TMW - The updated Isuzu D-Max Blade, better looks, better comfort and more kit.

After testing the last model, the Fury, i was given the opportunity to try the updated D-Max Blade Automatic, and to say this car, compared to the previous one, is a vast difference, is an understatement.

With only the AT35 and Yukon that sits above the Blade, you know that you are getting a well kitted out car. And you do, the car costs £27,999, but our car here today comes with some extra's

• Tow Bar - £187.50
• 13 Pin Towing Electrics - £140.004
• Special paint Pearlescent White - £250.00
• Bed Rug - £375.00
• Lazer Lights - £412.50

Taking this car to £29,364, now thats a lot of money, but you are getting a lot of car for that money, for a start you get a double cab, making access so much easier for back seat passengers, and to be honest i think it looks a lot better too as a Double, the car has had an update since the last time we tried one, and again, it looks far superior, with new look frontage, with new bumper and lights, it gives it a more muscular and purposeful look.

inside the car you get a full leather upholstery, with a better sat nav, buttons and switchgear all to hand and not miles away like you find in some other cars, it is also far more comfortable than before, and being an auto, its far easier to drive, why would anyone have a manual gearbox these days when auto's are just so good.

The Access for rear seat passengers as mentioned is really easy and once there they have loads of space to get comfortable, even with the front seats set further back, there is still enough leg room for anyone that would require lots of space.

The Blade can do a claimed 112mph, not that you would want to do that, it would be a little rough, driving at motorway speeds is perfect, comfortable and quiet, anything more and it does get a little noisy and rough, although the 1.9 litre is very capable, it is tuned more for "work" than leisure.

 The fuel consumption of the D-Max is claimed to be

• Urban 30.4mpg
• Extra Urban 40.9mpg
• Combined 36.2mpg

We found it difficult to get to those figures but we were not far adrift at all, and we were impressed at what was achievable, its also not the "cleanest" pick up on the market with 205g/km, but it is Euro 6 Compliant, if the car was able to achieve the combined figure of 36.2mpg it would give the car a touring figure of 605 miles between fill ups.

The changeable set up between 2WD and 4WD is with a dial, and allows the car to be able to be taken off road, we didn't do this, but with the large chunky tyres, going off the beaten track and onto more harsh terrain seems like it would be very easy indeed.

There is no getting away from the fact that this is a very large car, it handles as such, thankfully getting in and out of parking spaces is easy with the reversing camera, but it does poke out of the end of a normal sized bay, but to be honest most cars are getting this big, whereas parking bays are getting smaller, so something needs to be done.

Because the car is high up the list of models you can be assured that you get loads of kit, some of which are :-

• LED lights from and rear
• Tinted Windows, load liner (additional carpeted cost)
• Electric Windows
• Central Locking
• Keyless Entry and push Button Start
• Gear Shift Monitor
• Touchscreen with Multi Information Display
• Bluetooth
• DAB Radio
• Apple Car Play
• Android Auto
• Front and Rear USB Ports
• Multiple Speakers
• Loads of Storage
• Leather seats 
• Arm Rest
• Carpets
• Hill Descent Control
• Hill Start Assist
• Full Range of Safety
• 18" Alloys

And thats just the tip of the iceberg, there are far more toys to play with and believe me, you can spend a vast amount of time working out all the bits and pieces.

CONCLUSION

This new model, well updated, heavily, is a huge step forward and is far superior in all aspects, from drive, comfort, economy, safety and additional equipment, it is a more capable car than the model it replaces.

This car really moves the goal posts and by some way too, there are now more and more of this style car available in the UK, from Nissan, Renault, Mercedes, Ford and Volkswagen, each has their own capabilities, but the Isuzu D-Max combines all for a great price, you would be silly not to consider the car over and above the competition, thats just how good this car is !

Isuzu to launch a new uprated D-Max at this years Commercial Vehicle Show.

Prior to going on sale in the Spring, the new generation Isuzu D-Max will have its Public Reveal at the CV Show held at the NEC, Birmingham, from 25-27 April.

The new generation D-Max will be unveiled at 10:00 AM on 25th April at Isuzu’s stand, Hall 5 stand 5F40.

D-Max has been extensively overhauled; with a brand new 1.9 litre turbo diesel engine, which produces 164 PS and 360Nm of torque. The engine builds upon D-Max’s workhorse character and retains the 3.5 tonne towing capacity and 1 tonne payload whilst providing a quieter, more refined and economical driving experience. 

