The 3L turbodiesel engine produces 140kW at 3600rpm and a peak torque figure of 450Nm between 1600 and 2600rpm . In my experience , it ’ s a terrific engine . That dreaded turbo lag is there but it ’ s minimal – it takes just a brief moment for the turbo to spool up , but when it does , the vehicle accelerates quickly . When towing close to 3000kg , the vehicle has no issues finding the best gear and the engine has the power and torque in reserve to call upon .
How well the vehicle will go hauling a van up a steep incline will obviously depend on the weight being hauled . Up around the 3000kg mark , the vehicle will need to drop back a gear or three and hunch its shoulders , but it ’ ll get there . Having said that , when towing about 2400kg up a steep hill , the D-MAX did it with guts to spare .
The grade logic transmission means the vehicle will shift down when descending steep hills in order to utilise engine compression braking , or hold a lower gear to ensure the engine delivers maximum torque when ascending a steep incline .
TOWING
The D-MAX ’ s origins are as a work vehicle designed to carry big loads in the tray . Therefore , the three-leaf rear suspension is fairly stiff ; however , the ride is still reasonably supple , which was a welcome surprise . The ride felt even more settled with a load resting on the towbar . I found that around 200kg worth of ball weight was easily accommodated , without the rear end sagging noticeably .
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