Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 TD

I have not yet had the opportunity to test drive the 3liter D-Max, since the launch of the new Isuzu D-Max in October 2018. Almost a year later I got the opportunity and it was like driving it for the first time, since my initial thoughts was almost erased from memory. The bit of driving we did during the launch was more a teaser than anything else.

Although I did manage to test the new D-Max in the form of the 2.5 X-rider in April this year, it was still not the 3.0 liter.

As with the previous road test on the X-rider I headed for the Eastern Free State and hooked a motorcycle trailer with 3 off-road motorcycles. I wanted to test the Trailer Sway Control that detects and minimises the effects of a trailer or caravan beginning to sway from side to side and also the performance of the 3.0 liter 4×4 LX since it is capable of hauling 3.5 tons.

The 3.0 liter had no problems towing the trailer and where I frequently had to gear down on the 2.5 liter I managed to stay more in my gears and just stepped on the fuel peddle a bit harder when I needed that extra power. This power is derived from the 6 speed manual that benefits from optimised gear ratios and an improved shift action. It also makes the most of the strong torque delivery and the superb fuel economy of the dependable 3.0 liter four cylinder intercooled turbo diesel engine, which produces 130kW of power and 380 Nm torque.

The 3.0 liter is not just at home on the tar road, but hitting the back roads of the Eastern Free State you realize that this vehicle’s suspension can handle anything and that the handling and control on the gravel roads is very good. This stays one of my favourite testing areas as you can combine tar, gravel and 4×4 in one trip.

Engaging 4 wheel drive is done smoothly with the turn dial and the driving experience was pure pleasure and being able to swift between 2WD High, 4WD High through the shift on the fly system makes the transition from tar onto gravel roads easy without you as driver loosing time by stopping to select a driving mode. The cab also features less road and wind noise and having luxuries such as cruise control and a reverse camera makes driving a pleasure.

One of the coolest safety features for me was the fact that you cannot pair your phone via Bluetooth if you are not in park mode. This can also be headache for your kids, or a bonus for you since the kids cannot change the phone connected while the vehicle is moving should they think your music is old fashioned.

Another safety feature I like is Isuzu’s Brake Override System (BOS) whereby the system restricts accelerator input if the brake pedal is applied simultaneously, thereby reducing stopping distances in an emergency. The rear bench seat also fold up with a 60/40 split and the back rest can fold down….this gives you a lot of options when loading into the rear of the vehicle.

The only negative for me is the fact that all my passengers complaint about the seats being too hard and uncomfortable, while my driver seat was well cushioned….Passenger comfort is important so hopefully this is something that can be addressed with the next generation of D-MAX that will now be manufactured in South Africa.

The overall ride and handling, performance and fuel efficiency was good, but I also did struggle with the electronic fuel range gauge that at one stage went from 150km left to and immediate fuel refuel warning within 5 km of travelling…..then searching for the nearest fuel station can be a whole challenge on its own.

Isuzu has done a great job with the D-Max and we look forward to the new D-Max that will from now be built in South Africa (see the article under Motoring News).