Inside, a range of new touchscreen entertainment systems are available, equipped with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ as well as updated ergonomics and trim quality.  

As per previous D-Max models, Shift-On-The-Fly 4x4 is a key feature of the 17MY truck. The rotary dial allows the driver to select four-wheel drive on the move as well as low range gears. New Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist are fitted across the range.

Finally, the D-Max comes with a five-year / 125,000-mile warranty, and was the first pick-up in the UK to be offered with such a comprehensive peace-of-mind package.  Running costs are kept down by 12,000-mile or 24-month service intervals, five years’ recovery and European cover, a three-year paint warranty, and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty.

Isuzu has announced pricing and specification for the all new D-Max Pick Up truck.

The new generation D-Max arrives in the UK this Spring and Isuzu are delighted to announce the range line up and pricing for the new truck.

The range line up from the much-loved D-Max is retained; Utility, Eiger, Yukon, Utah and Blade with a range of single, extended and double cab variants available.

The entry-level Utility D-Max, priced from £15,749 (CVOTR) comes equipped with LED daytime running lights, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Bluetooth® connectivity, power windows and air conditioning.

Eiger double cab (from £20,499 CVOTR) adds a reversing camera, 16-inch alloy wheels, body coloured bumpers, audio system with CD player and 6 speakers.

Yukon (from £20,499 CVOTR) adds 18-inch alloy wheels, silver side steps, new 7-inch multi-function touchscreen, LED rear lights, Cruise Control, rear load liner and a leather steering wheel.

Utah (from £24,149 CVOTR) takes comfort up a notch with keyless entry with push button start, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, satellite navigation, DAB digital radio, roof bars, leather upholstery with heated front seats, rear parking sensors, automatic air conditioning.

The range-topping Blade (from £26,999 CVOTR) adds tinted windows, 9-inch multi-function touchscreen, remote locking lower tailgate, Blade puddle lamps, front and rear parking sensors, and a colour-coded Aeroklas canopy or sports bar with roller cover. 

D-Max has been extensively overhauled with the biggest changes under the bonnet. A brand new 1.9 litre turbo diesel engine has been fitted, which produces 164 PS and 360Nm of torque. The engine builds upon D-Max’s workhorse character and retains the 3.5 tonne towing capacity and 1 tonne payload whilst providing a quieter, more refined and economical driving experience.  Another key benefit is that the new engine meets Euro 6 standards without the need for addition of AdBlue.

As per previous D-Max models, Shift-On-The-Fly 4x4 is a key feature of the 17MY truck. The rotary dial allows the driver to select four-wheel drive on the move as well as low range gears.

Finally, the D-Max comes with a five-year / 125,000-mile warranty, and was the first pick-up in the UK to be offered with such a comprehensive peace-of-mind package.  Running costs are kept down by 12,000-mile or 24-month service intervals, five years’ recovery and European cover, a three-year paint warranty, and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty.

The D-Max from Isuzu gets a much needed overhaul and now becomes a far superior product

The new generation D-Max arrives in the UK this Spring, and customers can now register their interest in the new truck.

D-Max has been extensively overhauled with the biggest changes under the bonnet. A brand new 1.9 litre turbo diesel engine has been fitted, which produces 164 PS and 360Nm of torque. 

The engine builds upon D-Max’s workhorse character and retains the 3.5 tonne towing capacity and 1 tonne payload whilst providing a quieter, more refined and economical driving experience.  

Another key benefit is that the new engine meets Euro 6 standards without the need for addition of AdBlue.

As per previous D-Max models, Shift-On-The-Fly 4x4 is a key feature of the 17MY truck. The rotary dial allows the driver to select four-wheel drive on the move as well as low range gears.

Finally, the D-Max comes with a five-year / 125,000-mile warranty, and was the first pick-up in the UK to be offered with such a comprehensive peace-of-mind package.

 Running costs are kept down by 12,000-mile or 24-month service intervals, five years recovery and European cover, a three-year paint warranty, and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty.

Isuzu and Arctic Trucks combine to create a pick-up engineered to excel in the most challenging environments.

