Isuzu D-Max Crew 3.0 TD 4 × 4 LS

The one who sits somewhere in the state administration and calls these cars tow trucks, there can be only two: a big joker or a person who does not understand cars. But nothing serious; anyone who has driven a pickup truck and loves it is bound to whistle at this official classification.

Download PDF test: Isuzu Isuzu D-Max Crew 3.0 TD 4 x 4 LS

Aleш Pavleti.

This Japanese pickup is the only one that truly lives up to the Truck name. Of the bunch, it's the strongest, the chassis is solid, the reinforcements are in the right places, and the drivetrain is heavily oversized for road use. This D-Max also looks very nice on the outside. Its shape doesn't exactly match the modern Nissan, Toyota or Mitsubishi, but it's handy in the field and when it has to carry heavier or larger loads.

Since there is a little "cosmetic" plastic in it, it overcomes rather difficult terrain without any problems. On the other hand, it may not be that everyone who chooses pickups prefers state-of-the-art pickups and prefers the sturdier ones with a sharp angle on the body. In appearance, he perfectly matches the image of a real grandfather. Last but not least, we're talking about an SUV, aren't we?

When we look at its exterior and moderately modern interior, we want to say that the cabin has everything that the average user could want. Air conditioning, power windows, radio, lots of boxes for small things and, of course, transparent meters. We lacked a bit of an automotive feel behind the wheel, but keep in mind that this is still a truck. But very sleek, make no mistake!

There is ample seating, almost as much as in midsize sedans. When seated in the back, the legs and knees are not pressed into the edges of the plastic in the front or the front pair of seats. There were no problems with the head either, there is enough space, even if you measure close to 190 centimeters.

The engine is simply impressive. The three-liter four-cylinder diesel engine develops 130 "horsepower" at 3.800 rpm and up to 280 Nm of torque at 1.600 rpm. In practice, this means that you can start the engine at full load without any problems and do not have to shift a lot with the gearbox. The engine simply "pulls" in any gear. If you've ever driven a truck, the following information can mean a lot to you: You can get away with ease in second gear as well.

Anyone who plans to transport a lot of cargo (it is at a height in terms of carrying capacity) or tow heavy trailers, we can recommend this car with a calm heart. Your boat or snowmobile will take you even up the steepest slopes. Thanks to the extremely flexible engine, off-road driving is very easy with it. Since it does not have a pronounced turbo bore (unlike more modern competitors, and especially the Nissan Navara), it will climb almost any slope in second gear, but if you plan on tackling more serious terrain, just engage the gearbox and all obstacles. ... disappear for D-Max.

Peter Kavcic, Vinko Kernc, Dusan Lukic, Alyosha Mrak

Photo: Aleš Pavletič.

Isuzu D-Max Crew 3.0 TD 4 × 4 LS

Basic data

Technical information

engine:	4-cylinder - in-line - displacement 2999 cm3 - maximum power 96 kW (130 hp) at 3800 rpm - maximum torque 280 Nm at 1600 rpm.
Energy transfer:	rubber 245/70 R 16 S (Bridgestone Dueller H / T 840).
Capacity:	top speed 155 km / h - fuel consumption (ECE) 11,0 / 8,1 / 9,2 l / 100 km.
Transportation and suspension:	front axle - individual suspensions, spring struts, two transverse triangular guides, stabilizer - rear axle - rigid axle, leaf springs, telescopic shock absorbers.
Mass:	empty vehicle 1920 kg - permissible gross weight 2900 kg.
External dimensions:	length 4900 mm - width 1800 mm - height 1735 mm.
Inner dimensions:	total internal length 1640 mm - width front / rear 1460/1450 mm - height front / rear 950/930 mm - longitudinal front / rear 900-1080 / 880-680 mm - fuel tank 76 l.
Box:	distance x width (total width) 1270 × 1950 (1300 mm) mm.

Overall rating (266/420)

• It's not cheap, but it's the only option when we talk about robust construction and everything that goes with it. So, about high carrying capacity, durability on the ground and on the road. It also has a very flexible motor.

• Exterior (11/15)

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• Interior (93/140)

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• Engine, transmission (32
  
  
  / 40)

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• Driving performance (61
  
  
  / 95)

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• Performance (16/35)

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• Security (27/45)

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We praise and reproach

engine flexibility

solid accelerations

robust construction

carrying capacity

the most off-road view

reliability known on the go

fuel consumption