Isuzu: Blue collar brawn

Like the chassis, with its eight cross members instead of the more usual six, the D-Max LS' motor is designed for a tough life. Photo / Jacqui Madelin

The ideal mount for a Central Plateau dirt-biking jaunt is a rugged diesel ute, so this Isuzu D-Max received a warm welcome.

Though it's the world's largest manufacturer of diesel engines, the brand's better-known here for its trucks, with the utes covered by GM until 2008 and competing with Holden's almost identical Colorado. But no longer, and NZ Isuzu's keen young team can't wait for the final severing of the link when both Isuzu and GM launch their own unique models late next year.

Meantime, there's the D-Max range, our test example the $57,990 D-Max LS, a double-cab wellside 4wd ute. It uses Isuzu's common-rail direct-injection 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine, the same as the brand's two-tonne trucks, so it's not working too hard. Like the chassis, with its eight cross members instead of the more usual six, the motor is designed for a tough life. Our test example was mated to a four-speed auto and a rear limited slip diff, with push-button transfer from two-wheel drive to four-high on the fly, or to low range.

But first - tying on the bikes. The standard cargo-tray loops aren't best-placed to secure two; Isuzu dealers source alternatives from Fully Equipped for $300 to $400. Get a $300 tray liner while you're at it.

We made do, got the Hondas tied down, folded the second-row seatbacks and loaded bags, riding gear, chilly bins, etc atop them, then headed south, using cruise control to keep the engine pinned.

That flat torque curve means this motor's not as lazy as it sounds and your speed easily creeps up. But quite apart from speeding tickets, the D-Max isn't designed for high-speed cornering. Just look at the independent front and leaf spring rear suspension to confirm this is a workaday truck, albeit with a family-friendly cabin. So we took it easy, popping in the odd CD - there's no aux port in this 7-year-old design, nor Bluetooth as standard - and making use of the plentiful cubbies to stash our drinks and snacks.

With two Honda CRFs to ride, we didn't take the Isuzu into the rough, so couldn't sample its rugged construction and 225mm ground clearance, nor did we try its reputed ability to negotiate a 48-degree slope and its super-low-range gearing. We did appreciate the engine's relatively frugal delivery, though - its 10.1l/100km thirst was above the claim, but reasonable considering our largely hilly drive with a high-set load aboard. Bruised on the return trip, we also appreciated this ute's comfort; that somewhat bouncy off-roader ride certainly cushions you from the harder lumps and bumps of New Zealand's typical seal.

In short, this D-Max is overkill if you rarely traverse tough terrain. But hard-workers and off-roaders needing seats for four - or two and luggage - will appreciate its rugged approach.

ISUZU D-MAX LS DOUBLE-CAB UTE

We like
Rugged approach should take you a long, long way off-road

We don't like
Standard position for cargo tie-downs, tray liner not standard

Powertrain
3.0-litre intercooled turbo diesel, 122kW at 3600rpm, 333Nm from 1600 to 3200rpm, four-speed auto drives rear or all four wheels

What it's got
16-inch alloy wheels, air con, cruise control, CD player, leather steering wheel, three child seat tether strap anchors

Performance
0-100 9.0l/100km (claim)

Safety
ABS with EBD, twin front airbags

Vital stats
5030mm long, tows three tons, 76-litre tank