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electric, Isuzu, Motoring, Pick-up/4x4

Isuzu D‑Max EV: Silent power, serious payload and towing capability

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Isuzu D-Max eV-Cross

By Bill McCarthy

This electrified D-Max is a bit of a motoring paradox. It looks, works, and tows like the diesel pick-up it’s based on, yet glides along in near silence. The experience is slightly surreal — I found myself humming Simon & Garfunkel’s The Sound of Silence within the first few miles. Having driven many versions of the D-Max over the years, I found the absence of that familiar diesel clatter strange … and welcome – even though a new 2.2 litre diesel has joined the range.

It is the first fully electric pick-up in the UK to offer over one-tonne payload, 3.5-tonne towing capacity, and permanent four-wheel drive, matching its diesel sibling. That’s proper capability.

All-wheel drive comes via a 66.9 kWh battery driving dual motors on the front and rear axles, producing 149.3 kW (roughly 200bhp) and 347.6 Nm of torque. Performance is rapid for such a big beast: 0-62mph in 10.1 seconds, about three seconds quicker than the diesel.

Impressive performance

The big takeaway is how closely the EV matches the diesel’s capacity. It offers 1,015kg payload for the Double Cab (1,060kg for the Extended Cab) and a 3.5-tonne maximum towing capacity.

That qualifies it as a commercial vehicle, which means low Benefit-in-Kind tax rates for EVs.Visually, the range-topping eV-Cross tested here looks the part — muscular and practical, with some classy touches.

A new bronze-silver grille and Bi-LED headlights with blue accents. It sits on 18-inch alloy wheels with black side steps, honeycomb side vents, and an integrated charge port. At the rear are triple-shield LED lights, V-Cross/EV badging, and a battery protection plate.

The EV trade-off

Getting in, I initially thought I imagined that I felt lower to the ground than in the diesel — but it’s real. The EV sits 25mm lower (210mm versus 235mm ground clearance) because the battery pack is mounted beneath the floor, encroaching on the space under the truck.

Wading depth also drops from 800mm to 600mm.Isuzu says it has added underbody protection for the battery, but the lower stance is an unavoidable trade-off of the EV powertrain packaging.

I couldn’t judge how this affects off-road performance, though Isuzu says the EV has already been trialled in left-hand drive with National Grid Electricity Distribution, testing it in the most challenging UK terrains and conditions, including towing and winching.

Interior and equipment

Like many modern pick-ups, the D-Max EV drives almost like a car, and the interior trim follows suit. Available in leather or high-grade cloth, it comes in eDL40 and eV-Cross trim levels, both with either Extended Cab or Double Cab configurations.

Standard kit includes Rough Terrain Mode, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, front and rear parking sensors, a seven-inch driver information display, and an eight-year/125,000-mile battery warranty.

Range and charging

Range could be an issue for some buyers. Isuzu quotes a combined 163 miles, though city driving improves this to 224 miles — a figure I could not confirm. On a mixed motorway and country lane road test in fine weather, the quoted figure seemed accurate. How those figures would vary with maximum payload or towing, I couldn’t judge.

DC charging is slow by modern standards and peaks at just 50kW, meaning a 20-80% charge takes around 60 minutes. Standard 11kW three-phase AC charging, however, gives a full charge in 10 hours, which suits fleet users who can plug in overnight.

On the road

Dynamically, the D-Max EV is more responsive and quieter than the diesel, and rides well if still bouncy when unladen. Instant torque makes light work of overtaking and loaded acceleration, and the near-silent running — apart from a little wind and road noise — delivers a decent driving experience.

Advanced safety kit

The EV retains the same suite as the diesel, with advanced driver assistance systems including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Traffic sign recognition and rear cross-traffic alert are also standard.

Cost and warranty

It’s not cheap. The Extended Cab eDL40 starts just under £60,000 excluding VAT, the Double Cab adds £1,000, and the top eV-Cross tested here is £62,495. That’s pushing £20,000 more than equivalent diesel automatics and considerably more than the KGM Musso Electric.

The Musso is cheaper but doesn’t offer the same payload or towing capacity. Isuzu believes its unique payload and towing capacity will attract buyers.

Verdict

For fleet operators who need a workhorse with low running costs and can live with modest range, this EV could well be the answer. For everyone else — lifestylers included — the premium over diesel is a tricky one to justify.

It’s silent, capable, and expensive, but at its heart it’s still a very capable D-Max.

