Isuzu D-Max: More brawn, more brains
Isuzu D-Max: More brawn, more brains
At R789,500, the Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi Double Cab 4×4 LS A/T isn’t the cheapest bakkie on the block. After a week behind the wheel, however, BAREND VAN WYK believes it might just be one of the most satisfying to drive.
Spending time with the Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi Double Cab 4×4 LS Auto was a proper treat – and, I’ll admit, it caught me off guard. At a starting price of R789,500, I expected competence. What I experienced was something far more rewarding: a bakkie that delivers real comfort, impressive road manners, and solid capability, all wrapped up in a muscular, good-looking package.
Looks that mean business
Let’s start with the first thing anyone notices: the looks. This D-Max has real presence. The front grille is bold and unapologetically tough, and the LED headlights add just the right touch of modern style. It’s the kind of vehicle that turns heads in a car park without trying too hard.
From its raised stance to the neat alloy wheels and robust stance, it looks ready for anything – whether that’s a worksite, a weekend getaway, or a family road trip. And the best part? It backs those looks up with genuine capability.
A cabin that surprises
Once inside, the D-Max continues to impress. I’ve driven plenty of bakkies over the years, and comfort is often the first thing to be sacrificed. Not here. The seats are genuinely comfortable: supportive without being stiff, and perfectly suited to longer trips. The cabin design strikes a good balance between practicality and style. The trim feels premium – not plasticky or cheap – and the ergonomics are spot on.
I also appreciated the user-friendly infotainment system. The seven-inch touchscreen does what it’s meant to do, and I had no trouble pairing my phone or navigating the menus. It might not be the flashiest setup in the world, but it works well – and that’s what matters when you’re on the move.
Safety you can trust
Safety is one area where this bakkie really shines. Knowing that I had six airbags, electronic stability control, and various assist systems gave me peace of mind – especially when heading onto the highway or tackling less-than-perfect roads. There’s also rear park assist, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control – not just marketing fluff, but features that genuinely make life easier.
Power without fuss
The 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine is an absolute gem. With 140kW and 450Nm on tap, there’s no shortage of grunt – whether you’re pulling away from the lights or overtaking on the highway. It’s not a loud or aggressive engine, but it delivers its power confidently and smoothly.
Paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox, the experience behind the wheel was seamless. Gear changes were slick and intuitive, and I never felt like the vehicle was struggling or searching for the right gear. Whether crawling through traffic or cruising at 120km/h, the powertrain felt perfectly in sync with the demands of real-world driving.
Surprisingly comfortable ride
What really stood out for me, though, was the ride quality offered by this D-Max. I didn’t expect a bakkie – especially a 4×4 – to feel this refined. The suspension soaked up bumps, gravel, and road imperfections like a champ. It was composed and comfortable, whether I was navigating the city streets or heading out onto more rugged terrain. I came away genuinely impressed by how easy the D-Max was to live with. It doesn’t bounce around when unladen, and the suspension setup strikes a great balance between toughness and comfort.
I came away genuinely impressed by how easy the D-Max was to live with. It doesn’t bounce around when unladen, and the suspension setup strikes a great balance between toughness and comfort.
A proper workhorse, too
Of course, this is still a bakkie at heart – and it does the basics very well. It’s rated to tow 3,500kg (braked), has a ground clearance of 227mm, and boasts a class-leading wading depth of 800mm. This is a vehicle built for Africa’s roads, and it feels more than capable of tackling whatever you throw at it.
Final thoughts
What I found in the D-Max was more than just a reliable double cab. It’s a vehicle that feels as good on the daily school run as it does hauling loads to a remote site. It’s tough, but with refinement; powerful, but not intimidating. And, perhaps most importantly, it feels genuinely built for South Africans – with our roads, our needs, and our expectations in mind.
The Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi 4×4 LS Auto doesn’t just tick boxes – it makes you smile while doing so. In this segment, that’s no small thing.
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