Isuzu Reviews

For those who really want to go bush, the vehicle options are dwindling. Yet the family-friendly, seven-seat Isuzu MU-X is one of the big surprises - eminently capable in the dirt, very comfortable in the city, fuel efficient, durable and, it could be said, good looking. But it's not for pretenders.There are three models and two transmissions and, though based on the Holden Colorado 7, there are important differences. The Isuzu has fewer kilowatts and one cog less in the automatic transmission than the Colorado, but has a superior five-year warranty, is more economical, has a full-size spare wheel and in the $53,500 LS-T model, a rear DVD player.The excellent iGo satnav, eight-speaker audio (but no Bluetooth audio streaming), reverse camera, aircon in all three rows, leather upholstery and electric driver's seat are all standard. There's no capped-price service and servicing is six-monthly. The LS-T tested is expensive and $49,300 LS-U is better value.The Thai-built wagon is a good looker. The "happy face" nose and the neat side profile with blackened rear-side and rear glass cleverly shrink the MU-X's proportions. The wagon is high off the ground but side steps give good access to the third seat row via a split, fold and tumble second row.The cargo floor is high — courtesy of the bulky live-axle rear and coil suspension — and interrupted by a box containing the luggage blind. Space is 235 litres (all seats up) to 1830 litres. The third row of seats folds flat but the tumble-fold second row reduces the boot floor length.Top marks for the rooftop vents for all rear passengers, two gloveboxes and dash top-box, grab handles, cupholders, storage space and lap-sash seat belts for all seven occupants.The MU-X ("Mysterious Utility" is how SUV translates in Thai) dispenses with the Isuzu D-Max dual-cab ute's live rear axle and leaf springs, bolting in a long-travel coil spring arrangement. The 3.0-litre turbo diesel (130kW/380Nm) and the Aisin five-cog auto are not shared with Holden's products. There are disc brakes all-round and two big skid plates, it's relatively light at 2060kg yet has a 3000kg tow rating.Despite its truck origins, it gets a five-star crash rating, six airbags, rear camera, rear park sensors, hill holder, electronic stability and traction control, full-size alloy spare and brake assist. Hill descent is automatic and built into the gearbox's sensors, though isn't as effective as a switchable system.I expected a truck and happily realised this is something between a 4WD ute and a Toyota Kluger. It is a confident cruiser and sits solidly on the road and is barely affected by sidewinds or rutted bitumen. The engine is torquey and forgiving — more docile and feels more powerful than the Colorado — with surprising economy. An electric switch controls the two-speed transfer case.Gravel and sand failed to slow this wagon and the high ground clearance and long-travel rear suspension made short work of washouts. The turning circle is large — typical of the genre — which can frustrate city owners. Good ride comfort over rough terrain and quiet highway cruising makes it one of the better all-rounders.

They're both Thai-built seven-seaters derived from big utes, but there are some important difference.

We turn the spotlight on the Isuzu D-Max LS-Terrain auto crew cab and ask the crucial questions, including  the biggest -- would you buy one? What is it? Once a Holden now an Isuzu, the D-Max is the result of the split between the two companies that saw the birth of two utes sharing the same architecture but with

The MU-X is a seven-seater based on the same underpinnings as the D-Max ute which in turn is itself based on the same platform as Holden's Colorado/Colorado 7.

Isuzu restored the classic eight-tonne SBR to celebrate its amazing milestone of 25 years as the best selling truck-maker in Australia.

If driving a Range Rover or LandCruiser briskly through the bends is akin to pedalling a block of flats, then this is like steering a housing estate.

