2021 ALL NEW Isuzu D-MAX - First Impressions in 4K

X-Terrain Off Road Overview - • All New Isuzu D-Max X-...
0:00 Intro
1:24 On the Road
3:43 Car Play
4:44 Selecting 4WD
5:38 Rear Tub
The all new Isuzu D-MAX will be officially on sale from the 1st of September and I’ve been given the opportunity to test drive it and I’m going to give you my first impressions of this brand new 4WD Ute.
For those of you who know the D-MAX well, you’ll need to re-acquaint yourself, because the MY21 model is a complete re-design, the first since 2012. It has a new Engine with more power and torque, all new electronics and computerised safety systems and a new chassis that is said to be built for Australian conditions.
I’m test driving the LS-U Crew Cab 4x4 model, which is one down from the top of the range X-Terrain and it’s very comfortable to drive. The seating position feels very high and you sit up above the traffic, which I like, and the adjustable steering wheel and seat, which allows you to get into the perfect driving position.
The engine is completely re-designed and Isuzu has said that the durability and reliability that they’re renowned for continues with this engine, which produces 140kw of power, up 10kw from the previous model and 450Nm of torque, with the torque curve delivering 400Nm at just 1400 rpm and full torque at 1600.
The new lattice chassis design is said to be more rigid with larger side rails and an extra cross member. This new design has certainly improved the handling which was extremely responsive and when I pushed it into the corners it gripped extremely well. It has a double wishbone front setup, with higher mounting points and I actually think it’s one of the best handling utes I’ve driven.
The safety systems in the D-MAX are available in every model and include 4-channel 4-sensor ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control. But it’s the other electronic safety features that are impressive.
The adaptive cruise control allows you to use it in traffic with it stopping and starting as the traffic moves. On the highway it’s also very effective and whilst I’m not a fan of adaptive cruise, I found I was using the cruise control more often than I would normally.
The 3D camera system on the front of the windscreen also gives Autonomous Emergency Braking, Turn Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention. I wasn’t keen on the lane departure prevention feature in other 4WD’s I’ve tested, but the steering wheel pressure as it steers you back into the lane seems far more subtle in the DMax and I found it easy to get used to. The power steering is electric, not hydraulic and I really liked the feel of the steering at both low and high speed.
The Traffic Sign Recognition was incredibly accurate and the warning for exceeding the posted speed limit is also subtle, which isn’t annoying like in some cars, so you’re more likely to leave it turned on. All of these safety systems can be configured in the settings menu on the dash, meaning you can turn the ones you don’t like off, but I found I was happy with them all on.
The LSU and X-Terrain versions also have a 9 inch entertainment screen with apple CarPlay that works with a cable and also wirelessly, which is great.
I would have loved to taken the D-Max off road, but unfortunately I didn’t have the opportunity, but the change from 2WD to 4WD is also easy with a quick turn of a dial which can be used up to speeds of 100kmh. There’s also a diff lock that I think should be in every 4wd.
So what do I think? The new DMax is a pleasure to drive. I really liked the feel and handling capability and I think this would go to the top of my list if I was in the market for a 4WD Ute.
The 6 speed automatic is smooth through the gears and the car is extremely refined.
It has plenty of space in the tub for big loads and my only criticism of the drivability is it’s a bit hard in the suspension and you feel it on a bumpy road. But other than that, I couldn’t fault it.
we expect this new DMax is very much going to upset the balance in the 4WD ute market and I’ve really enjoyed driving this vehicle throughout the week. We highly recommend taking one for a test drive, and I’m sure, like me, you’ll be very impressed.
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[@liammalcolm]

Fantastic review. You were a pleasure to listen to.

[@OnTheDirt]

Thanks for watching, appreciate your kind words.

[@dormamo6917]

Isuzu is well known for its durability and reliability.

[@aburashed5448]

I am waiting for this truck to arrive to Saudi Arabia. The agency promised me in the 1st of December 2020. I hope so.

[@DrKniz]

Those indicators seems really small. They should have included side repeater lights or mirror indicators. Good review.

[@OnTheDirt]

I didn't mention it in the video, but the side mirrors do have indicators. You can see them working at 2:05, however the way the light is reflecting off the mirror, it is difficult to tell that they are working.

