ISUZU DMAX 3.0

Isuzu Dmax 3.0

The Isuzu Dmax has been with us for nearly four years now. It amazing performance, style and comfort has made it a must have pick-up for commercial purposes or for use as an everyday vehicle. 

With the rear open

The Dmax shocked the whole world when Isuzu claimed that it had parts that were bespoke for it and that it’s was build from ground up as a tough and durable machine. Show the Dmax any rough road or tarmac and it will get you to your destination without any hustle. Its sheer toughness was accompanied by the 4x4 system that ensured it can manoeuvre on any surface with ease. 

DMAXIMUM APPEAL

With all this great qualities, Isuzu have decided to improve on them with the launch of the all new Isuzu Dmax 3.0. The improvements are visible both internally and externally.

Side View

At the front it still has the unique design first seen in its 2007 model, however it has been tweaked up to give it a super-tough appearance. It has a new grill, projector-type headlamps, new bumper within inset fog lamps and a new bonnet with intercooler intake. Its wide character is further boosted with the huge wheel arches. It has a well styled cabin that well integrates with the rear loading bay giving it a car like look. At the rear side panels have curves which are complemented by a new tailgate and rear lamps. Other touches that further boost is appeal are turn indicators on the side mirrors, grab-type exterior door handles and large wrap-round rear lights.

Rear View

ECO-POWERPLANT

Under its huge bonnet are two diesel engines; a 2.5 litre and a 3.0 litre. Both engines are fitted with a top mounted intercooler and five-speed manual gearbox as standard. The manual gearbox has a high top gear ratio for a quieter more fuel-efficient motoring at higher cruising speeds.   However one can order one with an automatic gearbox.

Intercooled 3.0 liter diesel engine

The engines feature twin overhead camshafts with 16 valves, a stainless steel timing chain, and an advanced common-rail system operating at a high-pressure. The engine has an electronically-controlled injection pump for precise and constant 'just-in-time' fuel supply. Variable geometry turbochargers (VGT), with turbine blades that vary their pitch according to engine speed, provide strong pulling power throughout the rev-range. The 2.5 litre engine has a maximum output of 136 PS (134 hp). 0 to 100km/h is taken care of in 12.8 seconds. That’s not bad for a huge 1 tonne pick-up. It has a fuel consumption of 6.7 litres per 100km covered. The 3 litre version has a maximum output of 163 PS (160 hp). 0 to 100km/h takes 10.7 seconds. The fuel consumption is pegged at 7.0 litres per 100km covered.

Isuzu Dmax 3.0

Its rigid suspension is designed to deliver a smoother ride. The front suspension is fully independent. It incorporates double wishbones and torsion bars. It also has an anti-roll bar as standard. Rear suspension features a live axle suspended by steel leaf springs for maximum ability to absorb punishing payloads. The rear springs are carefully tuned to work in harmony with the front suspension to boost stability. 

Best pick-up for the job

A TRUE WORKHORSE

Just like its amazing appeal and design it also has jaw dropping hauling and pulling figures. It’s available as a Single-Cabin or a Double-Cabin. The Double-Cabin cargo bay measures at 1,360 x 1,340 mm. It can carry an amazing 1,075 kg of stuff at the back. The engine at the front gives it enough pulling power to tow any equipment or trailer weighing around 3000 kg.

Stylish steering wheel

It has a ground clearance 205 mm while its approach, departure and ramp angles are 34, 21 and 21 degrees. The maximum slanting angle is a remarkable 49 degrees. One can drive the Isuzu Dmax Double-Cabin on depth 600mm in water without fear of the engine dying out. The Single-Cab that has been customized to do the hard and dirty jobs has a cargo bay that measures 2,280 x 1,520mm. It can carry 1,235 kg of any load with easy. The ground clearance is 195 mm, can tow a trailer or equipment of about 2,500 kg and can be driven in a depth of 400mm in water.  

Comfortable interior

INVITING INTERIOR

The interior has been soundproofed to create a quite relaxing feeling inside. Cabin space is generous with 1,004 mm of headroom and 1,450 mm of shoulder room. To ensure that the majority of users can find a comfortable driving position, the driver's seat and the steering wheel are adjustable. It has two seats in the Single-Cabin version while there is room for 5 occupants in the Double-Cabin version. Rear seat passengers are also well looked after. Access is easy as the rear doors are much wider and can be opened up to 68.5 degrees allowing easy entry and exit.

Rear of the Double-Cab

The rear seat backrest is reclined to a greater angle for improved comfort. It also has generous rear legroom. Behind the four-spoke steering wheel (with a bold 'ISUZU' logo encircled inside a chrome ring) are three instrument dials that are glow in the dark and feature crisp and clear graphics. It also has large circular, adjustable air vents in the centre and outboard on the dashboard. At the centre of the dashboard are easy-to-use rotary controls for the ventilation and air-conditioning. Below them is a digital clock and the three selector buttons for the 'shift-on-the fly' drive train, allowing 2WD (2H) and 4WD (4H) to be engaged on the move at speeds up to 100km/h. For low ratio (4L) selection, the vehicle must be stationary. 

Tough workhorse

SAFETY KIT

It has a braking system that can handle the bulk. It has huge ventilated front discs with twin-piston callipers. At the back there are drum brakes fitted a fade resistance pads. Connected to the brakes is a four-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD). It also has twin front airbags and impact-resistant side protection beams for all doors. The front seatbelts have pre-tensionerswith load-limiters and are height-adjustable as are the two outer rear seatbelts. It also has an engine immobiliser, an anti-theft alarm and central door locking with a keyless entry

At the recent motor show

DIFFERENT VERSION SIMILAR ABILITIES 

The Dmax is available in four different versions of the Double-Cabin and the Single-Cabin version. The entry level in the Double-Cabin versions comes with air-conditioning, four electric windows, 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless-entry central-locking, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, single-disc radio/CD player with MP3 capability and iPod connectivity.

Enough room for carrying stuff

The mid range has similar features as the entry level but it has other extras such as soft-type front bumper, stainless steel side-steps, stainless steel door scuff plates, a  radio with CD player and MP3 capability, plus Bluetooth hands-free kit and chrome-finish rear lamp protectors. The top of the range version comes with 18-inch 'Shadow Chrome' alloy wheels, stainless steel mesh front grille, chrome finish bonnet garnish, and a body-colour hard top with locking tailgate. The Single cab comes equipped with tinted glass and a single disc radio/CD player with two speakers and an anti-theft alarm as standard.