Isuzu D-Max: Remade, refined, rugged, well-rounded
Published:Sunday | October 14, 2012 | 12:00 AM
Christopher Serju, Gleaner Writer
On Saturday, October 7, inclement weather delayed the arrival of some potential clients but the resulting rainfall set the stage for the 2013 Isuzu D-Max to make a resounding splash during the test drive organised by local authorised Isuzu dealers Vehicle & Supplies at Caymanas Estate, St Catherine. At day's end the muddy test-drive vehicle had been put through the wringer and guilty drivers were delighted and impressed.
While some test drivers were understandingly a little apprehensive about driving too hard in the muddy conditions and on poor roadways dotted with large puddles, Automotives actually welcomed and relished these ideal off-road conditions - just right for putting the D-Max through its paces.
The deserted cane roads made for an ideal test site. The abundance of mud and water, coupled with a persistent drizzle, translated into just the right setting for checking out the off-road capabilities of the newest D-Max.
Of course, Automotives taken as a challenge the advice from sales representative Jessy Robinson that the new pickup had been redesigned, interior and exterior. One of the little changes which will make a big difference is the placement of the gas and oil filters to the top of the engine, where they are easily accessible. Placement of the latter will save owners and mechanics a lot of time and headache since now there is no need to jack up the vehicle and get underneath it to undertake a fairly simple task.
more horsepower, torque
The manufacturers have been able to squeeze a little more torque and horsepower out of the four-cylinder, 16-valve, three-litre diesel engine, with a five-speed automatic transmission, Robinson divulged. With his promise of 136 horses pulling and the 220 Newton/metres of torque available on demand from as early as 1,000 to 1,500 rpms, Automotives was sure the D-Max's accelerator was going to be pressed.
And it was. Apologies to Trevor Creary, the front-seat passenger who had to endure the speeding, sudden stops and start, as well as the intense cornering, during Automotives' romp in the rain. Blame it on the sales representative. It was he who said that in addition to coating the pistons with a special film that reduces friction, the manufacturers also came up with design where they actually 'melt in' the cylinder walls, thereby adding to the toughness and longevity of the engine.
Add to that the much bigger rocker arms and redesigned suspension, which sees the coil springs to the front wound differently - starting out small and then getting wider before getting smaller - and placement of the leaf springs above the rear axle, adding to the ride height, and the 2012 Isuzu D-Max is truly a different vehicle from its forebears.
These refinements are among the changes which will have seen the Isuzu pickup, long hailed for its workhorse ability, now also being recognised for its much smoother ride, effectively bridging the gap between the rigours of off-road driving and the comforts of a round-town commute. Whatever your motoring needs you can have it all in one vehicle - the new Isuzu D-Max, so easy to drive it's hard to forget.