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 !

The new updated & vastly better Isuzu D-Max Pick Up, now with better engines, gearboxes and kit.

New Generation Isuzu D-Max

• Brand-new 1.9-litre engine produces 164 PS and 360Nm torque.
• Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission available.
• Entry price point of £15,749 CVOTR for Utility 1.9 4x2 Single Cab.
• Range line-up – Utility, Eiger, Yukon, Utah and Blade models available in a range of single, extended and double cab variants.

Overview

When it comes to getting the job done, there’s no vehicle more suitable than the Isuzu D-Max – a rugged all-rounder that just works. Master of all trades and the perfect blend of rugged capability whether off-road or load-lugging; paired with performance and comfort.

For the new generation D-Max; the biggest change is under the bonnet. A brand new 1.9 litre turbo diesel engine has been fitted, which produces 164 PS and 360 Nm of torque. The engine builds upon D-Max’s workhorse character and retains the 3.5 tonne towing capacity and over 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 the 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 and is also equipped with low range gears.

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, Variable 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 and push button start, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, satellite navigation, DAB digital radio, roof bars, leather upholstery with heated front seats, rear parking sensors and 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. 

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’ roadside rescue and recovery including European cover, a three-year paint warranty, and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty.

Design

Exterior Design

Isuzu’s 4x4s and pick-ups have always had an understated but purposeful appeal and the D-Max is no exception, with a strong road presence and subtle mix of car-like detailing and rugged style. 

The key design changes include a new front bumper, bonnet, grille and headlights with LED daytime running lights to create a more masculine, sporty and powerful presence. 

The front of the pick-up has a wedge-shape which delivers a more aerodynamic silhouette and the roof has been designed to reduce drag by 0.4% versus 15MY D-Max by directing airflow over the tailgate. This improves fuel economy, performance and level of cabin noise.

The wedge-shape is enhanced by muscular front wings which flare at the wheel arches, giving the D-Max an imposing front view. Reinforcing the pick-up’s tough look is a purposeful grille, shrouding a large Isuzu badge. 

D-Max is equipped with LED daytime running lights mounted in the front bumper. The upgrade to LED DRLs ensures high-level response and better light distribution for improved visibility. An added benefit is LEDs consume less power and are more durable than standard lamps, so replacement is less likely. 

At the rear, the tailgate has been reshaped with a spoiler design moulded into the top section and features a newly designed handle. 

The Utility D-Max is equipped with either 15-inch steel wheels (4x2 single cab) or 16-inch steel wheels (4x4 single, extended and double cab). In the premium range, the Eiger rides on 16-inch alloys, the Yukon and Utah models are fitted with 18-inch alloys and the Blade flagship has 18-inch Shadow grey alloys. A full size spare wheel is now standard on all versions, previously optional on Double Cab models. 

In keeping with the D-Max’s tough image, the Yukon, Utah and Blade models feature a stylish non-slip side step to aid entry and exit, while also protecting the lower-body paintwork from stone chips. 

Three body styles are offered: single, extended and double cab derivatives.

The extended cab variant, available in Utility and Yukon specification levels, was designed from the ground up as an open-cab pick-up, with 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 panel allows 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. 

Available colours

Obsidian Grey has been introduced for the new-generation D-Max and completes the range of eight colours. Splash White is the standard colour on Utility, Eiger, Yukon and Utah models; whilst Cosmic Black is standard on Blade. 

		Obsidian Grey	Tundra Green	Titanium Silver	Splash White	Venetian Red	Nautilus Blue	Cosmic Black	Pearl White
Utility		l	l	l	l
Premium	Eiger	l	l	l	l	l	l	l
	Yukon	l	l	l	l	l	l	l
	Utah	l	l	l	l	l	l	l
	Blade							l	l

Interior Design

The interior of the new-generation D-Max has also been updated to provide a more comfortable and refined experience.

The instrument panel has been redesigned with an updated central display and clearer font. Manual transmission models also come equipped with a gear shift indicator to assist drivers with achieving optimal fuel economy.

