deflatorearly.Manyoffroaderswouldopt
tochangethemtoA/TsorM/Ts.Oneother
missing offroad feature is limited slip-diff and
diff-lock, which could disadvantage offroad
extremists that find themselves with tyres off
or almost off of the ground.WITHIN THE CAB
After gaining entry to the cab via the
easy-access side steps you are greeted
by the comfortable interior. The seats are
leather-accented and I was pleased with
how comfortable the driver’s was; six-way
adjustment allowed me to position my legs
and arms at comfortable extension, and my
back felt supported by wrap-around bolsters
of the seat. The ample headroom and out-
of-the-way positioning of the grab handles
helped too.
The panelling in the centre features the
8” touch screen unit with USB, iPod and
bluetooth input, satellite navigation and a
reverse camera. Below it are controls for
the quick-acting climate control air-con, then
below this various outlets including two
USB outlets (there’s one up back too). The
odometer can record two trips, including fuel
economy; the speedometer is just analogue.
There’s a reasonable amount of storage.
A popping lid opens on the dash to reveal
a flat space. The glovebox has upper and
lower compartments. There’s a cupholder
tray between the front seats, compartments
with bottle bulges in the side of doors, map
holders on the back of the seats, and an
overhead console with lights and a sunnies
case.
The D-MAX lacks certain features such as
Apple CarPlay and autonomous emergency
brakes. Each buyer will have to weigh up
the importance of these omissions, but it is
reassuring to know that the D-MAX, thanks to
considerations such as its six airbags, has a
5-star ANCAP safety rating.NEW BLING FOR 2019
The 2019 instalment of the D-MAX stays
similar to last year, with most changes being
cosmetic. Visual changes include matte black
wheels, new-look sidesteps, matte black roof
rails, and added black colouration to the
exterior. Colour won’t help you tow – you
could do as well in a pure pink D-MAX – but“THE RELIABILITY, ATTRACTIVE PRICE POINT, AND ABILITY TO
CARRY WHATEVER IT IS YOU WISH TO CARRY, MAKE THIS A
GREAT WAY TO DECORATE YOUR CAMPER’S DRAWBAR”
The fear with an auto is that you have less
control over the gears, but the auto D-MAX proves
that computer trumps man when it comes to choosing
ISUZU D-MAX