Isuzu Ute Australia creates a D-Max ‘Pearler’
BY TERRY MARTIN | 5th Oct 2009
Dubbed the ‘Pearler’ and finished in ‘pearlescent white’ metallic paint (even on the front bumper and wheel-arch flares), the Arctic Pearl LE is based on the LS 4x2 and LS-U 4x4 dual-cab one-tonne utilities and carries Isuzu Ute-endorsed accessories with a retail value of more than $5700 – all for $3300 above the manufacturer’s list price. Pricing starts from $39,400.
The accessories onboard the Arctic Pearl include a lockable hard tonneau cover, chrome sports bar (with integrated LED brake light), chrome detailing on the bonnet, lower grille, foglight recesses and tail-lights, and ‘Limited Edition’ badging on the rear flanks.
The cabin includes Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone pre-wiring and custom-monogrammed carpet mats, while the tub floor has a protective heavy-duty custom-cut rubber floor mat.
The Pearler also marks the introduction of large-format Isuzu-branded tailgate markings in silver across all D-Max utilities, which serve to differentiate the Japanese brand further from rival models, including its mechanical twin, the GM Holden Colorado (nee Rodeo).
“Apart from the obvious branding benefit, this will also better identify D-Max from relevant GM-badged utes and recent skin-deep knock-offs out on the road, even from a distance,” said Isuzu Ute Australia general manager of sales and dealer operations, Paul Vuko.
The LS grade has proven the most popular model line in the Thai-built D-Max range, with standard equipment including dual airbags, ABS brakes (with electronic brake-force distribution), a limited-slip differential, 16-inch alloy wheels, projector headlights, a lockable tailgate, rear step, cruise control, leather ‘tactiles’ (steering wheel/gearshift), remote central locking, electric windows/mirrors, backlit instruments, a trip computer, premium stereo, variable intermittent wipers and metallic-look cabin trim.
Air-conditioning is standard across the range.
As with the Colorado, the D-Max relies on a 120kW/360Nm 3.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel engine and is available with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission (which, as with the Holden, sees maximum torque reduced to 333Nm).
It is built on a separate chassis, with an independent double wishbone suspension at the front end and a solid axle leaf spring arrangement at the rear. Braking hardware includes front discs and rear drums, while the steering is power-assisted rack and pinion.
Braked towing capacity is 3000kg on 4x4s, and 2500kg on 4x2s.
