Performance review of 2012 DMax and Colorado

It is more fun with four wheels.
 


Rizal  PHL  | November 23, 2013

From HE Motor report: Colorado vs Dmax

From Top Speed

The review places Dmax and Colorado as cousins (this is correct since GM and Isuzu were on JV before)  We can talk briefly about the engine. Colorado comes with a 2.8 liter engine which has higher towing capacity than Dmax.  DMax comes with  a 3 liter 4JJ1 - TC diesel engine and delivers 130 kw and 380 nM of torque.  (A Dakar version can deliver 180 kw, and 590 nM of torque)

Colorado has 3.5 tonnes towing capacity vs Dmax 3.0 tonnes only.

Off road - D max is given good rating.  It says that its traction control operates much like a diff lock



Power comes from a 2.5 liter diesel engine which is big improvement compared to the old unit. This unit is surprisingly refined and there isn’t felt any diesel clatter at idle. The maximum torque is rated at 400 Nm and it’s available between 1400 – 2000 rpm. Step a big to on the go pedal and you’ll be rewarded with a strong and punchy response mostly and a wide torque band. The engine does its job in a great way and pulls any load without breaking a sweat, never feeling strained. It’s true that there are more powerful engines out there, but the D Max’s unit is well matched to its chassis. The five speed manual gearbox is able to shift gears pretty easy, but there is pretty long throw between them. The automatic unit it’s a bit sluggish for our tastes and needed shorter gear ratios for better performances. Isuzu D Max Engine Specifications Engine Hp@rpm Nm@rpm 2.5 163 @ 3600 400 @ 1400-2000 Ride and handling Isuzu D-Max The new generation D-Max ladder frame is 42 percent more rigid than the old one and the new model has also a wider track, hence increasing the stability not only on difficult terrains but on normal roads too. Thanks to this improvement, the vehicle feels well balanced and stays planted on its wheels with more determination, even during harder cornering. The new Isuzu D-Max also benefits from a new suspension setup with independent double wish-bone with coil springs and gas shock absorbers up front and long-span leaf springs at the rear. While the old model find it hard to keep your back away from the biggest potholes, the new suspensions are more forgivable and offer a slightly better ride quality. Verdict Isuzu D-Max With the new D-Max, Isuzu has showed everyone that it’s back in the pickup business. While the old model didn’t had enough grunt to keep its head up against its main rivals, the new model is a quantum leap forward for the Isuzu brand and represents a pretty interesting package that is worthy to be taken into consideration. The 2012 Isuzu D-Max offers a modern exterior design, which is backed up by a fairly spacious and decent cabin. The diesel engine may not be the strongest unit in the segment, but it gels great with the utilitarian nature of the vehicle and offers adequate performances. The vehicle comes pretty well equipped too and the price won’t scare buyers away either. *Registration is required to post in this forum Log in via Facebook Picture Gallery (20) 2012 isuzu d-max 1 2012 isuzu d-max 2 2012 isuzu d-max 3 2012 isuzu d-max 4 2012 isuzu d-max 5 Picture Gallery (20)