ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS DRIVES THE ISUZU V-CROSS DOUBLE CAB AUTO

Many awards have come to the Isuzu D-Max and now in its third generation it is proving popular with leisure and business users. Last year, the chunky pick-up was updated with fresh cosmetic changes to deliver added appeal. All of the trim levels have received significant visual enhancements, notably a freshly styled front grille and new alloy wheels.

Recently, I spent a few days with the V-Cross Double Cab Auto; a vehicle with the combination of impressive capability, durability, and reliability, along with a rear differential lock means it can handle any situation. Alas I did not have the opportunity to take the D-Max off road, but I am assured by a number of owners that this Isuzu is well up to the task when the going gets tough and rough. Let me dismiss something right away, like a car the drive is effortless, okay some of our very tight public parking bays can present a problem; but it is the ideal pick-up for those owners who seek the legendary capability and durability of a pick-up. I reckon the customer base is wide, the farmer, the small business owner, those who indulge in leisure pursuits and it would be a good choice for a rescue vehicle; eg at a race circuit. Delivering comfort and refinement, the D-Max is really something of a workhorse with style. With it comes a giant helping of on road presence, Bi-LED headlights, gun metal styling, and 18 inch alloy wheels, while automatic headlights, windscreen wipers, parking sensors, and reversing camera ensure safe and convenient manoeuvring. The side steps and keyless entry allow for easy access to the well appointed cabin, and the tailgate damper ensures a gentle opening action when accessing the load bed. The leather upholstery and electrically adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support ensure maximum driver comfort, while dual-zone climate control and a nine inch touchscreen with DAB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provide entertainment. For finding a route, you use google maps, I prefer a built in sat nav system. The cabin is roomy can be configured for any adventure thanks to the flat-folding, modular rear seats and variety of storage compartments. With the double cab it is ideal for your weekend motoring. Driver and passengers do travel in relative comfort. Okay, the ride is firm but that is what I have come to expect from a pick-up.

The V-Cross has the ability to tow up to 3.5 tonnes and comes with a trailer sway control that uses sensors to detect trailer swing and reduces speed if sway is detected and the suspension has been refined to improve the ride and ensure comfort, even when it is not carrying a load, all while maintaining its capacity to carry over one-tonne payload. The D-Max V-Cross has a 4WD shift-on-the-fly system, rear differential lock, and can wade through water up to 800mm deep, making it the perfect choice for any on or off-road adventurer. I would very much liked to have had the opportunity to do some wading, but a busy week put paid to that exercise!

Powering the D-Max is a Euro 6D complaint diesel engine with 164bhp, allied to an enhanced automatic transmission, according to Isuzu gear changes are twenty five percent faster than the previous version; yes I did find the transmission much better than I had expected. Safety is a priority with this vehicle and it comes with a raft of aids to keep all on board safe.

In summary, I can easily see why the D-Max has collected so many awards, a vehicle for a multitude of reasons and one in a manner which I found quite trendy.

Ian Lynas