Isuzu DMAX – go anywhere practicality
Words by Mark Slack
When you think of a pick-up it’s usually as a practical vehicle for tradesmen or perhaps a dual work and family vehicle, capable of sporting adventures and other family activities. One thing that is perhaps overlooked is the off-road capability and based on my recent experience the latest Isuzu DMAX is particularly impressive in this regard.
Whether on a building site or estate the off-road capabilities of these vehicles can prove a useful, and in some cases, essential factor in the purchasing decision. With selectable all-wheel-drive and a wading depth of 800mm it’s got the capability to keep going when the terrain gets tough.
The DMAX is available in the All-Purpose range and the Utility business line-up with all bar the cheapest single cab utility model coming with four-wheel-drive as standard. It’s a selectable system via rotary dial on the dashboard so very easy to use. DMAX’s rough terrain mode and rear differential lock, along with a traditional ladder chassis means it can genuinely cover rocky, rutted, water logged and muddy ground with relative ease. Good entry and departure angles add to its capability off road.
Standard fare, even on the entry level utility models, include such items as automatic lights, main beam assist, automatic wipers, heated door mirrors, 8-inch colour touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, air conditioning, cruise control and a ‘damped’ tailgate. Bear in mind these are all standard on the lead-in utility model that starts from £32,916.
Move further up the range and the equipment levels climb to encompass the likes of power adjustment including lumbar support on the driver’s seat, heated seats, dual zone air conditioning, leather upholstery, alloy wheels, dimming rear view mirror, keyless entry and engine start plus front and rear parking sensors.
Power comes from a well-proven 1.9-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel developing 164PS, not that much when you consider the size of the vehicle, but crucially lots of low-down torque from just 2000 rpm. Although it takes a leisurely 12.7 seconds to the benchmark 62 mph it actually doesn’t feel like it’s struggling and is more than capable of maintaining the cut and thrust of everyday traffic.
Despite being the same engine as in the previous version Isuzu appear to worked some magic on the refinement as it sounds and feels all together smoother and more refined. If you want an alternative to a go anywhere SUV, that’s arguably more practical, then the DMAX could prove a winner.
