Review: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Mudmaster

Isuzu D-Max V-Cross MudmasterIsuzu D-Max V-Cross Mudmaster
Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Mudmaster
The Isuzu D-Max might be more at home ploughing through the mud but it delivers a decent on-road ride as well, says Julie Marshall

I don’t really think I fulfilled the potential of the mighty Isuzu D-Max V-Cross pick-up truck during our time together. In fact I know I didn’t.

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I should have, at the very least, scheduled some time at an off-road course or down a green lane or two to put it through its paces so it could show me what it can do. But that was not to be.

Instead we pottered around for a week, going shopping, taking the dogs to the vets and having a blast up and down the motorway.

Isuzu D-Max V-Cross MudmasterIsuzu D-Max V-Cross Mudmaster
Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Mudmaster

Embarrassingly, despite being emblazoned with the Mudmaster logo across the doors - when it was collected, the unseasonably dry weather meant it was still as pristine as when it arrived.

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Because of this, I’ll leave others to comment on its off-road prowess - which is probably as good as it gets.

In my defence, I have driven other versions of the D-Max off-road and found it to be more than capable of tackling anything you can throw at it

Despite its colossal size the D-Max is actually very easy to drive around town with a remarkably tight turning circle and once in motion, you forgot just how much metal you were towing along with you.

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Isuzu D-Max V-Cross MudmasterIsuzu D-Max V-Cross Mudmaster
Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Mudmaster

Parking is another matter. At 5.2m long and 1.9 metres wide it takes up a fair amount of space in a town centre car park. You’ll have no trouble picking it out though as the Mudmaster adds an extra 44mm to the V-Cross’ already 1.8m height.

I must admit to enjoying driving the Mudmaster around, despite an urban environment not being its true home.

As you’d expect from such a tall vehicle forward visibility is exceptionally good and it has incredible on-road presence.

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The cabin layout will be familiar to anyone who has driven a top-spec D-Max in the past but it was substantially upgraded the last time there was a refresh.

Isuzu D-Max V-Cross MudmasterIsuzu D-Max V-Cross Mudmaster
Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Mudmaster

It’s smart, functional and is as well-equipped as any high-end SUV. It has dual control climate control, heated front seats, reversing camera (essential piece of kit), USB ports at the front and back and a multifunction touchscreen with smartphone mirroring.

The V-Cross Mudmaster is a very special edition of the D-Max that was first revealed earlier this year. It has been fitted out with the most amazing array of bells and whistles. Everything imaginable has been thrown at it - and more besides.

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Some are to assist with off-road driving like the snorkel, winch, Pedders suspension lift, larger wheels with all-terrain tyres. It's a simple manouvre to change from four-wheel to two-wheel and low box is selected using the easily accessible rotary dial.

To help protect your sizable investment (£38,495, plus £14,000 of extra kit on the Mudmaster) it comes with an under body kit, tough custom-fitted seat covers all round, door handle protectors and heavy duty vinyl mats.

Powered by a potent, though at times quite noisy, 1.9-litre engine, acceleration is 13 seconds and top speed 112 mph. Economy is a better than expected 30.7mpg with CO2 emissions coming out at 241g/km.

A great piece of kit.

Specifications

Price: £46,116 (£62,916 as tested)

Engine: 1.9 diesel, four-cylinder

Power: 162bhp

Torque: 265lb/ft

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Top speed: 112mph

0-62mph: 13 seconds

Economy: 30.7mpg

CO 2 emissions:241g/km

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