Thursday, June 19, 2025
Teesdale Mercury
  • News
  • Features
  • Test Drive
  • Business
  • Sport
  • Art & Leisure
  • Buy your paper
  • Buy our photos
  • Digital edition
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Features
  • Test Drive
  • Business
  • Sport
  • Art & Leisure
  • Buy your paper
  • Buy our photos
  • Digital edition
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
Teesdale Mercury
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT

Test Drive: The New Isuzu D-Max

by Teesdale Mercury
November 27, 2024
in Test Drive
Test Drive: The New Isuzu D-Max

On the road: The new Isuzu D-Max

Ian Lamming drives the new Isuzu D-Max like a stake through the heart

CARS inspire and it’s with some trepidation that I await the first images to form in my motoring warped mind.

Here it comes; the nightmare begins. The backdrop is dark and dank, a derelict warehouse. I’m wearing cool shades, body armour and carrying a razor sharp Samurai sword. There’s blood on the streets, vampires to be expunged and Blade down the side of the truck.

ADVERTISEMENT

This isn’t the cult vampire movie starring Wesley Snipes, it’s Isuzu’s top of the range pick-up, the new D-Max Blade and it is a truck that will scare the monsters away – and the opposition.

Old D-Max was always a severed head above the rest but as time progressed the competitors were suddenly snapping at its heels, breathing down its neck. Time to sharpen the weapons.

Replacement D-Max is sharper, smoother, more powerful and easier to drive than ever before.

ADVERTISEMENT

The motor is brand new, shrinking to 1.9 litres from 2.5 yet turning out 1PS more than the old one and 360Nm of bruising torque.

Another key benefit is that the new engine meets Euro 6 standards without the need for the addition of irritating AdBlue.

Six speed auto, there is a manual of course for the purists, is smooth and responsive. It even knows when you are going downhill and drops a cog or two for extra engine braking – spooky.

As per previous D-Max models, Shift-On-The-Fly 4×4 is a key feature. The rotary dial allows the driver to select four-wheel drive on the move and is also equipped with low range gears.

That combo of decent engine and fine handling make the Blade a great way to slice through the daily commute. Better still is the fact I saw 35mpg on the trip a one point.

For some time now pick-ups have been more SUV than old utility vehicle. Blade takes that to the next degree.

Centre place on the dash is a touch screen the size of a plasma TV; it’s huge and makes for the best rear view ever when reverse is engaged, just in case someone is creeping up on you from the shadows. It’s also an infotainment set up and satnav.

Equipment list also boasts LED daytime running and rear lights, Hill Start Assist, Variable Hill Descent Control, power windows and automatic air conditioning, smart alloy wheels, body coloured bumpers, cruise control, rear load liner and a leather steering wheel.

There’s keyless entry and push button start, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, decent leather upholstery with heated front seats, rear parking sensors, tinted windows, remote locking lower tailgate, Blade puddle lamps, and a colour-coded Aeroklas canopy or sports bar with roller cover.

Finally, the D-Max comes with a five-year / 125,000-mile warranty, becoming the first pick-up in the UK to be offered with such a comprehensive peace-of-mind package. Running costs are kept down by 12,000-mile or 24-month service intervals, five years’ roadside rescue and recovery including European cover, a three-year paint warranty, and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty. Say all that after battling the bad guys.

It’s an exhaustive list for a capable crusader that will strike fear into the hearts of the competition. Welcome to their nightmare.

Car facts

Model: Isuzu D-Max Blade

Engine: 1.9 litre diesel

Power: 164PS

Top speed: 112mph

Max payload: 1.1+ tones

Max towing capacity: 3,500kg

Miles per gallon: 36.2 (combined)

Transmission: Six speed auto

CO2 (g/km): 205

ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

Shop staff smash their target to help Abigail

Next Post

Jill’s art to go on show in Newcastle

ADVERTISEMENT
No Result
View All Result

Stay connected

Facebook Twitter
ADVERTISEMENT

Most popular

Former army officer takes charge at Barnard Castle School sixth form

Former army officer takes charge at Barnard Castle School sixth form

June 13, 2025
Call for more volunteers to join Dogs Trust

Call for more volunteers to join Dogs Trust

June 18, 2025
Barney Meet hailed great success

Barney Meet hailed great success

June 17, 2025
Call for dedicated Barnard Castle police officer

Call for dedicated Barnard Castle police officer

June 19, 2025
Probe into parish council cost taxpayers £60,000

Probe into parish council cost taxpayers £60,000

June 16, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

15C Harmire Enterprise Park
Barnard Castle
Co Durham
DL12 8BN

Email: [email protected]

Registered in England as Barrnon Media Limited. No: 12475190

VAT registration number: 343486488

Explore

  • Art & Leisure
  • Business
  • Country Life
  • Features
  • News
  • Sport
  • Test Drive
  • Digital edition

Useful links

  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Buy your paper
  • Photosales
  • Digital edition
  • About us

Follow us on

© Barrnon Media Limited 2025

Terms & Conditions / Privacy Policy / Cookie Policy

This website and its associated newspaper are members of the Independent Press Standards Organisation
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Features
  • Test Drive
  • Business
  • Sport
  • Art & Leisure
  • Buy your paper
  • Buy our photos
  • Digital edition
  • Contact

© 2024