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We've just had the pleasure of reviewing the ISUZU D Max XTR, we have had the vehicle seven days, it's our first vehicle since the UK Lockdown has been eased and we've taken advantage of that and been on quite a few adventures whilst maintaining social distancing.

The D Max model by Isuzu first appeared in around 2002, as a matter of interest it was known as Holden on Australia, now depending on where you are in the world depends on what engines you get, in the UK we get one, a 1.9 turbo diesel four-cylinder engine with the option of either a six speed manual or six speed auto outside the UK you can get a 3L turbodiesel.

The XTR we have the Nav plus trim meaning we get lots of additions as well but the XTR as it is stands on it's own. It is a great pick up and well trimmed, you get big buckety racing seats lots of premium materials throughout the cabin, a few hard plastics, that's what you want with a pickup it provides robustness.

Your met with sidesteps making it easier to climb in, there are manual seats but they are heated and are comfortable, with a good driving position, the steering wheel has height adjustment but no reach but that didn't seem to make a problem for us.

The XTR Nav Plus model we had retails for just under £44,000 and as you'll see from the video you get quite a formidable vehicle and we did quite a bit of exploring we headed up Grizedale and onto some green lanes, nothing too strenuous, however anything we encountered with the Pirelli Scorpion tyres was childs play, it is pretty unstoppable and you have 4x4 on the fly meaning you can select it up to 60 miles an hour, descent control is a welcome addition as is an old school handbrake with hill start assist.

Practicality wise it can carry 1.1 tons on the bed and tow upto 3 1/2 tons. The other non lifestyle D Max models are quite different to the XTR, this behemoth has a bodykit which is twofold and looks very GTR-esqe from the front, the looks are mainly a happy coincidence, its primary role is protecting the vehice whilst off-roading.

The green adds vibrance and makes it really stand out and it also highlights key points on the pickup truck e.g. the bespoke Pedders suspension and calipers. You can get a D Max for around £20,000 inc VAT, for that you'd get single cab with manual box perfect for farming or whatever you need, bear in mind this vehicle can wade upto 600mm without a snorkel, and at the other end of the scale the XTR is £44,000 or just under and comes with the choice of 4 complimentary paint colours, decals and a Pioneer head unit.

Now this has returned, we have the XTR colour edition later this year to look forward to.

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Northern Group of Motoring Writers NGMW

Northern Group Of Motoring Writers

Annabelle Quirk Vice Chairwoman
Ben D T Quirk Member