• Isuzu and Arctic Trucks combine to create a pick-up engineered to excel in the most challenging environments
• Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 retains the durable D-Max chassis, engine and transmissions, and its highly competitive payload and towing capacities
• The AT35’s exclusive 4x4 features come from Arctic Trucks’ 25 years’ of experience re-engineering pick-up vehicles for sub-zero off-road conditions
• Newcomer is the first Arctic Trucks pick-up available for UK customers to order direct from dealers
• On sale across the UK from July 2016, priced from £30,999

The all-new Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 is a pick-up truck engineered to excel in the most arduous conditions, and is the result of close technical collaboration between two respected off-road and pick-up specialists. 

Each AT35 is based upon the strong and durable D-Max pick-up vehicle, which is extensively enhanced by Arctic Trucks, a company with a 25 year history in Iceland and Scandinavia as a developer of 4x4 vehicles able to take on the most gruelling terrains and conditions.

Whether in the wilds of the British countryside or on building sites in the city, the AT35 is the most robust and capable pick-up that Isuzu UK has ever created. The original 2.5-litre D-Max engine is retained, whilst a number of significant chassis changes have been carried out by Arctic Trucks.

Arctic Trucks bring experience of creating vehicles for all conditions, from severe off-road to the sub-zero, an area in which Isuzu has its own proven success as its D-Max is the best-selling pick-up in the undulating and snow-covered Scandinavian country. In Iceland, Arctic Trucks has enhanced the D-Max for rescue and highland utility work. This experience has heavily influenced the creation of the AT35 now on sale in the UK.

The AT35 retains the impressive one-tonne payload and 3.5-tonne towing (braked) capacities that have helped make the Isuzu D-Max one of the most popular pick-ups for those seeking an exceptional workhorse with low running costs. It will be the first Arctic Trucks pick-up in the UK that can be ordered directly from a vehicle manufacturer’s authorised dealer network. Available in either double-cab or extended-cab configurations, the AT35 is priced from £30,999 for the extended-cab and from £33,499 for the double-cab configuration.

Enhanced running gear

The AT35 introduces several key hardware enhancements, ensuring extraordinary off-road capability unprecedented in a pick-up on sale in the UK. Within the Isuzu D-Max model range, suspension is re-engineered exclusively for the AT35 with Fox Performance Series dampers, which helps deliver increased mobility over even the most rutted tracks and brutal boulders.

Special all-terrain Nokian Rotiiva AT tyres endow the AT35 with improved all-round grip in the most slippery conditions. These huge 35-inch tyres are specifically engineered for off-road use and are fitted to 17” x 10” alloy wheels, considerably larger than those on the standard D-Max. The vehicle accommodates the larger diameter tyres and wheels within dramatically-widened wheel-arches, giving the AT35 a securely planted and powerful look.

The specification of the tyres follows Arctic Trucks’ assertion that any off-road journey can be completed without the assistance of a winch or other rescue materials. Deflation and inflation of tyres – helped by the AT35’s on-board inflation kit – should be part of the adventure. The truck’s 35-inch wheels significantly broaden the contact patch and, in certain frozen weather conditions, the tyres are so bulbous they can even allow the car to float on light snow slush.

The combined effect of Arctic Trucks’ specialised suspension and larger tyres is a ride height 125mm higher than that of the equivalent standard Isuzu D-Max. With the increased ground clearance comes greater approach, departure and break-over angles. The AT35 sits 55mm higher than a standard double-cab D-Max, making for six degrees’ extra approach angle gain, and an added 10 degrees ramp angle flexibility. Furthermore, drivers and passengers benefit from improved all-round visibility, a great advantage for identifying the safest route to an ultimate destination, whether that’s across ice fields in Norway or icy moors of North Yorkshire.

Two body configurations

The AT35 is available in double-cab and extended-cab configurations. The extended-cab body was designed from the ground up as an ‘open-cab’ pick-up. Isuzu’s engineers developed a second-row, rear-hinged door, also known as the side-access panel (SAP) on each side of the vehicle. To ensure maximum strength and safety in the event of a collision, the engineers incorporated a one-piece B-pillar into the leading edge of the side access panels.

The result is uninterrupted access to the side of the cabin, ideal when loading large items behind the front seats. The side access panels can be opened from both inside and outside the vehicle. The rear seat cushions fold down from the back panel, creating additional seating, with fold-out thigh supports offering occupants even greater levels of comfort.

