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Isuzu D-Max 2012 Review

The heavy load doesn't faze it at all.
EXPERT RATING
6

This is ute country. The macho machines are lined up out the front of the Birdsville pub, resplendent with pig-shooting lights, roll bars, oversized tyres and jacked up suspenders.

Our basic no-frills Isuzu D-Max LS-M crew cab almost looks the part with its optional roof racks and standard all-terrain tyres. It certainly helps nullify the embarrassment of turning up to a gun fight with three blunt sticks - in this case our three luxury SUVs.

The Isuzu is our insurance policy and is set to be the real hero of the piece if the other vehicles require rescue.

In the end it's not needed for that, but it is still our pack horse, carrying three spare wheels, camping gear, gas bottles, extra fuel, even a dinghy.

The heavy load doesn't faze it at all. It actually rides better over the lumps and bumps, never hitting the bump stops. Together with the comfortable seats, it was actually the most comfy ride of all four vehicles.

As for the dunes, it was a piece of cake in high-range four-wheel drive with 14psi in the tyres.

Despite the heavy load, it returned 9.7 litres per 100km which is only slightly above the claimed 9L/100km. That makes it good for range of more than 750km out of the 76 litre tank.

For the off-road fanatics, it has 225mm of clearance while approach, departure and breakover angle are 34.6/23.3/21.

For those who don't care, it will tackle just about any obstacle.

Isuzu D-Max LS-M Crew Cab

Price: $42,800
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km
Resale: 52%
Service interval: 10,000km/6 months
Safety rating: 3 star
Spare: full-size
Engine: 2900cc turbo-diesel 4-cyl, 120kW/333Nm
Transmission: 4-speed auto; AWD
Body: 5m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.7m (h)
Weight: 1874kg
Towing: 3 tonne
Thirst: 9/100km; /237km CO2
Options: towbar ($484) and roof racks ($340)

Pricing guides

$20,495
Based on 52 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$10,950
Highest Price
$33,568

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
EX (4X4) 3.0L, Diesel, 5 SP MAN $13,420 – 17,710 2012 Isuzu D-Max 2012 EX (4X4) Pricing and Specs
EX (4x4) Farm Mate 3.0L, Diesel, 5 SP MAN $10,890 – 14,850 2012 Isuzu D-Max 2012 EX (4x4) Farm Mate Pricing and Specs
SX (4X2) 3.0L, Diesel, 5 SP MAN $14,410 – 19,030 2012 Isuzu D-Max 2012 SX (4X2) Pricing and Specs
SX (4X4) 3.0L, Diesel, 5 SP MAN $15,400 – 19,800 2012 Isuzu D-Max 2012 SX (4X4) Pricing and Specs
EXPERT RATING
6
Mark Hinchliffe
Contributing Journalist

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Pricing Guide

$10,950

Lowest price, based on 33 car listings in the last 6 months

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.