Isuzu D-Max 2. Reserved in the US, the pick-up? Isuzu is not of this opinion and is still trying to increase its sales on the French market. An ambitious goal because this category has so far been monopolized by well-established players, Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi or Ford. This D-Max Restyled Version is using new diesel engine and starting price from €19,900. In Europe, the pick-up market does not yet exceed niche status with about 100,000 sales, a drop of 3.2 million in the world. As evidence, markets such as Great Britain and Germany range between 15,000 and 20,000 annual sales. In France over the first 11 months of 2016, 15,164 pick-ups were marketed. Topping the list, the Ford ranger throne with 4846 sales followed by the Nissan Navara NP300 (3359), the Toyota Hilux (2591), the Isuzu D-Max (1577), the Mitsubishi L200 (949), the Volkswagen Amarok (949) and Fiat Fullback (426).
Yet, manufacturers seem increasingly interested in this particular body in the world of the light commercial vehicle (LUV). In 2017, Renault and Mercedes will market respectively the Alaskan and the X-Class, designed from the Nissan Navara. Pick-up sales statistics are therefore expected to increase in our territory for two reasons in addition to the larger supply. The first is economical. In France, these models are classified in the utility category and therefore benefit from a more advantageous tax system. An important precision, because as you know, this type of vehicle is not subject to the bonus-malus system nor to the TVS. However, after the various revisions of the scales, this information is far from being neutral for the economy of a company. Because, the pick-up, on the whole, has high CO2 emissions and therefore a malus potential of €8,000 or even €10,000 from January 1, 2017!
The second, historic, is simply convenient with several benefits. Pick-ups can take 5 people, a rare facility among the "classic" utilities like vans. The all-wheel drive guarantees permanent access to their "place" of work to all professionals working in mountainous areas or even to mud roads. The tippers can be equipped with trays to reduce wear and tear, and of course to be covered by different systems (hard-top, cover top, tarpaulin) to protect cargoes from bad weather but also from theft.
Unrecognized in France, Isuzu is a manufacturer that you may have already used without knowing it. Created in 1916, this centenary brand, originally from Japan, specialized in the production of diesel engines. Renault, Opel and General Motors have already used the skills of engine manufacturers. However, Isuzu is mostly recognized in Asia to design trucks, buses and LCVs. Concerning the pick-up, its history began in 1963. Since the generations succeeded with notably the name D-Max officialized, in 2002. Since more or less deep evolutions took place in 2008, 2010, 2012 and thus 2017. The D-Max, in France, is marketed through a network of 76 distributors.
Qualities for professionals
Considered above all as a working tool, the pick-up has to possess a consistent bucket in order to be interesting. Now, depending on the model of cabin you choose (single cabin called Single, cabin with suicide doors called Space or double cabin called Crew), the dimensions can vary by almost one meter! The D-Max thus has three lengths of bucket (2305, 1795, 1485 mm). For beginners, note that these measurements are in the middle of the category with, for example, the Toyota Hilux (2315, 1810, 1525 mm). The height of the bucket stretches from 440 to 465 mm. Thanks to its measurements, you should be able to easily store your tools or other cargoes. It should be noted that the payload is announced between 1005 and 1235 kg depending on the body. Towing capacity can be as high as 3,500 kg.
Otherwise, the Isuzu pickup tricks the novelties into the dropper. The importer in France explained to us that the D-Max was only to be perceived as a new generation in the engine / box assembly. The rest of the vehicle is more of an evolution. The front panel has simply been redesigned with a new grille, LED lights and new fog lamps.
In the passenger compartment, the next owners will be able to enjoy a USB port, a metered graphics, two loudspeakers integrated in the ceiling and a hands-free access and start-up system. But apart from these contributions, nothing changes! The plastics remain hard to facilitate cleaning and limit wear. The storage (bottle, files, telephone, etc) are sufficient. Note also that the D-MAX offers an interesting 1 / 3-2 / 3 modularity at the back at the seat and back. The chests, installed underneath, are on the other hand useless or almost with regard to the capacity.
