JOHN MURDOCH'S DRIVE TIME: We test out the Isuzu D-Max pick-up truck and preview Skoda's two new Enyaq models
In this instalment of John Murdoch's Drive Time, John tests out the popular Isuzu D-Max pick-up truck and previews two new Enyaq models on the way from Skoda.
The award-winning Isuzu D-Max pick-up is tough enough to get the job done in fields and construction sites and is now stylish enough to shine in the adventure and leisure market.
With a large choice of body styles and trim levels it is also good value for money, with prices starting from £32,916.
The 2025 version comes with fresh design enhancements, a revamped infotainment system as well as improved off-road performance and increased comfort and safety features.
The Japanese company only makes commercial vehicles and its D-Max pick-up truck is the only model it sells in the UK.
It has a strong following and has built its solid reputation on being a tough and reliable workhorse but in the last couple of years Isuzu has transformed the D-Max to make it a player in the lifestyle and adventure market.
The V-Cross Double Cab model I have been sampling is the flagship of the range and with the recent updates it is now even more appealing to the private market.
As well as the revised exterior styling, the V-Cross has leather upholstery, heated front seats, a nine-inch multifunction colour touchscreen, electrically adjustable driver's seat, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.
Its 4x4 powertrain and rear differential lock means it is as good off-road as it is on it and the D-Max is a match for much more expensive competition.
Many other technical and comfort features that you would expect to find in a family SUV are also standard.
Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) are now fitted on all models, including autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning and prevention and rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitor and emergency lane keeping are fitted on all double cab versions.
As a result, the pick-up even boasts a five-star Euro NCAP rating.
Thanks to other modifications the wheelbase is longer and this means that the cabin is even more spacious than before with larger rear doors making access easier.
Only one engine is available throughout the range, a tried and tested 1.9-litre turbodiesel unit which delivers 162bhp and 360Nm of torque.
It completes the 0-62mph sprint in 13 seconds and can go onto a maximum of 112mph.
It is noisy on start-up but it soon settles down and is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. You can opt for a manual version if you wish.
Like most pick-ups it is not light on fuel with an average 30.7mpg claimed for this double cab auto and emissions run at 241g/km.
It may be the lifestyle model of the strong range but the V-Cross still offers the usual workhorse features, with a one-tonne payload and up to 3.5 tonnes towing capacity.
Sensors warn of towing sway and Hill Descent Control is standard on all variants.
The D-Max has always been a great performer off-road and the addition of a rear diff-lock has made it even better.
The speed -sensitive steering makes the D-Max surprisingly easy to manoeuvre in town and out of town it stiffens up nicely to give you more feel and control.
It may not be the flashiest pick-up available but the Isuzu offers good value for money all through the large range of models and it is certainly worth a look. It also boasts an excellent five-year warranty.
FAST FACTS:
Price: £47,916.
Mechanical: 1.9litre, 4 cyl, 162bhp diesel engine driving 4 wheels via automatic gearbox.
Max speed: 112mph.
0-62mph: 13.0 seconds.
Combined mpg: 31.4.
Insurance group: 40.
CO2 emissions: 235g/km.
Bik rating: 37 per cent.
Warranty: Five years/125,000 miles.
Overall rating (out of 5): 4.2.
Meanwhile, Czech manufacturer Skoda is expanding its new Enyaq range with the addition of a SportLine model that will sit alongside the recently introduced 85x 4WD model.
Available in SUV and Coupe body styles, the new SportLine 85 shares its looks and sharp driving dynamics with the all-wheel-drive 85x.
But, with a single-motor drivetrain, it delivers even greater efficiency and longer driving ranges.
Available to order from this week, with prices starting at £47,260 and the Coupe from £49,160, both new Enyaq SportLine 85 models feature 82 kWh battery packs and are powered by a rear-mounted motor that generates 286ps.
This allows the new models to sprint from 0–62 mph in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 111 mph.
In terms of efficiency, the SportLine 85 SUV returns up to 354 miles while the more aero-efficient Coupe offers up to 356 miles - both figures higher than those delivered by the all-wheel-drive 85x version.
Rapid DC charging can be carried out at speeds of up to 135kW, while AC charging peaks at 11kW. When conditions allow, a 10–80 per cent charge on a suitable rapid DC charger can be achieved in around 28 minutes.
Like the SportLine 85x, the single-motor SportLine 85 comes with 20-inch black alloy wheels, sports bumpers, and gloss black styling details as standard.
Inside, SportLine drivers benefit from a head-up display, front sports seats, sports steering wheel, and a CANTON sound system.
Both variants are equipped with progressive dynamic steering and sports suspension that lowers the ride height by 15mm at the front and 10mm at the rear.
Both models also feature a variable boot floor and Area View camera as standard.
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