What has a mild facelift brought to Isuzu’s second-most expensive double cab pick-up?
You should know: In two words, not much. But we at NamWheels would like to promote that as a good thing. Where other brands are scrambling for superior screen sizes and prototype-worthy design details, we’d like to think that the engineers at Isuzu moulded a new front bumper and then went for lunch.
More info: Obviously it goes a bit further than that. There’s new electric power steering, and rumours of a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel power plant on the way, but spending a few days with this bulky bakkie felt no different to other Isuzus before it. The Eastern Cape-built brute is still quite noisy, a bit spongy, rather simple but therefore… fairly relaxing.
What else: Ignoring the manic AT35 Arctic Trucks conversion, this Double-Cab 3.0TD 4×4 V-Cross is the dearest Isuzu you can buy; at roughly R950,000. It still offers a leisurely 140kW at a jack-hammering 3,600rpm but a mighty 450Nm from just 1,600rpm onwards, to the rear or both axles via a super slippery 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Perfect for patrolling the plaas fence, or bumbling along in a game park. Not so lekker in tight multi-storey garages or overtaking at triple-digit speeds on the highway. Isuzu claims an average of 8.1L/100km diesel from the 76L tank, our average hovered around 10L/100km, which isn’t bad for something this large weighing at least 2,075kg.
Why you shouldn’t: I’m not sure what to tell you here. Even though I’m not a bakkie person, I’ve always respected Isuzus for still being hardy and wholesome. If you want the latest and greatest toys (or street cred) you best shop elsewhere. Also, on a rather obvious city slicker level, at 5.33m this pick-up is slightly long and requires a minimum of 12.5m to change directions.
Why you should: Because you want a bakkie that doesn’t wear mascara or requires a teenager to operate the radio. You’d also quite like to find it where you parked it last night, and while those other ouks are claiming top speed and bling bragging rights, you’re quietly wondering how many sheep will fit onto the back of your D-Max.
Conclusion: The Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD D/C 4×4 V-Cross Automatic has apparently been updated but we couldn’t tell much of a difference. Does that mean it will get left behind by the cool crowd? Almost certainly, yes. But it also means that it should find many happy new owners who just want a good double-cab bakkie.
FULL SPEC LIST
| Engine: | 2,999cc in-line 4-cylinder turbo-diesel |
| Transmission: | 6-speed Auto, RWD/4WD |
| Max. Power: | 140kW @ 3,600rpm |
| Max. Torque: | 450Nm @ 1,600rpm |
| Avg. cons.: | 8.1L/100km (claimed) |
| 0-100km/h: | (no claim) |
| Top Speed: | (no claim) |
| List Price: | R948,930 |