Comprehensive standard equipment

The AT35 can haul more than a tonne of on-board cargo and up to 3.5 tonnes in a braked trailer (where the terrain allows) – just as its D-Max stablemates can – as well as traverse more extreme topography than ever before. Meanwhile, passengers remain as well catered for as ever in the refined and well-appointed premium interior.

A six-speaker audio package with an ‘Exciter’ speaker in the roof lining, plus iPod/USB/Bluetooth connectivity, provides high-quality sound. Heated and folding door mirrors (including side indicator repeaters) are standard, as is a leather steering wheel with audio and cruise controls.

The double-cab model also includes full leather upholstery for an even more luxurious interior, as well as automatic climate control air-conditioning. This is controlled by a large, circular Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) selector located on the cabin’s centre console, which allows occupants to control temperature and fan settings with a single dial. The system automatically maintains the set temperature for optimal passenger comfort.

Exterior standard features include projector headlamps, body-coloured front bumper, chrome trio of door handles, grille and rear bumper, LED rear lights and a rear load liner. The double-cab model also adds roof bars and rear parking sensors for further increased practicality. Custom receiver hitches fitted front and rear are given the Arctic Trucks treatment with style-led covers that hide the points when not in use.

Optional accessories

Buyers have the opportunity to choose from a range of optional accessories to further enhance the interior, the practical functionality and the visual impact of the AT35.

Styling upgrades include an Arctic Trucks Truxedo that provides added security for cargo in the load bed, as well as the Arctic Trucks Sports Bar for improved styling.

Off-road extras include a 27-LED square work light that provides widespread illumination under the darkest skies, skid plates for enhanced under-body protection, and an ARB tyre inflator with inline gauge help the most adventurous continue on their way.

Customers opting for the double cab AT35 can upgrade their infotainment system with the Pioneer AVIC-F860BT audio set-up, DVD and European navigational system with 6.1-inch touchscreen, reversing camera and Parrot Bluetooth kit for wireless calls and music streaming.

Strong chassis, powerful engine, manual and auto transmissions

The AT35 is based on the tough and durable Isuzu D-Max chassis. It is made of high tensile strength steel with cross-member braces to ensure exceptional torsional rigidity and large cross-sectional dimensions for a strong and stable structure. Additional cross braces aid torsional rigidity and also spread the weight of payloads evenly, enhancing the vehicle’s laden handling balance, both on- and off-road.

Under the bonnet of the D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 is the highly-efficient 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel engine that delivers 163 PS and 400 Nm torque for all models in the D-Max line-up.

Isuzu offers the largest range of automatic pick-up models on the market and buyers of the double-cab AT35 can also specify auto transmission. The five-speed automatic features sequential manual shift control so that drivers can take direct control of gear selection for a more engaging experience – or allow the transmission to operate fully automatically to suit their mood and the terrain.

A shift-on-the-fly two- /four- / low-ratio four-wheel drive selector dial is located on the centre console. The system allows drivers to switch between two-wheel drive and high-ratio four-wheel drive at speeds up to 60 mph (100 km/h). Low-ratio four-wheel-drive can be engaged while stationary with the transmission in neutral, and, combined with other Arctic Trucks enhancements, means the AT35 can crawl up and over almost anything.

Low running costs

Despite being the most capable pick-up ever to be launched onto the UK market, buyers and operators will benefit from the same ultra-low running costs that all Isuzu D-Max owners enjoy. This is thanks to a competitive 42E insurance rating, low-cost finance packages and a comprehensive five-year / 125,000 mile warranty package. In addition, costs are kept low by 12,000-mile or 24-month service intervals, three years recovery and assistance cover, a three-year paint warranty, and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty.

Pricing (CVOTR)

Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 Extended-cab (six-speed manual)	£30,999
Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 Double-cab (six-speed manual)	£33,499
Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 Double-cab (five-speed auto)	£34,499

Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 specification

Standard equipment is as follows:

Exterior

Fender Flares, front & rear	17”x10” wheels
Extended Profile AT Side Steps	Fox dampers, front & rear
315/70 R17 Nokian Rotiiva AT tyres	Integrated fuel filler cap
Daytime running lights	Chrome front grille and rear bumper
LED rear lights	Roof bars (double-cab only)
Body-colour front bumper	Rear parking distance sensor (double-cab only)
Projector headlamps	Receiver Hitch
Folding heated chrome door mirrors with side-indicator repeaters

