There is very little on which one can fault the Isuzu D-Max Extended Cab 4×4 LSE. Everything the Isuzu bakkies lacked before is now present while still maintaining that rugged can-do-anything and can-go-anywhere feel. There is comfort, the right amount of tech and the dependability that comes with the Isuzu name.
If a locally-made bakkie, in the true sense of the South African word, is what you are after then the D-Max Extended Cab is what you are after. This comes with a caveat though, as can be naturally expected from an extended cab, it is only for those without kids, those who have another vehicle for the family or for those who need it for work only. You could squash a person in the storage section but in the name of safety – do not do this.
The drive
The Isuzu D-Max Extended Cab LSE comes with a 3-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. This gives drivers 140 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque. The engine performs energetically and never felt sluggish on take-off, overtaking or inclines. It provides a firm and capable drive that gives the driver confident handling and, as said, wants for little else.
The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. While we never had the opportunity to take the Isuzu D-Max
Extended Cab LSE off-road, the gearbox detects the type of driving situation and effectively adapts to it. This makes it perfect for both around town or if you need that extra bit of power off road.
The unbraked towing capacity is 750kg whereas braked towing capacity is 3500kg. Again, providing good options whether you want it as a workhorse or to tow the caravan down for your holiday.
Fuel consumption is a respectable 10.1L/100km. Some SUVs (granted they are not diesel) have higher consumptions than this. The claimed fuel consumption is 7.9L/100km. While mine was a tad off this, with plenty fuel left in the tank, I was still suitably impressed with the consumption we did get.
Exterior style
The D-Max Extended Cab maintains its strong, masculine and powerful look. Some of the changes to styling include an update to the headlights, LED taillights with extra inserts, the grille, 18-inch wheels with all terrain tyres, the vinyl load bay cover and an increase in the size of the Isuzu badge.
Step inside
The interior feels like you are in both a luxury SUV and a bakkie primed for off-road driving. This balance is very
effectively achieved. There is much more digitisation than previous Isuzus. One of my favorite things about the bakkie was the comfort of the leather seats. It is one of the most comfortable I’ve ever had the opportunity to test.
The dash also comes with leather trim. There is glossy black trim in certain areas such as around the gearbox. The area behind the front seats has two storage compartments and pop-out windows. In fact, storage compartments abound in the D-Max Extended Cab. In the front, I liked the compartment where you can keep your phone. There are also two cubby compartments and one on top of the dash.
While I didn’t struggle to see the infotainment system as much as what I did with the double cab, this was probably because it was overcast during the entire test period, as opposed to it being better placed or brighter. I suspect, a brighter screen or the ability to change the brightness of the screen, wouldn’t have gone amiss in this instance as well.
The entertainment screen also offered analogue buttons along with the digital ones which, as I’ve said on many an occasion, is something that I prefer especially when helping keep your eyes on the road.
Safety
The Isuzu D-Max Extended Cab LSE has a good array of safety features including:
- ABS
- EBD
- ESP
- Traction control
- Brake assist system
- Hill start assist
- Hill descent control
- Trailer sway control
- Brake override accelerator
- Cruise control
- Park distance control (front and rear)
- Reverse camera
Many of these are welcome additions. The only critique that could be relevant was that the parking sensors were a bit sensitive. Thus, in an instance where you would depend on it more, it actually does not help much. The clarity of the reverse camera is very good, however.
As already mentioned, I didn’t think that it is a good idea to give the storage section at the back some of the things a double cab would have such as handles with storage space underneath. It might tempt some people to use it to transport people and without other basic safety features, such as safety belts and proper seating, that would be an unwise decision. Adding these could make it even more tempting and, consequently dangerous, for those not too bothered by the risk they could be placing people at.
Ultimately, Isuzu took a big step up. The Isuzu D-Max Extended Cab LSE slots in second from the top in the line-up so there really is little else that you need from this bakkie. A good option for a single driver or as a workhorse.
Good to know
The specs – Isuzu D-Max Extended Cab LSE
Engine: 3L, 4-cylinder, turbodiesel
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 7.9L/100km
Power: 140 kW
Torque: 450 Nm
Price: starting from R610 000
Warranty and service plan: 5 Years / 120 000 km Warranty and Roadside Assistance, 5 Years / Unlimited km Anti-Corrosion Warranty, 5 Years / 90 000 km Service Plan
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