Isuzu D-Max 2.2 – new power for the ever-popular pick-up

Isuzu is retiring its long serving 1.9-litre turbo diesel from the D-Max pick-up range and replacing it with a new 2.2-litre unit that promises better performance and efficiency, and at the same time offering a new 8-speed automatic transmission option alongside the standard 6-speed manual box.

The new 2.2-litre engine produces 400Nm of torque, with 255Nm at just 1,000rpm, and a total power output of 163PS. Fuel economy now offers a whisker under 8.56 l/100km (33mpg) combined and the benchmark 100kph/62 mph reached in, a still leisurely, 12.2 seconds. To be fair it’s hardly the kind of vehicle you’ll be taking to the Nürburgring and certainly the previous versions still felt more than brisk enough despite the leisurely acceleration. The new power unit is centred on greater efficiency and performance with improved refinement.

A shift-on-the-fly system allows rolling switches between two and four-wheel-drive high and there’s a selectable rear differential lock and rough terrain mode. An 800mm wading depth is complemented by good approach, departure and ramp breakover angles. In terms of payload the D-Max 2.2 can deliver 1205kg along with a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg.

To coincide with the new power unit there are some styling changes and specification upgrades across the model line-up.  New-style sidesteps are included on DL40 and V-Cross models, and there’s a new Urban Moss metallic paint finish, plus a new 360-degree Surround View Camera that deploys digital cameras on the front radiator grille, tailgate and wing mirrors, displaying images on the infotainment screen when moving or parking.

Internal changes to the new 2.2 model include revised seat designs, with enhanced cloth and leather trims. High-grade textured cloth is offered as standard on the DL20 model, and leather is standard on DL40 and V-Cross versions.

There are three body styles; single cab, extended cab and double cab with the double cab models offering a 6-speed manual gearbox or the optional new 8-speed automatic. The trim levels range from the entry Utility model through to the top-of-the-range V-Cross.

Prices start from €39,251 (£33,495 excluding UK VAT) for the lead-in single cab Utility version through to €50,384 (£42,995 excluding UK VAT) for the flagship V-Cross model. Unless white is your favourite colour then Isuzu is being a tad miserly in expecting you to fork out an additional €703 (£600 excluding UK VAT) for any other colour.

Overall then the new engine brings what was an ageing, although reliable and well-proven, power plant up to a more modern level of efficiency, performance and refinement.