Additional USB ports have been added to the lower centre dash and rear of the centre console across the range (except Utility).

A new embossed woven seat fabric that breathes for added comfort has been added to Eiger and Yukon models whilst Utah models come equipped with textured leather. The range-topping Blade comes equipped with an upgraded premium leather trim with orange Blade design.

Soft pads have been added to the front centre and side armrests across the premium range for increased comfort and a refined feel.

Extended and Double Cab variants are equipped with flexible rear seats that have a folding base, fold flat and also split 60/40. Extended Cab versions also have under seat base storage.

Engine & Transmissions

The engine and transmission options are the key changes on the new generation D-Max. The engine has been downsized to a new 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine which produces 164 PS and 360 Nm of torque.

A choice of new 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox options are available, specifically developed for the new D-Max.

Engine

A 1.9-litre engine has been selected for D-Max because development simulations showed 1.9-litre to be the optimum size to blend efficiency and achieve the torque necessary for D-Max to retain its core workhorse capabilities of a 3.5 tonne towing capacity and 1 tonne payload.

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

The cylinder block is cast-iron with induction-hardened bore and the engine also features high efficiency combustion chambers, graphite coated pistons, ceramic glow plug, inlet manifold with swirl control valve and a variable geometry turbocharger.

The induction hardening process uses melt-in liner technology to bond the molecular structure of the metal inside the cylinder bore, resulting in a stronger cylinder, prolonged life and eliminating the need for cylinder liners.

The newly designed combustion chambers achieve the most efficient mixture or air and fuel as well as optimised swirl which reduces pumping losses.

These design features contribute towards improved fuel consumption and emissions figures versus 15MY D-Max.

CO₂ Emissions 

	17MY g/km	15MY g/km	Improvement g/km (%)
4x2	163	200	37 (18.5%)
4x4 Manual	183	192	9 (4.7%)
4x4 Automatic	205	220	15 (6.8%)

Combined Fuel Consumption

	17MY mpg	15MY mpg	Improvement mpg (%)
4x2	45.6	37.2	8.4 (22.5%)
4x4 Manual	40.4	38.7	1.7 (4.4%)
4x4 Automatic	36.2	33.6	2.6 (7.7%)

Transmissions

Automatic Transmission

The new 6-speed automatic transmission fitted in D-Max features gear change control learning. This feature adapts gear changes to suit driving circumstances.

Drivers can also drive in manual mode using the sequential shift stick, creating a slightly more sporting experience.

Manual Transmission

The new 6-speed manual transmission has been fitted with closer ratio gears which allow the engine RPM to be kept in a lower range which improves towing performance.

A triple cone synchronizer has been fitted at 1^st and 2^nd to 3^rd gear along with a synchronizer on reverse. This makes gear selection easier and prolongs the life of the transmission.

Payloads across the range have also been improved as a result of the transmission and engine changes: -

				17MY Kgs	15MY Kgs	Improvement Kgs
Utility	Single Cab	4x2	Manual	1282	1128	154
	Single Cab	4x4	Manual	1196	1136	60
	Extended Cab	4x4	Manual	1141	1085	56
	Double Cab	4x4	Manual	1106	1080	26
Eiger	Double Cab	4x4	Manual	1126	1096	30
	Double Cab	4x4	Automatic	1121	1091	30
Yukon	Extended Cab	4x4	Manual	1141	1074	67
	Double Cab	4x4	Manual	1106	1072	34
	Double Cab	4x4	Automatic	1101	1067	34
Utah	Double Cab	4x4	Manual	1096	1063	33
	Double Cab	4x4	Automatic	1091	1058	33
Blade	Double Cab	4x4	Manual	1106	1080	26
	Double Cab	4x4	Automatic	1101	1075	26

Safety

D-Max is packed with a raft of active and passive safety features.

Pedestrian safety has been improved by re-designing the front bumper and bonnet to absorb impact energy in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. The bonnet has also been designed to bend if struck from above, whilst the distance between the bonnet and engine has been increased creating a crumple zone for the bonnet to fold into.

