Meet the Isuzu D-MAX 1.9l Ddi Extended Cab HR/LS. Wow, that’s a mouthful.
Now look, I’m not necessarily a ‘bakkie guy’, but as an adventure-seeking sort and avid mountain biker, I cannot deny the appeal. However, as a family man that rolls five deep most days, a double-cab has been a non negotiable. So there I was, taking delivery of the latest Isuzu D-Max in Extended cab format. Firstly, it’s a looker, especially covered in Switchblade Silver metallic paint, and with that bold front-end. I can’t recall the last time I’ve driven an Isuzu product, but it’s great to see Ye Olde KB continue with this new nomenclature. It remains a tough truck, and now with the option of a smaller capacity 1.9l turbodiesel engine. This particular model costs R489,000, which is par for the course for a refined workhorse. It churns 110kW and 350Nm from this engine, good for an uber economical 7.9l/100km. Without trying, I got close at 8.3l/100km which is commendable, and also a relief in these economic times. The cabin is well appointed and contemporary, outfitted with all the smartphone connectivity you could ask for. And then there’s the perk of having a bench for gear, tools and toys behind the seats. But an absence of seat belts here (in the rear) is a reminder that this is not a space for humans. You’ve been warned. And yet, for a 2km school run conducted at 50kph it would have been the perfect solution but alas, this is the dilemma facing all cab-and-a-halves of this nature.
How does it go? Well. Very well, it’s a torquey animal under that bonnet after all, but with quite a bit of rowing required from the manual box in heavy traffic. Mine came with a towbar so no need to load bikes in the ample loadbin, but it’s great to know that I can drop in a large 29er with no hassle. And indeed, this is where the D-Max Extended Cab rules. In carrying capacity. That loadbin is mega, capable of swallowing up a whole peloton of bikes, just there’s only place for two riders. So if you’re two adventurers or less, I don’t see a need for a double cab and then there’s the fact that a single cab is far too utilitarian for my tastes. I also enjoy the benefits of that space behind the seats for storing valuables and shopping and so on.
Overall, the D-Max makes a ton of sense in this spec. That is, an extended cab with a frugal power train and comfortable living space. It proved capable of navigating the gravel roads leading to my favourite trails, which is typically a solo mission for me. More than that, I couldn’t ask for from a bakkie.