While the New Zealand market waits with bated breath for new arrivals on the ute scene, the stalwart brands continue to bear up under the rigours of the ‘ute tax’ and stock supply constraints.
Some brands – Like Isuzu for example – are not so ill affected by the trials and tribulations of what’s going on in the market, or at least if it is, the brand is doing a very good job of keeping it quiet.
Currently, the Isuzu D-Max is sitting in fourth or fifth position in new vehicle registrations, which is a comfortable – and consistent – position for the brand.
Consistent, because it has been there for most of the Covid months and comfortable because everyone else is struggling to make ends meet in terms of availability, or at least, that’s the message we’re getting.
The LS spec gives D-Max buyers the option of two or 4WD, high-riding models available with either a six-speed automatic transmission from Aisin or an Isuzu-developed six-speed manual. Our tested example being a 2WD manual.
Surely the 4WD is the cooler vehicle to have? Yes, but in terms of NZ Company Vehicle readership, only if you are planning on using the 4WD system, which would also mean replacing the Bridgestone Dueller tyres with something a little better suited to off-road use.
And the transmission? Yes, the Aisin is probably the more practical choice for everyday driving, but clearly Isuzu saw a need for the manual, else why go through the R&D hassle of developing one?
There is the theory that a towing vehicle is better suited with a manual transmission – subjective consideration, but no less valid – and there are those who prefer a stick shift for driver control, better driver engagement and the appreciation of the drive.
On the topic of drive appreciation, we took our 2WD manual high rider out to Woodhill Forest, using the logging truck highways; churned forestry trails where heavy corrugations and deep gravel drifts are par for the course.
The D-Max handled it with ease and – dare I say – decorum, showing no signs of untoward tendencies to head off into the trees. And it stayed clean, despite the week’s heavy rainfall.
For the forestry roads, the rear-wheel-drive Isuzu is not only capably confident, it’s fun too – as long as you stay away from first gear.
First is a true crawler gear, which is not great when you are dealing with concrete canyons and the natural hazards of downtown driving – traffic lights and stop-go intersections – where you want a first gear with longer legs.
Learning to do the more comfortable – and safe – second gear take-offs is made somewhat easier thanks to the updated 4JJ3-TCX engine, which gives the competitive power and torque increases.
This is achieved through a new block, head, pistons and fuel injection system, and it means second gear launches are not as ‘laggy’.
As to the off road (gravel track) performance, the 2WD D-Max is better than we expected. This could possibly be due to the lengthened wheelbase – now at 3125mm – providing greater stability despite there being nothing in the rear tray – 1570mm x 1530mm x 490mm – to hold the vehicle down.
The chassis has also come in for some reworking: now with eight crossmembers of high tensile steel, the chassis has increased rigidity for reduced weight.
Thus, we found the 2WD Isuzu D-Max’s real credentials: it’s a well-equipped worker first, with full IDAS safety features and a showboat second.
IDAS safety features
Autonomous emergency braking, turn assist, post collision braking, forward collision warning, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed limiter, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, emergency lane keeping, driver attention assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