Chuck a tonne in the back of your new one tonne ute and chances are the towing capacity drops right away. They can't take the weight in the tub and through the tow bar at the same time. Not the case with the new Isuzu D-Max ute which can handle up to about 950kg in the load tub and still pull its 3.0-tonne towing capacity - without spilling its guts all over the road.VALUEPrices for the base cab chassis 2WD start at $27,200. Our test vehicle was $51,700. The Isuzu D-Max ute is functional and in the LS Terrain model's case, well equipped complete with a large touch screen and satnav (featuring 10,000 off road destinations), reverse camera, decent audio and Bluetooth connectivity.\We really appreciated the fine particle pollen filter and multi-media connectivity but the seats are a bit flat and the embossed leather tacky. The test vehicle had hill ascent and descent assist as well as other driving aids. A full size spare is supplied on all models.TECHNOLOGYThe ability to tow a decent amount while loaded up is because the D-Max is unashamedly a work truck right down to its ‘truck' engine and heavy duty transmission from Japanese manufacturer Aisin. It's actually the same tranny as Toyota uses in the 200-Series Landcruiser modified to suit the D-Max.The 3.0-litre four pot turbodiesel Isuzu engine is built for light commercial vehicle application and is infact a revised version of the previous unit achieving some 130kW/380Nm output, the latter from 1800rpm. The top of the range test vehicle, an LS-Terrain Crew Cab five-speed auto had selectable 4WD as well as sequential shift mode, not that you need it, this is a truck after all.The engine has a variable geometry turbo (VGT) and other refinements to improve efficiency and performance. D-Max has a double wishbone front suspension with gas dampers and leaf rear springs while the front diff' is independent the rear is a rigid, old-school set-up - just what's required for a ute.Terrain Command 4x4 system offers 2WD and 4WD high and low range - selected by a dial on the centre console (at up to 100kmh).DESIGNThis is a new model from Isuzu featuring a stylish new body and new chassis. It's a body-on-chassis design as all utes should be but in this case, that ladder features numerous cross members for extra rigidity and strength in arduous conditions.It also has a longer wheelbase than before to provide additional cabin space. Though similar to Holden's Colorado ute to look at, the D-Max is actually a more handsome beast thanks to its different frontal treatment and other tweaks to the sheet metal and trims. Comes off a different assembly line too, so calling the D-Max a rebadged Colorado is way off base. It's almost completely different.Inside is best described as serviceable with mostly hard plastic surfaces styled to look acceptable.DRIVINGOn the road, the D-Max is surprisingly smooth and quiet, much better than the Colorado. It has plenty of performance through a wide engine rev range and can achieve relatively frugal economy rated around the 8.0-litre/100km mark.The auto seems well in tune with the engine's outputs because there's never a hole when you push the accelerator. It has a softish ride and is suitably comfortable on and off road but the turning circle is big. There's plenty of room in the big cabin for five and access is helped by large doors and door openings.Loading the beast is easy too - not too high and the tub is large - certainly for two trail bikes and a mountain of spares. Goes almost anywhere off-road spoiled only by the stability control system that can't be turned off in 4H.VERDICTWe mostly like the D-Max apart from the cheap interior and large turning circle. It's a ridgey-didge light commercial vehicle up for pretty much anything you throw at it.Isuzu D-Max LS-TPrice: from $51,700Warranty: 5yrs/130,000km with 5yr roadside assistService intervals: Six months/10,000kmSafety: Six airbas, ABS, TC, ESC, hill ascent/descentEngine: 3.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder, 130kW/363NmTransmission: Five-speed auto, 4x4Dimensions: 5.3m (L), 1.86m (W), 1.8m (H)Weight: 2950kgThirst: 8.1L/100km (diesel), 214g/km CO2Spare: Full-size

