Isuzu D-Max 2010 Review

SLIGHTLY bemused grey-haired couples are becoming increasingly common guests in 4WD ute showrooms. But like the thief in the bank foyer, they're not there for the shopfront decor. The 4WD ute has become the target for retirees that aren't seeking desolate desert trails but simply want to tow caravans on an around Australia adventure.

Isuzu is just one smart 4WD ute maker that has seen its showrooms fill with holiday makers. But though it's a solid packhorse, its core D-Max ute shows it is exceptionally capable in most road and off-road conditions. Thanks to new pricing deals, it is also capable of attracting the contents of most wallets.

VALUE

The D-Max LS-U dual-cab ute usually sells for $42,500 plus on-road costs. It's now $39,990 drive away as a manual, adding $2000 for the more retiree-friendly four-speed automatic. For that you get a bulletproof drivetrain strung between a rugged ladder chassis and topped by an uninspiring four-door cab with a metal tub behind.

It's biggest feature is the ability to comfortably tow 3000kg and have a 300kg towball downforce - which is exactly what the greybeards are after. The basics in the D-Max are all there - aircon, cruise, trip computer, electric windows/mirrors, alloy wheels and CD player - to appeal to those making the transition from a passenger car.

The price, even without the current sub-$40,000 deal, is better than the rivals. Arguably, the Isuzu has a tough reputation and after a day in some harsh bush conditions, it clearly showed it can back this up.

DESIGN

It looks a lot like - and is cheaper than - the Holden Colorado. That's because despite being built in different Thai factories, they're the same vehicle. That changes later next year when I hear that Isuzu brings out a new ute model and Holden sources its ute from the US, possibly from Chevrolet. No-one gets excited about the D-Max's styling but if you do, seek counselling.

It is simple, effective and all strictly business. Inside, it's the same. There are some worthy highlights, notably good personal storage spaces - big glovebox, four cupholders in the front (though, oddly, none in the back), deep door pockets and a lidded centre console.

Hard plastic abounds but doesn't look depressing. Rather, the cabin has a likeable functionality. The rear bench seat takes three adults at a stretch. The seatback folds down for stowing hard items within the security of the cabin.

TECHNOLOGY

The drivetrain is simple and relies on well-proven engineering. The common-rail turbo-diesel is a strong, durable unit that features double-walled cooling for the cylinder head and a chain for the twin camshafts. Chains don't need replacing - and are very unlikely to suddenly snap - compared with camshaft belts.

The only diversion from tradition is the push-button engagement of the transfer case but, to me, that just makes life so much easier for the driver. Chances that the case's electrics will go south are about equal to a manual-change gearshift lever snapping. Suspension is torsion bars at the front and a live axle with leafs at the rear. Solid and simple.

SAFETY

Not too much to report here. It gets a three-star crash rating, two airbags and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution. It doesn't get ESC - like the Mitsubishi Triton - and that is unlikely to change until later next year.

DRIVING

On the bitumen the D-Max surprises with a relatively compliant and noiseless ride that only becomes less comfortable when the asphalt gets bumpy. Even with the tray empty and one occupant, it's a pretty good ride given the basic suspension. But uneven bitumen produces chassis shudders that typify vehicles with body-on-frame construction.

The steering feels vague and over-geared and needs familiarisation through fast corners, while tyre grip is heavily dependent on the driver abiding by speeds posted on road signs. In the rain and without ESC, utes like this can become tail-happy and ultimately dangerous, so reducing vehicle speed in poor road conditions is critical.

The engine is a beauty, purely because it has stacks of low-end torque. That makes driving the manual so easy, allowing gears to be skipped, while economy is pleasantly in the low 9-litres/100km bracket.

In the dirt this is almost unstoppable. The test track is merciless and on a hot summer's day in the Perth hills, becomes a dust bowl. With limited off-road areas now in Perth, this track has become a series of deep holes - so deep that the side steps get caught and the ute throws wheels in the air. But the limited slip differential, ultra-low first gear ratio, reasonable 225mm ground clearance and long rear axle travel only caught the D-Max twice. In both cases, it's only a matter of reversing.

VERDICT

Great ute at a great price, though needs stability control before becoming family-friendly.

ISUZU D-MAX LS-U DUAL-CAB UTE

Origin: Thailand
Price: $39,990 drive away
Engine: 3-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel
Power: 120kW @ 3600rpm
Torque: 360Nm @ 1800rpm
Fuel: Diesel
Fuel tank: 76 litres
Economy (official): 8.1 litres/100km
Economy (tested): 9.4 litres/100km
Greenhouse: 195g/km (Corolla: 174g/km)
Transmission: 5-speed manual; 2-speed transfer case; part-time 4WD
Brakes: Disc/drum, ABS, EBD
Turning circle: 12.1m
Suspension: Double wishbones, torsion bar (front), live axle, leaf springs (rear)
Wheels: 16-inch alloy, 245/70R16 tyres; full-size spare
Dimensions: length: 5030mm, width: 1800mm, height: 1735mm
Wheelbase: 3050mm
Ground clearance: 225mm
Weight: 1869kg
Payload: 1036kg
Tow (max): 3000kg
Towball download: 300kg
Warranty: 3yr/100,000km, roadside assist
Service: 15,000km
Features: Aircon; 6-speaker CD audio; 2 airbags; cruise control; trip computer