[@mikeykeyes]

@@OnTheDirt That means poor engineering - with all that electronic gizmo they missed something basic LOL

[@mikeykeyes]

Yes definitely and to quote the foul mouth John Cadogan it's like a body builder with a baby penis!

[@fredstah714]

Is it the same model as the 2020?

[@clofaxSY]

Did you notice a freaky shadow at 2:45 of this video? Is that a plane?

[@supercruiser4925]

SeptemBA?

[@kitipoompiwpong6644]

(FC.ISUZU)

[@muqaddarali947]

👍

[@clofaxSY]

Set belts please!

[@joshuacole9617]

This looked like it was filmed on the central coast

[@Sisu2280]

Sydney. North West... that’s Galston Gorge... you can tell because it looks like people don’t have licences to drive.

[@johnn6235]

Noticed you were in box hill

[@OnTheDirt]

Yep!

[@nemoyap]

if only the headlights designed bigger

[@YA-ee9zf]

the rear is not small for adults it is small for europeans that are above average in the height department compared to the rest of the world.

[@mumenrider1844]

It doesnt look like an all new dmax. It looms like a facelifted dmax

[@3_to_the_dome501]

push start button should be standard for all trim. what year is this? 1990?

[@OnTheDirt]

Push start is available on the top of the range, X-Terrain model, but not on the lower models. Whilst it would be nice to see it in the LSU Model, we doubt it will be a deal breaker for most buyers.

[@dr.killjoy5001]

No need for that crap, it is a stupid gimmick like freakin sunroofs and soft touch material everywhere.

[@mikeykeyes]

@@dr.killjoy5001 why then people crave for soft touch in a woman instead of a masculine hardness LOLLZZZ?

[@mikeykeyes]

Other reviews I saw says Isuzu claims less noise but those who drove an Isuzu D Max before find no difference - you claim silent...other reviews also suggest the D max is not very good cornering you said cornered with good grips...I suppose it all comes down to individual attention to details.

[@ryanhamilton806]

He probably just got paid more to talk it up than the others

[@OnTheDirt]

During our testing, we took the D-Max along some twisting roads with hairpin bends and sweeping corners. Our opinion is that the cornering ability of the car is good and felt very comfortable on the road through the twisty sections and gripped well. Others may have had different experiences. Unfortunately we didn't get the opportunity to do tests on wet or gravel surfaces which would have provided different handling situations. But thanks for commenting.

[@OnTheDirt]

This was not a paid review and the opinions were not influenced by the manufacturer. We simply believed it to be a very capable and well appointed 4WD Ute that is likely to change the balance of 4WD Ute sales in Australia.

[@b.shafudah8888]

@@ryanhamilton806 and maybe the other reviewers got paid to talk shit about the new Isuzu. Have you considered that?

[@dibsaikia302]

That’s sex on four wheels wooo!

[@vevohoeyo]

I'm over this new dmax its literally only just coming up to the other utes specs. It's only just got a rear difflock and its nothing special. Everyone acting like this is new tech!

[@OnTheDirt]

Yes, there has been a LOT of hype around the release of this car. The tech in it is top notch though... we think the electronic safety features are a step up from its rivals.

[@Seshonium]

@@OnTheDirt Not to mention coming in at 10k less than its competitors in the top model, hardly something to turn the nose up at! Its coming into the market at the price point all the competitors should be at in my opinion. I agree with you, I think Toyota and Ford are going to feel it when Isuzu takes up more than the 10% forecasted market share.

[@mickfromaustralia9818]

@@Seshonium I want one!

[@Seshonium]

@@mickfromaustralia9818 My moneys nearly spent, got a booking with my dealer on tuesday to put my hard earned where my mouth is, just sucks its a 2 month wait!

[@Naessey]

The Seshman Totally. Can pick up (in higher range models) for around 8k less, though Toyota/Ford come with towbar so take another 1500 off and its around 6k. But still, 3.0l is a proven unit and Nm range at 1000-2600rpm is amazing and shows you don’t need the best Kw to have a relaxed drive. Can’t wait for my test drive next week.