In conjunction with four-channel anti-lock braking (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), a Traction Control System (TCS) and engine management system. ESC applies the brakes to one or more wheels and/or reduces engine power to help the driver stay on course. 

The EBD feature is especially important on a pick-up which has to cope with a wide range of laden and unladen payloads. The D-Max’s EBD compensates for the front and rear load differences during braking – before the ABS intervenes – preventing rear wheel lock-up, which can affect some pick-ups.

The TCS system applies smooth braking force to the rear wheels if they are rotating faster than the front wheels. This limits wheel spin and ensures power is distributed to the wheels with the most traction.

The D-Max is equipped with a range of passive safety features that protect occupants in a collision. Fitted with six airbags – front, side and curtain – D-Max provides excellent protection in more severe accidents.

Equipment

All models across D-Max come with a high level of specification, with some new equipment across the range for 2017.

Two new pieces of equipment are Hill Start Assist and Variable Hill Descent Control. Hill Start Assist applies the brakes for 1-2 seconds while the driver moves from the brake to the accelerator pedal, preventing the car from rolling back on a hill start. Hill Descent Control is a system that controls the brakes maintaining a consistent low speed when descending steep, slippery slopes, allowing the driver to concentrate on steering a safe course. It is also variable, allowing the driver to adjust the speed of decent.

All models are fitted with new audio systems. Bluetooth® Connectivity is standard on all models whilst Yukon and Utah models are fitted with a 7” multi-function touchscreen audio system. Blade models are equipped with a 9” multi-function touchscreen system. Utah and Blade models feature DAB digital radio, Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and satellite navigation as standard.

Yukon models can be upgraded to the same audio & satellite navigation package as Utah by adding the NAV+ pack.

Specification Overview

The entry-level Utility model comes equipped with LED daytime running lights, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Bluetooth® connectivity, power windows and air conditioning.

Eiger double cab adds a reversing camera, 16-inch alloy wheels, body coloured bumpers, audio system with CD player and 6 speakers.

Yukon 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 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 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. 

Full specifications are available in the specification tables at the rear of this press pack.

Specification Changes versus 15MY 

 

 UK Model Line-Up & Pricing

 

Model	CVOTR	OTR	Insurance Group
1.9 Utility 4x2 Single Cab	£15,749.00	£18,841.80	39A
1.9 Utility 4x4 Single Cab	£17,999.00	£21,541.80	39A
1.9 Utility 4x4 Extended Cab	£18,749.00	£22,441.80	39A
1.9 Utility 4x4 Double Cab	£19,499.00	£23,341.80	39A
1.9 Eiger 4x4 Double Cab	£20,499.00	£24,541.80	39A
1.9 Eiger 4x4 Double Cab Automatic	£21,499.00	£25,741.80	39A
1.9 Yukon 4x4 Extended Cab	£20,499.00	£24,541.80	40A
1.9 Yukon 4x4 Double Cab	£21,499.00	£25,741.80	39A
1.9 Yukon 4x4 Double Cab Automatic	£22,499.00	£26,941.80	40A
1.9 Yukon 4x4 Extended Cab NAV+	£21,649.00	£25,921.80	40A
1.9 Yukon 4x4 Double Cab NAV+	£22,649.00	£27,121.80	40A
1.9 Yukon 4x4 Double Cab Automatic NAV+	£23,649.00	£28,321.80	40A
1.9 Utah 4x4 Double Cab	£24,149.00	£28,921.80	40A
1.9 Utah 4x4 Double Cab Automatic	£25,149.00	£30,121.80	40A
1.9 Blade 4x4 Double Cab	£26,999.00	£32,341.80	40A
1.9 Blade 4x4 Double Cab Automatic	£27,999.00	£33,541.80	40A
Special Paint Finishes – Utility, Eiger, Yukon & Utah	£400.00	£480.00
Special Paint – Blade (Pearlescent White)	£250.00	£300.00