Isuzu releases all-new D-MAX

Isuzu’s seventh-generation D-MAX ute is the most advanced, refined and sophisticated vehicle ever produced by the Japanese auto maker. Available from Isuzu UTE Australia Dealers from September-onwards, the All-New D-MAX will be available across three cabin types; Single Cab, Space Cab and Crew Cab, with four model variants; SX, LS-M, LS-U and the range-topping, X-TERRAIN.

X-TERRAIN comes with an array of additional inclusions such as remote engine start, Smart Entry and Start, Walk Away Door Lock, and a lavish piano black and leather-accented interior. The variant is also equipped with a large nine-inch infotainment display with DAB+ radio, voice recognition, Sat-Nav, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The exterior design follows similar modern cues, including front and rear underbody spoilers, roof rails, fender flares, an aero sports bar, roller tonneau cover and tub liner.

“We’ve completely redesigned and modernised the Isuzu D-MAX from the ground up—with a new standard of premium features, blended with a suite of technological advancements and sharp, yet bold aesthetics,” said Isuzu UTE Australia Managing Director, Hiroyasu Sato.

“I’m proud to say that the Australian specification of the all-new D-MAX was designed with feedback from Australian drivers, our dealers and the media. We’ve refined the areas that traditional ute drivers need, introduced features that families want and improved its capability to make the all-new D-MAX the ultimate all-rounder for the modern working families.”

ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN

Fuelled by local Australian feedback, Isuzu engineers have evolved the 4JJ1 platform to produce 140kW at 3,600rpm and 450Nm at 1,600rpm through to 2,600rpm, with the new 4JJ3-TCX sporting a 10kW and 20Nm hike over the preceding engine. As an indicator of the engine’s flexibility, 400Nm is on tap from 1,400rpm through to 3,250rpm.

Quieter and more thermally efficient, the 4JJ3-TCX sports new engine internals, a more efficient electronically controlled Variable Geometry System (VGS) Turbocharger and a new high efficiency, high-pressure direct injection fuel system. Isuzu says the engine has less internal wear and tear and makes more power and torque, while emitting less noise and vibration.

Engine power is transferred to the road through a more efficient and faster-shifting 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.

OFF ROAD PERFORMANCE

With off-roader enthusiasts in mind, Isuzu engineers have improved the All-New D-MAX’s off-road tractability, durability, and capability. 4×4 models benefit from a solid and lighter one-piece aluminium tailshaft, transferring to the rear differential, which is now fitted with an electromagnetic diff-lock for constant traction when off-roading.

Isuzu has re-engineered the air intake system, based on Australian feedback, which has increased D-MAX’s wading depth up to 800mm. D-MAX has more ground clearance thanks to a comprehensive redesign of the body and chassis, resulting in an improvement to the Approach, Departure and Ramp-Over Angles.

INTERIOR & INFOTAINMENT

At the heart of the dash is a high-definition nine-inch infotainment display (LS-U and X-TERRAIN), equipped with Sat-Nav, DAB+ radio, voice recognition, Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay as standard. SX and LS-M models sport a seven-inch display, with the same resolution, which looks crisper and more defined due to the tighter pixel density.

All buttons, switches and knobs have been designed to be ergonomic to use, with precise tactility when used. LS-U and X-TERRAIN models further benefit from dual zone climate control for the front row and AC vents in the rear, standard across all crew cab models. The driver is kept up-to-date with vehicle systems via a new 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display which is customisable, relaying data such as the digital speedometer, turn-by-turn navigation instructions, fuel usage and range data, and menu sequences to the vehicle’s IDAS. The driver’s indicator and wiper stalks now feature Comfort Turn indicator operation for easy lane changing and automatic rain sensing and headlight control, with automatic high-beam control.

SAFETY & DRIVING CONVENIENCE

Standard across the range is Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS); a suite of comprehensive safety and convenience features that complement the driver and dramatically improves the level of safety for all occupants, pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. Some of these active safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go traffic functionality, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Lane Departure Prevention, alongside other potentially lifesaving technology such as eight-airbags, including a knee and centre airbag.

Isuzu says the system works seamlessly with frontal protection accessories, such as bullbars and nudge bars, which will be available as a genuine part at time of launch from Isuzu UTE Dealers.

IDAS has seen extensive local testing, which enabled Isuzu engineers to finely calibrate the Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) for Australian roads. Standard across the range, a new array of sensors now controls headlight and windshield wiper operation, automatically turning them on and off when needed. Automatic High Beam control autonomously dims the high beams when traffic is detected to avoid dazzling other drivers.

Providing additional safety, all D-MAX models, including Cab Chassis models come standard with a reverse camera including integrated parking lines and a rear-step bumper, which houses the rear IDAS radar sensors that also take care of the Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Monitoring.

With surveys detailing that close to half of all Isuzu owners tow with their vehicle up to the maximum 3.5-tonnes, all models come equipped with Trailer Sway Control (TSC), which adds that extra layer of certainty when towing.

“The All-New D-MAX pioneer’s active and passive safety technology previously un-seen in a ute, striving to achieve the highest possible ANCAP safety rating,” said Isuzu UTE Australia Managing Director, Hiroyasu Sato.

SERVICE PLUS, PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

The D-MAX range comes standard with Isuzu UTE Australia’s comprehensive ownership care package program, Service Plus 6-7-7; encompassing a six Year/150,000km Warranty, up to 7 Years Roadside Assistance when serviced through IUA Dealers and 7 Years Capped Price Servicing (CPS) program. The recommended servicing interval is 15,000km/12 months.

The new D-MAX will begin to arrive at Isuzu UTE Dealers towards the end of August, before the official on sale date of September 1, 2020.

For an initial introductory period from 1st September, Isuzu UTE Australia will launch a selected-range of models with introductory drive away pricing of $29,990 for the 4×2 D-MAX Single Cab Chassis SX MT and $58,990 for the new flagship D-MAX X-TERRAIN.