Isuzu D-Max LS 2016 new ute review
Isuzu Ute has given its mid-range D-Max a bit of a tickle up in the specification department to improve it for buyers.
Isuzu Ute has given its mid-range LS D-Max a bit of a tickle up in the specification department to improve it for workhorse buyers.
Prices have increased by $1000 on the 4x2 and 4x4 manual and automatic variants of the LS D-Max Double Cab models, but the distributor says the rise is justified by the added value of the new content.
The updated D-Max LS 4x2 and 4x4 models are now distinguished externally by a new alloy wheel design and a shark fin-style antenna.
Inside the cabin is a new touchscreen with reversing camera, there's an upgrade to 8-speakers from the previous six-speaker setup, as well as new and different fabric for the upholstery.
The tailgate has a new and more distinctive swage line running across the top of it, as well as a new locking function, and a nicely integrated camera lens within the tailgate handle.
All high-riding 4x2 and 4x4 D-Max models now have a braked towing capacity of 3500kg. These utes are heavy duty.
Tough not rough
Firing up the D-Max leaves you in no doubt this is a workmanlike vehicle, the truck derived four-cylinder turbodiesel engine is a robust and durable unit, and it is unashamedly gruff in its timbre.
The 3-litre turbo diesel engine produces 130kW of power and 380 Newton metres of torque through a five-speed automatic transmission.
Once on the move, the grumbly engine noise quickly diminishes as velocity increases, and inside the cabin, the D-Max LS 4x4 is a relatively quiet motorway companion.
You can switch from high-ratio rear-wheel-drive to high-ratio four-wheel-drive on the fly up to 100km/h and back again, but the low ratio will require you to stop and engage neutral while the electronic transfer case switches the transmission into the lower gears.
Plenty of bling
Isuzu Ute New Zealand had fitted a plastic tray liner with tie down points, as well as carpet mats inside to the Black LS 4x4 on the test, as well as the factory approved towbar kit. These options cost $499, $140, and $1240 plus GST respectively.
Plenty of 'bling' highlighted the black metallic paint thanks to the chromed radiator grille, chromed wing mirror caps, chromed door handles, LS badge and the alloy running boards and 17-inch factory rims.
The LS comes equipped with Bluetooth, cruise control, leather wrapped steering wheel, ABS, ESC, keyless entry, and surround sound stereo, in addition to the newly fitted touch screen and reversing camera.
Conclusion
The newly revised LS will appeal to an audience that wants a comfortable working companion which isn't afraid to get its boots dirty.
I liked to be able to flip up the rear seat squabs which would then allow you to stow large tool boxes or suitcases, or any bulky item that you wouldn’t necessarily want to stow in the tray. It has more than enough power to get off the line, and a decent ride quality regardless of whether it was laden or not.
The LS may not have all the electronic bells and whistles of the Ranger, or the VW Amarok, but it’s got all that is required by a workhorse
It’s comfortable, it's practical, it’s reliable (as borne out by the lack of warranty issues), and with its truck heritage, I can well imagine it will provide many years of faithful service.
Price: $57,990
Note: This was reviewed as a new vehicle.
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