Finishing and presentation are at the level of the category. Without being phenomenal, these two criteria in the passenger compartment do not suffer from crippling defects. Again, the D-Max was designed to bring ease and solutions to professionals first.
Isuzu D-Max 2 On the road
The D-Max is indeed a pickup! Despite obvious progress, comfort is definitely not the first quality of this type of vehicles. It is true that the rigid bridge and the solid bending blades at the rear, so practical to support the load of the bucket, do not arrange anything especially for the rear passengers in double cabin version. However, in spite of the inherent criticism of the pick-up trucks, the latest D-Max has progressed, particularly with more contained roll catches.
Let us also highlight the efficiency of the TCS system, which brings a real plus by effectively managing motricity and stability. In addition, the D-Max has a 4x2 / 4x4 transmission that can be switched on in the propulsion mode (rear wheels) or in four-wheel drive thanks to the action of a wheel provided that the wheels And to stay below 100 km / h. Precision, the short range can only be switched on when stationary. The D-Max is available with two new boxes: 6-speed manual, low-accuracy, or automatic, 6-speed, slow but comfortable. Note that the Japanese engineers advise to start on the second report because the first one, with a very short stage, was conceived for the professionals using trailers.
But a pick-up is also a great tool thanks to its off-road capabilities. On this point, the D-Max is on the podium. Its large wheelbase can hinder, just like its bumpers but in absolute, nothing wrong. In the Space configuration (60% of sales), its angle of attack (30 °), its angle of escape (22.7 °) and its cantability (49 °) make it possible to overcome many difficulties. And for the most demanding, Isuzu has obviously implanted wheel drive with a short range which, as the saying goes, can "climb trees." In addition, the D-Max, like its main rivals, offers electronic aids to control the slope speed (HDC for descents and HSA for climbs).
Under the hood is now an unprecedented 164 hp 1.9 diesel block, certified Euro 6. Result, the Japanese manufacturer announces a better efficiency of its engine with an average consumption of 6.8 l / 100 km. We could not verify precisely this value but after our test, this figure seems really optimistic and should rather exceed 9 l / 100 km in mixed use especially with a full bucket. CO2 emissions are equal to 168 g / km. Reliability has also been optimized. Isuzu said that "the design of the engine is the result of the truck technology that we master perfectly since it is the main part of our activity in Asia". But, the real progress of this engine comes from the silence of operation. Isuzu's efforts to reduce engine noise are palpable in the first few kilometers. On the other hand, driving pleasure is far from the mark. The ESP excessively bridges the D-Max at the slightest increase in pace. Banish over-steering and frank acceleration. Likewise, the torque of 360 Nm arriving above 2000 rpm is far too high, a diesel fork!
Equipment: a simple and complete range
As written above, the D-Max is sold with three different cabins. You also have the option of choosing a simple two-wheel drive, with limited interest, on the single cabin body. The latter accounts for only 10% of sales. Concerning the finishes, six levels are available: Satellite, Planet, Solar, Solar Plus, Supernova and Quasar. According to Isuzu, the Solar Plus level will concentrate the majority of sales thanks to a fairly complete price / equipment ratio. ABS, ESP, 6 airbags, TCS-ESC system, automatic climate control, cruise control, CD / MP3 car radio, Bluetooth, rearview camera, multifunction leather steering wheel, etc. Are standard.
Isuzu D-Max 2 Restyle Specs
| Isuzu D-max III (2) SUPERNOVA 4X4 1.9 BVA CLIM AUTO | |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Date of start of marketing | 12/10/2016 |
| Guarantee of part and labor: in km | 100000 km |
| Parts and labor warranty: in months | 60 months |
| Maintenance interval: in months | 12 months |
| Engine | |
| Displacement | 1898 cm3 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fiscal power | 8 HP |
| Couple | 360 Nm at 2000 rpm |
| Fuel | Diesel |
| Gearbox | Automatic |
| Number of speeds | 5 |
| Power Din | 164 Ch at 3600 rpm |
| Dimensions | |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Unloaded weight | 1855 Kg |
| Performance / consumption | |
| Maximum speed | 180 km / h |
Photo by; caradisiac.com
Isuzu D-Max 2 starting price from €19,900
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