This story first appeared in the July issue of DieselTalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE
To improve its offer to workhorse buyers, Isuzu Ute has given its mid-range LS D-Max a bit of a tickle up in the specification department.
Prices have increased by $1000 on the 4×2 and 4×4 manual and automatic variants of the LS D-Max Double Cab models, but the distributor says the rise justified by the added value of the new content.
The newly improved D-Max LS 4×2 and 4×4 models are now distinguished externally by a new alloy wheel design and a sharkfin-style antenna.
Inside the cabin is a new touchscreen with reversing camera, there’s an upgrade to 8-speakers from the previous six-speaker setup, as well as new and different fabric for the upholstery.
The tailgate has a new and more distinctive swage line running across the top of it, as well as a new locking function, and the nicely integrated camera lens within the tailgate handle.
All high-riding 4×2 and 4×4 D-Max models now have a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.
Firing up the D-Max leaves you in no doubt this is a workmanlike vehicle, the truck derived four-cylinder turbodiesel engine is a robust and durable unit, and it is unashamedly gruff in its timbre.
The 3-litre turbo diesel engine produces 130kW of power and 380 Newton metres of torque through a five-speed automatic transmission.
On the move, the grumbly engine noise quickly diminishes as velocity increases and inside the cabin, the D-Max LS 4×4 is a relatively quiet motorway companion.
You can switch from high-ratio rear-wheel-drive to high-ratio four-wheel-drive on the fly up to 100km/h and back again, but the low ratio will require you to stop and engage neutral while the electronic transfer case switches the transmission into the lower gears.
The D-Max impresses with its comfortable and predictable ride and handling, irrespective of being laden or unladen.
Isuzu Ute New Zealand had fitted a plastic tray liner with tie down points, as well as carpet mats inside to the Black LS 4×4 on the test, as well as the factory approved towbar kit.
These options cost $499, $140, and $1240 plus GST respectively.
Plenty of ‘bling’ highlighted the black metallic paint thanks to the chromed radiator grille, chromed wing mirror caps, chromed door handles, LS badge and the alloy running boards and 17-inch factory rims.
The LS comes equipped with Bluetooth, cruise control; leather wrapped steering wheel, ABS, ESC, keyless entry, and surround sound stereo, in addition to the newly fitted touch screen and reversing camera.
The newly revised LS will appeal to an audience that wants a comfortable working companion which isn’t afraid to get its boots dirty.
Inside the cabin the rear seat squabs flip up to allow storage of bulky items such as toolboxes or portable devices that owners wouldn’t necessarily want to store in the tray.
The LS may not have all the electronic bells and whistles of the Ranger, or the VW Amarok, but it’s got all that is required by a workhorse
It’s comfortable, its practical, it’s reliable (as borne out by the lack of warranty issues) and with its truck heritage, should provide many years of faithful service.
Price: $57,990.