You're dreaming if you think the latest crop of utes are good enough to replace a passenger car or an SUV as your family's drive.After a year of being bounced around in all the "new'' utes, of trying to park in tight shopping centre bays, grinding with freeway commuter traffic, going to off-road places no-one else has visited (and realising just why no-one had previously bothered), I have become disillusioned with the purported "dual-purpose'' role of a ute.Forgive me, my family is too valuable. But if you're a tradie or farmer, enthusiastic four-wheeler or need a rugged go-anywhere machine with decent load-carrying ability, these are your toys.The Isuzu D-Max here is made in Thailand and uses many similar parts to rival Holden Colorado and though drivetrains are different, there are enough common concepts to make buyers aggressively shop these against each other.VALUECall me harsh but a ladder frame, a simple diesel engine and some bulging body panels isn't worth nearly $50,000 - especially when tens of thousands are made each year. These are a license to print money for some ute makers.The Isuzu presents as a long-awaited, all-new ute in three body styles and with a more powerful engine. But it's not really all new. The LS-U Space-Cab model seats up to two adults and has (very) occasional seating for two people in the back via a set of small, rear-hinged doors.It has reasonable equipment - Bluetooth, fold-in mirrors, cruise control and a trip computer - but its strength is in its durability. The problem is it has a voracious list of rivals, though the Isuzu is generally the cheapest.DESIGNIt's a more muscular version of the old model and for 2012, presents in its Space-Cab version that has an extended cabin with a couple of floor cushions for the reluctant passengers. These two rear "seats'' contain storage bins beneath and the cushions fold up against the rear wall.The reverse opening rear doors make it a snap to load humans and other valuables. There are not as many changes over the 2011 model as you may think.Mostly its tweaking and honing which is an excellent strategy to attract buyers to a ute that has a brilliant history for reliability. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Changes of note include a 45mm longer wheelbase, a lower and wider tray, bigger cabin and redesigned dash.TECHNOLOGYRival Holden has a new(ish) 132kW/440Nm 2.8-litre VM-Motori turbo-diesel while Isuzu has upgraded last year's 120kW/360Nm 3-litre turbo-diesel to 130kW/380Nm. It's a strong, broad-power engine that is a bit more agricultural than rivals. But it's smart. Changes are made to improve longevity and things like the camshaft's chain drive, instead of some rivals' belt drive, will be appreciated by owners.Oil changes are out to 20,000km. The five-speed manual gearbox is made by Eaton. The front suspension is double wishbones and coils while the rear are traditional leaf springs that are unusually mounted on top of the rigid axle. Most of this is carried over from the old model. A 3000kg tow rating and 1050kg payload are good. No prize for the rear drum brakes, though.SAFETYThis is a four-star rated vehicle and, as I said at the beginning, you shouldn't put your family in a four-star car where you have a choice. The Hilux is also a four-star. But the D-Max has electronic stability and traction control, six airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, plus occupant safety measures including a high-strength welded passenger cell. Only the top-line LS-Terrain has a reversing camera.DRIVING On the road the let-down of the D-Max is the rubbery action of its five-speed manual gearbox. Spend the extra $2200 and buy the five-speed auto option. The ride is firm - more jittery than Colorado so prefers a load in the back - though well controlled while the steering is actually quite pleasant with a light action and good control.The engine is strong throughout the sub-3500rpm range. It's beefy off the mark and especially torquey around 2500rpm with such a broad range of grunt that it will pull from fifth from 1000rpm. Slowly, but it'll do it. The turning circle is typically wide which means it's hard work in city and suburbs.Brakes are adequate. But now, in the dirt through some long, lonely gravel roads and brutal rocky outcrops near Perth, it's a different machine. Engage 4WD Low via the twist dial on the dash and it'll idle up steep hills and hold pace to a crawl while descending.The suspension remains firm but reveals its necessary compliance in hard conditions. The seats are reasonable - heaven help those in the back - and visibility is very good. Isuzu claim 8.3 L/100km but a six-hour day in the dirt and a freeway ride home resulted in my average of 9.9 L/100km.Isuzu D-MAX space-cab LS-UPrice: $43,700Warranty: 3 years/100,000km, roadside assistService intervals: 12 months/20,000kmSafety: 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TCCrash rating: 4-starEngine: 3-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel, 130kW/380NmTransmission: 5-spd manual; part-time 4WDThirst: 8.3L/100km; 220g/km CO2Dimensions: 5.3m (L), 1.9m (W), 1.8m (H)Weight: 1900kgSpare: Full size

When you've only got one vehicle on sale, it better be a good one. If off-road ability rates ahead of cabin ambience, the Isuzu D-Max has just that. In terms of solidity and reliability it has the credentials to make life tough for the the established four-wheel drive utes.Its four-cylinder engine gives away torque to its rivals but makes up for it with a ruggedness that is hard to argue with.VALUEAt $50,700 the Isuzu LS-T is relying on reputation and build quality rather than discount pricing to win sales. The top-spec BT-50 is $51,140 and the XLT Ranger is $53,390. Both have a more car-like interior and more torque.Closer to home, the Holden Colorado shares the Isuzu's platform and interior styling and its 2.8-litre donk brings a 3.5-tonne tow rating against 3.0-tonnes for the Isuzu's 3.0-litre turbodiesel four. It doesn't have the features or off-road cred of the Isuzu, though. The LS-T's advantages include leather seats, a reversing camera and satnav on the 6.5-inch touchscreen, comfier rear seats and hill ascent/descent control.TECHNOLOGYAs a truck builder and long-term ute builder, Isuzu knows a bit about body-on-frame chassis. Software to help with horrendous off-road conditions is a smart move, as is the fitment of the Clarion-sourced touchscreen.The downside of that screen is the fact audio controls aren't on the steering wheel, meaning the driver's eyes are momentarily off the road when changing volume or stations. There is a remote control for the passenger to play with, though and a USB connection is secreted in the glovebox.DESIGNMuch like the Ford/Mazda duo, the Isuzu has the edge in looks over the Colorado in the eyes of this beholder. It looks tough, if not as slab-sided as the Ranger. The rear pews slope backwards so passengers are at least semi-comfortable.It needs some weight in the tray to avoid jolting through the rear leaf springs and the interior is looking dated compared to the class leaders. Hard plastics and a lack of glossy highlights are great for the workhorse models but don't give the high-end LS-T a quality look.SAFETYSix airbags ensure occupant protection but the D-Max only earned a four-star rating by EuroNCAP, which says chest and leg protection is marginal in a frontal crash. The side impact crash caused no damage to the dummy but passenger protection - like most vehicles in this class - isn't great.DRIVINGCompetent on road, capable off it. That sums up the Isuzu and points to it being a smart choice for owners who want a genuine 4x4 ute without owning something as big as the Ranger. The ride is a touch jittery in the rear when the tray is unloaded but settles down with 200kg of cement.Direct steering helps when driving on narrow lanes and in carparks and it's backed by a decent amount of feedback when the D-Max is cornering. The electric-powered driver's seat is a bonus but the wheel can't be adjusted for reach.  On paper, the four-cylinder engine lacks torque compared to its rivals but on the road that won't be felt unless owners are approaching the tow limit.The five-speed auto lacks a cog compared to the class leaders but still has great fuel use at 8.1 litres over 100km. Engine noise is also a touch louder than the leaders, with muted clatter at idle and on full throttle.VERDICTThe Isuzu is a serious 4WD but that comes at the expense of cabin civility at a time when the class leaders are getting soft and citifed at least on the inside. For that reason I'd spend the extra $700 and garage the Mazda as a tradies' runabout, but if I was looking for a purposeful off-roader, it'd be hard to go past the D-Max.Isuzu D-Max LS-T CrewcabPrice: $50,700Warranty: Three years/100,000kmService intervals: Six months/10,000kmSafety: Six airbas, ABS, TC, ESC, hill ascent/descentEngine: 3.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder, 130kW/363NmTransmission: Five-speed auto, four-wheel driveDimensions: 5.3m (L), 1.86m (W), 1.8m (H)Weight: 2950kgThirst: 8.1L/100km (diesel), 214g/km CO2Spare: Full-size

