The new Isuzu D-Max will be available as an extended cab, single cab or double cab and will sell in four specification levels when it goes on sale in the UK this Summer. Prices range from £14,499, excluding VAT, for the single cab 4x2 derivative, rising to £21,499 for the range-topping Utah specification double cab automatic. Entry-level Isuzu D-Max offers a generous complement of standard equipment, including air conditioning, daytime running lights, electric windows and front, side and curtain airbags. Power for the new pick-up comes in the form of a highly fuel efficient 2.5-litre twin-turbo common-rail diesel engine, available with newly-developed six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions. This advanced Euro5-compliant unit generates 163PS and peak torque output of 400 Nm at 1,400 rpm. The new Isuzu D-Max is also a highly capable load-lugging workhorse with its three-tonne (braked) towing capacity and a payload capacity of over 1,000 kg. New Isuzu D-Max road test The likely best selling model from the new D-Max range, the Isuzu Yukon Double Cab 4x4, immediately impressed with its external and internal appearance and it's a real step up from Rodeo, particularly in terms of rear seat leg and headroom in the double-cab tested. The engine itself is not trendsetting but it pulls very well from low revs both on and off-road, the clutch is long travel as is the six-speed manual gear-change but it is very positive in hand. I liked the surprisingly tight turning circle and the lack of any pronounced kick-back on the road sections we drove and it has reasonable feedback when off-road. Throttle response is very good and it has a crawler for seriously demanding rough stuff. Electronic switching between two and four wheel drive and modes is effortless and nearly immediate. Wheel articulation is good for crossing bumpy ground but the occupants do not suffer unduly because the damping is good. It is not soft or wallowing when pressing along main roads; it does feel a little stiff but I could live with that if I was driving reasonably short distances. Noise levels mostly emanated from the big wheels and tyres but press on hard and the engine noise becomes more noticeable. A run in an automatic model showed what a fine job Isuzu has done with this new transmission. Ratios are good, changes quick and smooth and you can even use the lever in a sequential manual operation if you want, or just drop back into auto-mode as desired. This is the box I would go for. With its professional dealer network and a long proud reputation in the UK, the new Isuzu D-Max is not only daring, but also desirable. Isuzu Double-Cab 4x4 Yukon £18,999 CVOTR (exc. Vat) Mechanical: 4cyl 2499cc 163ps, 400Nm at 1,400rpm, six-speed manual, front coil springs and rear leaves, powered rack and pinion steering, disc and drum brakes Dimensions: L 5.295m; W 1.865m; H 1.795m, loadbay 1.55x 1.53x 0.46m Performance: Max 112mph, Fuel consumption: 38.2mpg combined CO2 : 194gkm Warranty: 5yrs/ 120,000 miles