Optional exterior extras – exterior styling:

Arctic Trucks sports bar (black or silver)

Arctic Trucks Truxedo Double-cab/Extended-cab

4.5-inch Vision X LED cannon

6.7-inch Vision X LED 9 diode lamp (black or chrome)

6.7-inch Vision X LED 18 diode lamp (black or chrome)

Optional exterior extras – off-road:

27 LED square work light with Arctic Trucks logo

Skid plate under radiator/engine

Skid plate under engine/gearbox

ARB inflator with gauge

Pump up emergency inflation kit

Paint finishes available:

Splash White, Titanium Silver Met, Mineral Grey Met, Tundra Green Mica, Venetian Red Mica, Nautilus Blue Mica, Cosmic Black Mica

Safety and security

ABS + ESC + TCS Front, side and curtain airbags Insurance approved immobiliser Three-point rear seatbelts

Door-open warning light Height-adjustable front seatbelts Remote central locking Locking wheel nuts

           

Interior

Driver and passenger reading lights	Height-adjustable driver’s seat
Heated front seats	Height adjustable steering wheel
Leather steering wheel with audio and cruise control function
Rear heating ducts	Automatic climate control (double-cab only)
Front electric windows	Rear electric windows
Height-adjustable front headrests	Courtesy light delay function
Aluminium Scuff Plates	Leather upholstery (double-cab only)
Electrically Adjustable Driver’s Seat (double-cab only)
Heated Front Seats (double-cab only)

Entertainment

In car entertainment system:

RDS radio/single CD with iPod-USB-Bluetooth

Six speakers with roof-mounted Exciter speaker

Optionalextras (double-cab only):

Pioneer AVIC-F860BT fully integrated audio system

DVD and navigation system with 6.1-inch touch screen

European map coverage and traffic info

Parrot Bluetooth wireless calls and music streaming (limited availability)

Reversing camera

Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 technical specification

Body and chassis

Four-door, five-seater double-cab or four-seater extended-cab pick-up, with all-steel body. Longitudinally-mounted diesel engine driving rear (or front and rear) wheels via ‘on demand’ part-time four-wheel-drive system and a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

Engine                        2.5-litre / 163 PS (120 kW) diesel

Type                            DOHC, in-line four

Capacity                      2.5-litres, 2,499 cc

Bore and stroke          95.4 x 87.4 mm

Compression ratio       17:1

Max power                  163 PS @ 3,600 rpm

Max torque                  400 Nm @ 1,400-2,000 rpm

Valves                         16 (four-per-cylinder)

Fuel system                CRDi, common-rail, high-pressure, direct-injection two-stage turbo

Construction                Cast iron cylinder block and aluminium head

Emissions class          Euro Stage5

Drivetrain

Switchable rear-wheel-drive / all-wheel-drive, selectable electronically

Steering

Type                            Hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion

Turning circle              12.2 metres

Wheels and tyres

Standard                     17x10 alloy wheels and 315/70 R17 Nokian Rotiiva AT tyres

Transmission gear ratios

4x4 double-cab 5-speed auto

1 – 3.52; 2 – 2.042; 3 – 1.400; 4 – 1.000; 5 – 0.716; Reverse – 3.224

Final Drive – 3.727

4x4 double-cab/extended-cab 6-speed manual

1-   5.232; 2 – 2.644; 3 – 1.606; 4 – 1.219; 5 – 1.000; 6 – 0.728; Reverse – 4.525;

Final Drive – 3.071

Dimensions (mm)

Exterior
Overall length              5,295	Overall width*                         2,000
Overall height              1,930**	Wheelbase                  3,095
Front overhang           905	Rear overhang            1,295
Ground clearance       290
Approach angle           36.0 deg	Departure angle          23.0 deg
Ramp angle                32.0 deg

*excluding door mirrors, **excluding roof rails

Capacities and weights

Fuel tank Load bay (LWH)	69 litres Double-cab: 1,485 x 1,530 x 465 mm Extended-cab: 1,795 x 1,530 x 465 mm
Kerb weight Towing (max) Payload (max)	Double-cab: 2,105 kg (manual)          2,110 kg (auto) 3,500 kg (braked trailer)         750 kg (unbraked) Double-cab: 1,055 kg (manual)          1,050kg (auto)