Last week Holden launched its all-new Colorado, now we have just stepped out of Isuzu’s D-Max. The two share a lot in common, at least on the surface. However, they two vehicles have a different look to one another and are built in two separate factories, although both are in Thailand.VALUEThe new D-Max starts at $27,200 for the manual single cab chassis model which previously cost $25,100. Prices go up to $51,700 for the new five-speed auto LS-Terrain. The top-spec car has a reversing camera, leather upholstery and a satnav system. Service intervals have been doubled to 20,000km and one year.TECHNOLOGYIsuzu Ute Australia is quick to point out that the D-Max uses Isuzu truck engines and transmissions exclusively. The company has made its name on durability and reliability and says the use of true truck drivetrains is an important factor in this. Keeping in mind that Isuzu trucks have been number one in the sales race in Australia for the past 23 years, we are inclined to respect the argument put forward by IUA.The powerplant is a 3.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel and puts out 130 kW at just 3600 rpm, the low revs showing the commercial nature of this engine. Torque is much more important than power and the Isuzu puts out 380 Nm between 1800 and 3600 revs. Engineers say they could have achieved quite a bit more torque but the most important factor in their design was that flat graph.Transmission options are five-speed manual and five-speed automatic. On the road and off, we found the engines to be superbly tractable and were able to hold onto high gears in the interests of lowering fuel consumption and emissions.Isuzu is importing the D-Max with both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive. Showing the tough nature of the typical buyers of D-Maxes is the fact that the majority of buyers have opted for 4WD. Nothing is likely to change this time around, so it looks as though these owners are serious.DESIGNThe cabin has plenty of legroom front and rear and my six-foot frame can sit comfortably behind itself with legroom and foot room that makes it fine for long trips.SAFETYSafety in the new D-Max is right up with that of the latest cars. It carries comprehensive crash avoidance electronics including ABS with force distribution and brake assist as well as stability and traction controls. Protection during a crash takes the form of six airbags and lap-sash safety belts in all seats.The D-Max has yet to be crash tested by ANCAP and Isuzu, always a conservative operator, won’t comment on an expected star rating. But the guys do sound very confident.DRIVINGWell aware that many dual-cab utes and pickups are being bought by Australians as family cars, not just light commercial vehicles, Isuzu has put a lot of effort into making them quieter, smoother and easier to drive than ever before.We were particularly impressed by the tight turning circle that made it easier to manoeuvre around town, but also on the harsh off-road tracks we traversed during our introductory drives in far north Queensland.Like any big four-cylinder engine the Isuzu powerplant has some vibration but we have felt worse. While you wouldn't mistake the D-Max’s interior for that of a large passenger car the big ute comes pretty close in terms of refinement and smoothness.We did some serious off-road driving in the Isuzu D-Max and it passed every test to which we put it; including slippery clay, very steep climbs and descents and driving on river sand.VERDICTNew Isuzu D-Max is a solid generation in front of the previous one and looks likely to continue Isuzu Ute’s sales success in Australia.Isuzu D-MaxPrices: from $27,200-$51,700Warranty: 3 years/100,000 kmResale: 52%Service interval: 20,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: 4 or 5 starsSpare: full-sizeEngine: 3.0-litre turbo-diesel 4-cyl, 130kW/380NmTransmission: 5-speed auto and manual; RWD/4WDBody: 5-5.3m (L); 1.7-1.9m (w); 1.7-1.8m (h)Weight: 1527-1935kgTowing: 3 tonneThirst: 8-8.3L/100km; 212-220g/km CO2