Isuzu’s beefy D-Max extended-cab pick-up: well-built worker with off-road cred

Isuzu D-Max Extended-Cab pick-up

THE Isuzu D-Max replaced the Rodeo pick-up – already something of a success story for the company – last summer. The extended-cab pick-up is from the company’s Utility Range and is aimed at serious business users. The rather more upmarket and spec-laden Premium Range, which comprises only double-cab models, targets leisure users and less robust businesses. As such, the Utility Range is quite basic, but far from Spartan, and the extended cab makes sense if you need extra space for gear, tools, etc, or to carry the occasional third, even forth, crew member. Occasional is the operative word, though. The extended cab area is quite small and the seats are more akin to cushions-and-backpads than proper seats. Rear seat passengers won’t want to travel very far.

Another benefit of the extended-cab configuration is a longer loadbed compared with its double-cab cousins. At 1,795mm, there’s an extra 243mm of cargo length (but only an extra 5kg on the payload). It’s also £1000 cheaper, worth thinking about if you don’t really need a full four-seater pick-up. The D-Max is powered by a gutsy 163hp, 2.5-litre twin-turbodiesel developing torque aplenty at a maximum 400Nm. It feels strong and capable pulling confidently across the rev range. It’s matched to a six-speed manual gearbox which has quite a long lever but is easy swap between ratios. The sixth gear makes the D-Max feel especially long-legged and no doubt contributes to the overall fuel economy, given as 38.2mpg on the combined cycle. Four-wheel-drive is selected by a dash-mounted rotary switch. The low-range reduction coupled with reasonably good suspension travel make the D-Max a creditable performer if your work takes you off road. The ride’s not at all bad for an independent front/rear leaf-spring suspension set up although the rear-end can be jiggly on poorer roads, especially unladen. All in all, the D-Max feels sturdy and well put together. And all D-Max pick-ups are covered by an impressive 120,000-mile, five-year warranty.

What’s hot?

• The D-Max looks good and exudes ruggedness
• Strong engine with plenty of grunt
• Front, side and curtain airbags, ABS + ESC + TCS, manual air-conditioning, electric windows, RDS radio/single CD player fitted as standard
• Creditable off-road performance
• More carrying capacity than a Double-Cab

What’s not?

• Cabin is a little basic
• No keyless entry
• Limited rear passenger space

Business Vans verdict

The D-Max Extended Cab pick-up is a well-built, no-nonsense 4×4 workhorse, that offers extra space for your gear and occasional additional crew. It’s got a longer loadbed than a Double-Cab, and it sets your business van finances back £1000 less. If that, plus good off-ability into the bargain, suits your business, then do yourself a favour and check out this Isuzu pick-up.

What you need to know

On the road price ex VAT (as tested)	£16,749
Load length	1,795mm
Load width (max)	1,530mm
Load height	465mm
Load capacity	n/a
Payload	1,085kg
GVW	3,050kg
Towing capacity braked/unbraked	3,000/750kg
Engine	2.5-litre 4-cyl diesel
Power/Torque	163PS/400Nm
Economy (combined)	38.2mpg
CO2 emissions	194g/km