Isuzu Trooper Owners Club UK™

[scj103]

Here we go...!
So I’ve taken a 2017 D-Max for a review test over 48 hours.  For anyone considering the truck, the primary question was, of course, is the 1.9 engine any use.  So I’ve tried to give the best real world use to it, and travelled into Norwich City, picked up and taken 4 people out for dinner.  Then I’ve towed a 4x4 from Norfolk to Yorkshire, and driven home light.

[img] https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8ZW31nWEMsza3VxZFh4VmtjQWc [/img]

First rule when picking up a new vehicle - make sure they demo starting it instead of having it running when they hand over, and then going to fill up with fuel...and finding you don't know how to start the damned thing!  Missing auto stop-start, its odd to find keyless ignition which seems out of place.  However the truck is sensitive enough to not lock if the key is inside.
Day 1 has been a small amount of towing, and a trip into and around the city.
It's quiet, and well refined with good noise insulation. It sits planted on the road and goes exactly where you point it. The ride unladen isn't awful, but that's as good as it gets. I'd say as a driver it is more comfortable than the current ranger, l200 and older hilux, being the only ones I have experience of.  As a passenger it’s a different story.
Niggles so far: Gearbox, In car computer, some irritations with the engine mapping.

Gearbox: truck is power limited in 1,2&3. The power restriction in first and second is fine. It's enough to stop it being tail happy, but not to restrict pulling away. Isuzu have clearly intended 1st to be a crawler gear, as the ecu programming allows you to pull away gently in second. However, third, which should be the strongest gear, is gutless and weak. Fourth is your most flexible gear.
Third on this one also is crunchy when selecting unless stupidly slow at entering gear.

Engine mapping is causing some flat spots, especially in 2nd and 3rd.

In car computer came in km and with a safety lock to stop you operating it on the move. Trying to find settings and work your way round it needs a computing degree or the handbook.

Haven't found an option to turn on lane change indicators.

Tow bar has no dashboard light, and is fitted with 7pin electrics, which as a new vehicle is annoying as I've converted the fleet to 13pin to match newer vehicles.

Nice touch that you can lock the truck with the key in your pocket by pressing the button on the outer door handle.

[img] https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8ZW31nWEMszV2kxVjBmZ09ZYUU [/img]

Length -
600mm longer than a trooper at the rear bumpers.
500mm towbar to towbar
400mm DMax rear bumper to Trooper Spare Wheel.

Reversing camera is very good too.
Day 2, towing a Trooper into Yorkshire.
The engine is definitely up to the job, though it does make some strange noises. Very clattery at times, but otherwise definitely powerful enough.
Pulling away weighing 6T is a breeze, though the re-gearing of first has been left looking sheepish by the lack of regearing of 2nd. The gap between 1st and 2nd is too great, so you have to rev to the top of the range before changing or else struggle to pick up afterwards.
On our test model the diagnostics and traction control lights were illuminated, but no apparent effect. We were told this was a software issue. Cruise control randomly wouldn't work, which may be linked.
Gear changes are notchy and crunchy.
The ride in the passenger seat is frankly awful. The driver’s seat is better.
As a replacement for a trooper, it has zero storage space, little comfort and cabin features are very difficult to find and operate. Disappointing in many respects.
If you intend to have the bed half full all the time and do a lot of towing, it's great. If you are looking for a second vehicle that can do the Tesco shop, whilst picking the kids up from school, and still tow an ifor hb510, you'll need a cushion and a load bed cover. And a chiropractor on call.

Engine 10/10
Gearbox 7/10
Comfort 3/10
Towing 10/10

Economy around town yesterday 35mpg
Towing 6T gross for 150miles and 4T gross for 150miles average 29mpg.

Overall score 6/10.

Engine:

[img] https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8ZW31nWEMszRVJfTkJnSTNBWm8 [/img]


Full outfit for day 2:

[img] https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8ZW31nWEMszSE90OVZTaXdyV00 [/img]
[img]https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8ZW31nWEMszSE90OVZTaXdyV00[/img]

PS if anyone can figure out why the images dont show, please let me know!
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'98S reg Irish Trooper 3.0DT Citation (LWB 7seat)
65 plate Octavia Scout
'83 A reg 2CV...

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[d12]

Well are you going to buy one ? , thanks for doing the review
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96 3.1 bighorn lwb ,widetrack

[scj103]

Not for the foreseeable future.
Just not close enough a replacement for a trooper.
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'98S reg Irish Trooper 3.0DT Citation (LWB 7seat)
65 plate Octavia Scout
'83 A reg 2CV...