JOHN MURDOCH'S DRIVE TIME: We test out the Isuzu D-Max pick-up truck and preview Skoda's two new Enyaq models
With a large choice of body styles and trim levels, the pick-up truck is good value for money, with prices starting from £32,916.
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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Available in both coupe and convertible body styles, the seventh generation Mustang is still selling well. In this instalment of John Murdoch's Drive Time, John gets behind the wheel of the legend that is the Ford Mustang and discovers how the end has arrived for the famous Honda Civic Type R. The latest version of the legendary Ford Mustang muscle car comes with a redesigned digital interior and a revamped V8 engine to supply even more firepower. Available in both coupe and convertible body styles, the seventh generation Mustang is still selling well. Since the original Mustang first arrived six decades ago more than 10 million have been sold worldwide. With edgier styling, the latest model sits on the same platform as its predecessor but comes with upgraded hardware, software and tuning - plus a new Gen IV 5.0-litre V8 engine said to provide even greater response and performance. 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The 10-speed automatic box is smooth and perfect for the job but you can also operate it manually if you wish. The engine roars into life as soon as you press the start button and the V8 soundtrack is superb through the quad tailpipes. Acceleration is rapid and the GT has loads of grip and is at home on both motorways and country roads. Multiple drive modes enable you to alter the performance and enjoy the soundtrack. You can even tone the noise level down if you don't want to upset the neighbours late at night or early morning. Room up front is great but the rear seats are only suitable for youngsters. The boot is ample and provides 381 litres of space - enough for the shop or a couple of sets of golf clubs. A wireless charging pad is a bonus and there is also lots of storage space in the cabin. The Mustang makes driving fun and this Ford icon may not be subtle but it makes you feel great when you get behind the wheel. 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"The industry is changing, and our model range is having to evolve with it in accordance with European legislation. "However, Type R has always been Honda's ultimate expression of our passion for driving excitement, and we look forward to celebrating its heritage in the weeks and months ahead." The Civic Type R first came to prominence in Japan with the sixth generation of the Civic hatchback model in 1997. Since then, it has spanned a further five generations and many special editions besides, building a dedicated fan base around the world with its long tradition of high-performance inspired by the spirit of racing. Further demonstrating its dynamic credentials across almost three decades, the Civic Type R has set front wheel drive production benchmarks at several circuits around the world - most notably the Nurburgring Nordschleife in Germany on several occasions. 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