RV FEATURE
In a market replete with dual cab utes , the August arrival of the seventh generation Isuzu D-MAX for 2021 was cause for celebration among 4WD enthusiasts .
After years of seeing little change , the new ute promised more than just a facelift . Was this to be a whole new lease on life , or were the changes only skin-deep ? Isuzu loaned us the range-topping X-TERRAIN for a tow test , from Melbourne to Glenmaggie and back ( over 400km ), so that we could find out for ourselves .
D-MAX ATTRIBUTES
Priced from $ 62,990 , the D-MAX X-TERRAIN promises a suite of new features , and certainly most bases are covered for a topend ute . Keyless entry , remote engine start , height and reach-adjustable steering column , dual-zone climate control , power-fold and heated side mirrors and much more , are all among the features that come standard with the X-TERRAIN .
On this front , it ’ s fair to say that the vehicle delivers on expectations . Dusk-sensing LED headlights , automatic transmission , 18in alloy wheels , a rear diff lock , up to 800mm of wading depth , a roller tonneau cover , a bed liner for the cargo area , and hill descent control , are all found in this vehicle .
The suite of new safety equipment , however , is a key selling point . Known as the Intelligent Driver Assistance System ( IDAS ), it has been “ extensively tested in Australia ”, according to Isuzu , with the company ’ s engineers “ finely calibrating ” the vehicle ’ s Traffic Sign Recognition function for our roads .
So important is IDAS to the new D-MAX that it is fitted as standard across the range .
IDAS offers adaptive cruise control , autonomous emergency braking with day and night vehicle and pedestrian detection ( as well as daytime cyclist detection ), blind spot monitoring , and lane departure prevention .
Other safety features include eight airbags , speed sign recognition , a rear-view camera , a forward crash warning system , and front and rear parking sensors . Overall , it is a comprehensive safety package .
I did , however , find the lane departure system a little … sensitive . It certainly took some getting used to . Driving too close to the lane markers ( in the ‘ opinion ’ of the computer , but not in mine ) would result in an autonomous and disconcerting tugging of the steering wheel . That said , I can see the benefit of the technology .
In terms of the dash … well , let ’ s just say it has been overhauled for the X-TERRAIN . It features a 9in infotainment screen that looks nothing like what was found in the previous D-MAX . I found it to be little confusing to navigate at first ; however , after a bit of playing around , it became easier . It offers satellite navigation , Android Auto and Apple Carplay among its key features .
QUICK SPECS
/ 19