Isuzu D-Max LS 4x4 2017 new ute review
More than 6700 D-Max pickups have been sold by Isuzu Ute New Zealand (IUNZ) since it set up shop locally in July 2010.
More than 6700 D-Max pickups have been sold by Isuzu Ute New Zealand (IUNZ) since it set up shop locally in July 2010. The most popular model over the past three years is the LS 4x4 automatic double cab.
The mid-grade D-Max LS 4x4 doesn't offer the plethora of electronic driver assistance features found in similar vehicles, such as forward collision alert, active cruise control or lane departure warning/lane-keeping assist.
However, that is offset by a significantly lower retail price and Isuzu Ute NZ reckons its customers are more interested in a tough and durable ute made by a truck manufacturer than a look-at-me show pony.
Genuine accessories
That's not to say the D-Max is a plain Jane, with IUNZ offering a plethora of genuine factory supplied accessories beyond the usual tow bars and bed liners, knowing that customers will happily spend money to kit out their new vehicles for both work and play.
Our Venetian Red LS review vehicle arrived with the bed liner and tow bar package fitted. It was also wearing a genuine accessory bonnet guard, monsoon shields, a black sports bar, as well as black 20-inch alloy wheels.
The black items contrasted nicely with the D-Max LS's chrome radiator grille, chrome wing mirror caps, chrome door handles, LS badge and the alloy running boards.
The LS grade D-Max comes well equipped with Bluetooth, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with remote controls, keyless entry, multifunction display, surround sound stereo, and a reversing camera.
Safety features such as dual frontal, side chest and side head airbags (curtains) are standard. Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and electronic stability control are also fitted. The D-Max LS 4x4 double cab has a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Tough truck
The 3-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine under the bonnet was designed by Isuzu Truck engineers for a long life and maximum dependability. It produces 130kW of power and 380 Newton metres of torque through a five-speed automatic transmission.
The LS 4x4 comes with a traditional on-demand high/low four-wheel drive transmission with a transfer case, but for everyday driving, it runs around in rear-wheel drive.
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. The low ratio will require you to stop and engage neutral while the electronic transfer case switches the transmission into the lower gears.
It’s not the quietest nor the most powerful engine in the class, but the acceleration off the line is more than adequate. The five-speed transmission shifts fluidly and rapidly, and once at a cruising speed of 100km/h, life inside the cabin is relatively muted and serene.
Driving slowly into, and gradually accelerating out of corners is the order of the day. It’s a big unit with a high centre of gravity and therefore needs to be driven in the most appropriate way.
Despite having a leaf-sprung rear-axle as required by a tough truck, the D-Max LS surprised us with the quality of its ride comfort on-road and off-road. The ride quality was also good regardless of whether there’s a load in the bed or a trailer on the tow ball.
The truck easily accommodates five-passengers inside the cabin, the well-side body has a payload of 1000kg, and it has a towing capacity of 3500kg.
The LS 4x4 has an approach angle of 30 degrees and a departure angle of 22.7 degrees so it is more than capable for those off-road excursions when required, although for many people this may be to the boat ramp or the Bruce Road at Ruapehu.
Practical and functional
The cabin of the D-Max is well designed, while the quality, fit and finish of the plastics is very good as you would expect from a Japanese brand.
The cloth upholstered seats are comfortable, and all the controls are intuitive and easily used. My one quibble is that the steering wheel is only adjustable for height and not reach.
There are plenty of storage cubbies in the cabin and I also liked the ability to be able to flip up the two rear seat squabs. That then allows you to stow large toolboxes, suitcases, or any bulky item that you wouldn’t necessarily want to stow in the tray.
Overall
One can sum up the D-Max LS 4x4 as being a comfortable and practical vehicle that's ready to work, despite not having as many bells and whistles as competitor offerings. It’s got all the qualities that a workhorse requires and with its truck heritage, it should provide many years of faithful service.
Price: $57,990
Note: This was reviewed as a new vehicle.
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