or Fleetside, or High Rider and also the D-MAX 300 LX. The Fleetside range is just available in the single cab range and not in the Extended and Double Cab range. The new Isuzu is equipped with a refined turbo-charged diesel engine and a choice between manual or automatic 5 or 6 speed transmissions, as well as in 2.5 or 3.0 litre diesel engines in 4×2 or 4×4.

Reaching our destination we decided to explore some of the gravel roads in the area, and again the Isuzu impressed with its stability and ride comfort. Changing from two wheel drive mode into four wheel high modes can be done through the Shift on the Fly system up to 100km/h and the active safety features such as Electronic Stability Control and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution made the ride more enjoyable since you knew you were in safe “hands”.

Venturing off-road was more fun and the highlight of the trip as we managed to tackle some serious obstacles and the X-Rider did not disappoint. The Isuzu was thoroughly put through its paces and the 320Nm torque came in handy, as well as the rear differential lock. Isuzu has decided to fit as standard on its models a Skid Plate and Engine Sump Guard and in the case of the X-Rider an additional Transfer Case Guard for under body protection This gives you that addition peace of mind that you can go more places and tackle almost anything while the underside of your vehicle and engine is protected. The added 225mm ground clearance and 600mm wading depth makes with a 4×4 vehicle that are allowed to explore.

We truly tested the off-road capabilities as we experience cross-axle inclines where we had to engage the rear differential lock, and within a split second it activated and we conquered yet another obstacle. The front Coil over Shock and rear Leaf spring suspension gave traction and ride comfort, whilst the Command Terrain Dial made switching between 4WD high and 4WD low as easy as turning the dial into the mode you require.

Another features that assist you in off-road conditions includes Traction Control, Hill Start Assist (enabling you to pull away without rolling back) and Hill Decent Control (which engages the Anti-Lock Braking System to brake the wheel even on slippery surfaces thereby giving you a controlled and smooth descent in rough terrain). Lastly you also have Automatic Engine Braking that provides control when decelerating down inclines through automatic downshifting for additional stopping power.

But that’s enough of what the vehicle can do on and off-road. Isuzu has again shown innovation by redesigning their rear seat so that climbing in and out of the vehicle becomes much easier. The new look dash has enough storage space with the two glove compartments and cup holders that allows the cold air coming from the vents to keep your bottle of water cold during your drive.

Other features include adjustable front leather bucket seats, air-conditioning, speed sensitive Automatic door lock, multi-function steering control and an impressive infotainment system. The X-Rider had the standard system that includes AM/FM Radio, Bluetooth – Audio Streaming & Hands Free Phone, USB and CD player.

The exterior of the X-Rider also sports a black sportsbar and side steps branded with the X-rider logo. Other exterior features such as LED daytime running lights, a convenient rear sliding window and power adjustable mirrors is only some of the new and exciting touches that Isuzu made to the new D-Max. Isuzu also added cutting edge safety features such as driver and passenger airbags, an energy absorbing front section, side impact protection bars and the D-Max is also constructed around a tough cabin structure.

For those thinking about buying and Isuzu……… the new Isuzu comes standard with a 5 Year / 120 000km Bumper to bumper warranty and it can be upgraded to 6 Years / 200 000km. The service plan is for 5 Years / 90 000km with service intervals of 12 months / 15 000km and Isuzu has been re-trained and now known as “ factory trained” technicians through a specific course offered by the manufacturer.

Isuzu states that “Purchasing an Isuzu is an investment – an active partnership with the goal of lifelong driving pleasure –backed by a brand which consistently produces results aimed at tougher durability, better reliability and improved capability. Isuzu has overall interest in enhancing your life – whether it’s routine, extreme, or anything in-between.”