The 2020 Isuzu D-max pick-up truck has bagged a full 5-star rating in the latest round of crash tests conducted by European NCAP.  The 2020 Isuzu D-Max was unveiled in late 2019 and went on sale in some of the Asian markets in early 2020.

Euro NCAP, the independent crash-test safety body, which assesses the safety of new cars, tested the 2020 Isuzu D-Max at 64 kmph and gave it a total of 32.2 points or 84% protection in adult occupant protection. The pick-up truck scored an even higher rating of 42.2 points or 86% protection in child occupant safety and was rated at 37.6 points or 69% in the pedestrian safety category. Euro NCAP awarded it 13.4 points, 83% in evaluation for safety assist. The overall scores led to a 5-star rating for Isuzu D-Max.

The 2020 Isuzu D-Max pick-up was rated by Australasian NCAP earlier this year. Some tests have been repeated by Euro NCAP to ensure a valid rating for the European market. Competing in a segment that is not famous for highlighting safety, the D-MAX crew cab is impressively equipped, with standard restraints, AEB, and a new centre airbag. However, the mobile progressive deformable barrier test showed that its weight and front structure make the pick-up aggressive to other vehicles in a collision.

Established in 1997, Euro NCAP is composed of seven European Governments as well as motoring and consumer organisations in every European country. It is one of the stringent safety tests to be conducted as it incorporates safety assessment in four important areas: Adult Occupant Protection (for the driver and passenger), Child Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection which has been expanded to include cyclists and is now known as Vulnerable Road User (VRU) protection; and Safety Assist, which evaluated driver-assistance and crash-avoidance technologies.

The European version of the Isuzu D-Max is powered by a 1.9-litre four-cylinder inter-cooled turbo diesel unit that produces 148 bhp at 3600rpm and a peak torque of 350 Nm at 1800rpm. The D-max comes with a six-speed automatic gearbox that distributes power to all wheels through a low-range transfer case.

The 2020 Isuzu D-Max which will be called the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross here is slated to arrive sometime next year.