Future models - Isuzu Ute - D-Max - mhevIsuzu to introduce mild hybrid D-Max: reportThai publication says 48-volt mild hybrid power will feature in 2025 Isuzu D-Max range9 Jan 2024 By MATT BROGAN ISUZU is set to follow Toyota’s lead in introducing 48-volt mild hybrid assistance to its utility line-up, according to an article published this week by Thai outlet, Headlight Magazine.
The outlet says that from 2025, Isuzu’s popular D-Max will launch with a 2.2-itre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine featuring an integrated belt-starter generator MHEV arrangement.
There is no indication as to whether the forthcoming unit will replace the 1.9-litre or 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine offering in the D-Max range or be sold as an additional option.
The news follows reports last year that Isuzu is working on an all-electric (BEV) version of its D-Max ute. In October, UK outlet Auto Express said the utility will be produced for sale in the European market and will be based on the current generation D-Max.
The announcement was made by Isuzu president and COO, Shinsuke Minami, at the release of the updated MY24 Isuzu D-Max in Bangkok – that model expected to arrive in Australia sometime in the first half of this year.
“Isuzu is actively taking efforts to realise a carbon-neutral society. Going forward, Isuzu plans to produce a BEV (battery electric vehicle) pick-up in Thailand,” said Mr Minami at the time.
“Isuzu will first introduce it in Europe, then examine its gradual roll-out by meeting the needs of each market.”
Mr Minami did not provide technical details, specifications, or timing for the Isuzu D-Max EV, but it is understood the variant will be based on the current platform, giving Isuzu (and related Mazda) a rival to the likes of the all-electric LDV eT60, as well as the incoming KGM (formerly SsangYong) 0100 and plug-in hybrid Ford Ranger.
GoAuto understands the D-Max BEV will be powered by a version of the driveline found in Isuzu’s N Series light duty electric truck, meaning power output of between 110kW and 150kW and a peak torque value of 370Nm.
Isuzu Ute Australia has yet to announce timing of electrified D-Max models for the local market, nor has it detailed timing of the facelifted MY24 D-Max range.
The new-look D-Max range was outed in Thailand in October, the revised MY24 model sporting an updated frontal design with revised bi-LED headlights and new ‘black chrome’ grille, more technology, and several new convenience features, along with a revamped ‘triple armour’ tail-light assembly and broadened alloy wheel selection.
According to Isuzu’s Thai website, the facelifted D-Max will also offer bolstered wheel arch extensions on the high-grade V-Cross variant (sold locally as the X-Terrain), and an aerodynamically improved lower bumper section with drag-reducing outer vents and an angled fog- or cornering light.
Interior changes take the lead from the Isuzu MU-X with steering wheel paddle shifters, ventilated front seats, front and rear USB-C charging ports, and wireless Android Auto now featuring on select variants. Touch-sensitive controls replace many of the infotainment system’s hard buttons.
A new bronze-finish interior treatment with BT-50 style brown and black leather upholstery is depicted on the high-grade V-Cross (X-Terrain) variant.
The range is also set to see the introduction of a larger multi-function display within the instrument panel, upgraded from 4.2- to 7.0 inches, though likely only on higher grade variants.
Isuzu’s Thai website does not mention any changes to the safety apparatus fitted to the D-Max, mentioning only a wider-view frontal camera (the camera appears to be stereoscopic in the images shown).
Similarly, there is no indication of any update to the vehicle’s driveline with the D-Max set to carryover the current 1.9- and 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engines (outputting 110kW/350Nm and 140kW/450Nm respectively), six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, and choice of two- and four-wheel drive – the latter now available with the MU-X’s ‘rough terrain mode’.
It is not yet known whether the changes noted above will be applied to Mazda’s twin-under-the-skin BT-50 range.
Isuzu Ute Australia has not yet offered timing, price, or specification details for the updated 2024 Isuzu D-Max range, saying simply that it is continuing to monitor the situation.
Images: Thai specification Isuzu D-Max V-Cross.
Read more8th of January 2024 Isuzu D-Max takes bronze in 2023 sales raceTwo-model brand takes third place on 2023 sales list, Isuzu D-Max a podium finisherAll future modelsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chery Brabham Chrysler Chevrolet Cupra Citroen DS Dodge Fiat Ferrari Foton Ford Great Wall FPV Haval GWM Honda Holden Hummer HSV Infiniti Hyundai Jaguar Isuzu Kia Jeep Land Rover Lamborghini Lexus LDV Mahindra Lotus Mazda Maserati Mercedes-AMG McLaren MG Mercedes-Benz Mitsubishi Mini Opel Nissan Peugeot Pagani Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo Volkswagen Motor industry news |
Click to shareIsuzu Ute modelsAll future modelsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chery Brabham Chrysler Chevrolet Cupra Citroen DS Dodge Fiat Ferrari Foton Ford Great Wall FPV Haval GWM Honda Holden Hummer HSV Infiniti Hyundai Jaguar Isuzu Kia Jeep Land Rover Lamborghini Lexus LDV Mahindra Lotus Mazda Maserati Mercedes-AMG McLaren MG Mercedes-Benz Mitsubishi Mini Opel Nissan Peugeot Pagani Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo Volkswagen Motor industry news |
Facebook Twitter Instagram