Isuzu launches no-frills D-Max

Pickup trucks are getting pretty swanky these days, but there’s still a market out there for the no-fills runabout.

To meet this demand, Isuzu has introduced single and extended cab versions of its D-Max pickup that was launched earlier this year.

Unlike the double cab trucks the Japanese maker bought out first, the latest additions will only be offered in the most basic Utilitarian spec.

This means they should appeal to those who use a pressure washer rather than a vacuum cleaner to muck out their truck.

Both models come fitted with steel wheels, fabric seats, black plastic bumpers and a waterproof vinyl floor. Air conditioning is offered as a standard feature, though, and both models come with a Pioneer CD player.

They get the same 2.5-litre, turbocharged diesel as the double cab pickups, which churns out 163hp and returns a claimed 38.2mpg. There’s no auto box option though, so both models will come with the firm’s six-speed manual.

The single cab pickup is now the cheapest D-Max available and the four-wheel-drive version has a list price of £16,249.

Inside it’s fairly basic and there’s no padding or insulation at the back of the cabin. This combined with the lack of carpet, makes it seem slightly noisier than the higher-spec models.

For a small cabin there is a reasonable amount of storage space, though. There’s a two-part glove box with 12v charging socket, a shallow tray on the top of the dash and a cubbyhole between the seats. It’s also got two cup holders on the dash and another pair next to the hand brake.

There’s only space for two passengers, but this means Isuzu has managed to bolt a sizable load bay on the back that’s almost 2.5m long.

 Isuzu D-Max

The extended cab trucks are almost exactly the same spec as the singles, but have a longer cabin that has space for a second row of seats.

These are accessed via a set of suicide doors on either side and are fairly rudimentary. In fact, they’re little more than a couple of foam pads with a seat belt, but they’re fine for short journeys. Underneath the seats there are also a couple of useful cubbyholes for stashing tools.

Side-opening windows in the suicide doors means back seat passengers can get a bit of fresh air, too.

 Isuzu D-Max

Isuzu D-Max
Single cab Extended cab
Engine 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder
Power 163hp 163hp
Transmission Six speed manual Six speed manual
Load bay (LWH) 2,305 x 1,570 x 440mm 1,795 x 1,550 x 465mm
Towing capacity 3t 3t
Payload 1,136kg 1,085kg
Overall length 5,315mm 5,295mm
Price £16,249 £16,749

  •  Isuzu D-Max
  •  Isuzu D-Max
  •  Isuzu D-Max
  •  Isuzu D-Max

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Isuzu D-Max first drive

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