Fastfile

Model: Isuzu D-Max EV eV-Cross Double Cab
Price: £62,495 (excluding VAT) 
Mechanical:  Dual electric motors, 66.9 kWh battery, permanent four-wheel drive, automatic transmission
Max speed: 80 mph  
0 to 62mph:  10.1 seconds 
Range (WLTP): 163 miles combined (24 miles city)
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km 
BiK rating: 3%
Insurance group: TBC
Warranty: Five years/100,000 miles

Audi, Executive saloon, Motoring

A3 an excellent blend of luxury and practicality

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Audi A3 Saloon 150 TSI Sportline

By Bill McCarthy

Marketing history proves that premium status can be bought or engineered. A well-known lager trading itself as reassuringly expensive, weaponised high pricing to signal quality, while Audi’s iconic “Vorsprung durch Technik” delivered a message of technical innovation.

Both cemented luxury reputations, showing consumers will pay more for emotional prestige or German engineering. While the lager ad then fell away, the Audi motto is still strong in the world of touchscreens, EVs and AI.

The A3 stands out as an aspirational premium brand that, while expensive, does not cost a fortune, unless you pack in the pricey extras. This compact saloon offers the iconic four-ring badging, premium quality, practicality and excellent fuel economy. A newer version is imminent, but this model retains strong appeal for those seeking understated luxury and fine engineering.

Exterior styling

It is a smart, sleek vehicle sporting the signature four rings and trapezoidal LED headlights flanking a wider, slimmer grille. Finished in optional Ascari Blue metallic, the colour highlights sharp creases and muscular haunches. It also features 18-inch ‘5-twin-spoke’ alloy wheels. S line specification adds aluminium window trims, body-coloured mirrors, while privacy glass adds sophistication.

Interior quality and technology

The sport seats are wrapped in Twin Leather with an embossed ‘S’ logo, finished in black with grey stitching. They come heated with 4-way lumbar support as standard, alongside aluminium trim, illuminated ‘S’ door sills, a black cloth headliner, and ambient lighting.

In place of the old Virtual Cockpit is a touchscreen and a digital display for the driver. If you go for the Technology Pack at £1,395, it throws in a bigger 10.1-inch navigation screen, Audi Connect for three years, plus wireless charging with a handy illuminated phone box.

The SONOS 3D system is top-notch and comes as standard, and you can grab extra apps through the onboard store. Better still, ‘Functions on Demand’ means you can add new features later on, even after you’ve driven it home.

Practicality

Interior space is generous with good legroom, though rear seats are slightly cramped. Boot space is adequate for daily needs, offering 425 litres, and the split-folding rear seats extend capacity when required. The Storage Pack (£180) adds useful cubbies, while rear USB charging ports keep passengers connected.

On the road performance

On the road, the fun begins. The 1.5-litre mild hybrid four-cylinder TFSI may read modestly on paper, but with 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque through the slick seven-speed S tronic gearbox, it punches above its weight. The 0–62 mph sprint takes 8.1 seconds – not scorching, but enough to keep things interesting as it slips seamlessly through the cogs.

In Sport mode, throttle response sharpens, the standard sports suspension firms, and the engine emits a gratifying snarl. That suspension is firm enough and claimed to be compliant enough to avoid jarring – though in practice it does jar, so standard mode is more comfortable for everyday driving. Sport mode proved essential, however, carving through the twisting lanes of the Derbyshire Peaks.

The car feels agile and composed, dispatching hairpins with ease. Steering is sharp, well-weighted and precise, allowing exact placement corner after corner. Grip is on hand when needed most. On the motorway, it’s a refined cruiser, though tyre noise is noticeable. Overtaking is simple, with 250 Nm of torque delivering instant response. The powertrain offers effortless flexibility around town and on open roads.

Safety is comprehensively covered as standard with full airbags, adaptive cruise control, Audi pre sense front, traffic sign recognition, hill-hold assist, lane departure warning with emergency assist, and intersection assist. Park Assist with parking aid Plus and a rear view camera make manoeuvring effortless.

Economy and emissions

Economy is excellent. WLTP combined fuel consumption is 52.5 mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 122 g/km. With some aggressive driving, I didn’t reach that figure, with around 47mpg showing. The 50-litre fuel tank provides generous range, making this a practical choice for commuting and longer journeys.

Verdict

The A3 Saloon offers a typical Audi blend of style, quality, performance and efficiency. The petrol engine is smooth and refined, the interior is generally top notch, and the saloon body style offers a traditional alternative to the sportback. At £38,130 (including options), it represents strong value, and with decent levels of standard equipment and attractive extras packs, this A3 proves that good things really can come in small packages.

Factfile

  • Audi A3 Saloon 150 TSI Sportline
  • Price: £38,130 (as tested) 
  • Engine: 1,498cc turbo petrol, 150PS, driving front wheels via a 7-speed S tronic automatic transmission 
  • Max Speed: 144 mph 
  • 0-62 mph: 8.1 seconds 
  • Combined MPG: 52.5 
  • CO2 Emissions: 122 g/km 
  • Insurance group: 23 (est) 
  • Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles