Isuzu D-Max 2.5 Blade review: Sharp new Isuzu pick-up range topper

Isuzu D-Max Blade review

What is it?

ORIGINALLY just a limited edition version of the popular D-Max, the success of the model last summer, has prompted Isuzu to announce the Blade trim as the permanent flagship for this popular pick-up range.

What’s hot?

• Compared to pick-up rivals, the standard D-Max looks modern but doesn’t really stand out. Add the choice of Cosmic black or Pearlescent white colours, a ‘shadow’ grey front grille, door mirror caps, door handles and tailgate handles finished in Cosmic black and it’s a different story. But Isuzu hasn’t stopped there, as the Blade is also fitted with sharp-looking 18-inch, six-spoke ‘Shadow’ alloys and a neat set of side-sill scuff plates.
• Blade spec isn’t just about the look; to help the D-Max Blade’s practicality, there’s also the choice of either an Aeroklas leisure canopy, or a Black Mountain Top roller cover, both at no extra cost, to cover the competitive 1,485mm load bed.
• The Blade’s leather-trimmed heated front seats, a ‘Shadow’ grey headlining, unique ‘Blade’ mats, plus an eight-speaker Pioneer 6.1 inch touchscreen sat-nav system certainly liven up the standard, well-made, if workman-like feel to the standard D-Max’s interior.
• Leg, head and elbow-room is pretty good for a five-door pick-up.
• The D-Max Blade is more than just a high-spec pick up; there’s the safety kit you expect in the form of stability control, emergency brake assist and six airbags.
• The D-Max Blade is powered by a 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel engine producing 160bhp. The low-down torque means the D-Max feels quite swift from lowdown.
• Capable off-road too, twist the switch next to the gearlever in the D-Max Blade and two-mode four-wheel drive can be engaged at up to 60mph.
• The D-Max will carry a tonne in weight and can tow a further 3.5 tonnes.
• Isuzu obviously build the D-Max pick-up tough, because it comes with a five-year 125,000 mile warranty.
• If you want to choose the Isuzu D-Max Blade as a company car, then you will pay benefit in kind company car tax at the ‘van’ rate – £600 for a 20% tax payer and £1200 for a 40% tax payer.