AIMS: Isuzu D-Max to attract miners, accessory junkies

ISUZU Ute Australia says it is not planning any big surprises for this week’s Sydney motor show but seven versions of its rugged D-Max one-tonne ute will be on display.

Although widely expected to introduce a D-Max based SUV, Isuzu Ute has not yet made an announcement and has denied it will unveil one at Sydney.

Holden, on the other hand, is using the show to present its related Colorado 7 SUV.

In recognition of Australia’s booming resources sector will be a D-Max equipped to go mining, while Aussies with a penchant for off-road adventures in the bush will be attracted to a ute with a catalogue worth of accessories thrown at it.

As well, travelling Freestyle motocross group Showtime FMX – who are sponsored by Isuzu – will have its tricked-up ramp-towing D-Max on display.

Several standard variants of the D-Max will be dotted around the stand, including an entry-level 4x2 single cab-chassis, a 4x4 LS-Terrain flagship, mid-spec 4x4 LS-M and 4x4 LS-U and base SX versions of the crew cab and space cab.

Uptake of the new D-Max, launched in June this year, has so far been strong with monthly sales averaging around 650 units compared with a long-term average closer to 400.

Five specification levels and three body configurations are offered across 4x2 and 4x4 drivelines, all powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine.

Braked towing capacity for 4x2 variants tops out at 2500kg and 4x4 variants can tow as much as 3000kg, but the related Holden Colorado trumps both with a maximum 3500kg capacity (the 2.5-litre DX entry variant can tow 3000kg).