Isuzu lands trade tough SX single-cab ute

ISUZU UTE has released specification and pricing details for its new entry-grade D-MAX SX 4x2 utility. The single-cab chassis model is priced from $29,990 (plus on road costs) and powered by the Japanese brand’s all-new RZ4E-TC 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission.

Engineered to offer lower running costs to commercial, fleet and trade buyers, the motor develops 110kW and 350Nm. It’s one of two engines offered across the D-MAX range and evolved from the same 4J-series lineage as the 3.0-litre unit in the brand’s ute and MU-X ranges. Up to 300Nm is delivered across 71.6 per cent of its torque band (from 1550 to 3700rpm).

The undersquare mill (80 x 94.4mm) utilises a cast-iron block with aluminium head, steel timing chain and a relatively low 15.9:1 compression ratio to increase the engine’s lifespan. The cylinder head features hardened cam lobes, roller-bearing rocker arms and an automatic hydraulic lash adjuster to ensure less maintenance and lower ongoing costs, Isuzu Ute says.

Fuel delivery is via a Denso high-pressure direct injection system and the intake system further benefits from a forward-facing cool air intake, an electronically controlled variable geometry turbo changer, as well as an aluminium air-to-air intercooler arrangement. Fuel economy is rated at 7.0 litres per 100km with CO2 emissions as low as 183g/km (combined).

“Born out of necessity, the humble tray-back utility has been the driving force across Australian farms and worksites for decades and we are proud to have been part of that,” Isuzu Ute Australia Managing Director, Hiroyasu Sato said. 

“Our updated SX Single-Cab Chassis ushers in a new turbo-diesel engine option that is engineered to maximise efficiency and mileage, all bundled up with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance technologies as standard across the entire range,” he added.

Payload capacities for manual and automatic Isuzu D-MAX SX 4x2 single-cab chassis variants are rated at 1405kg and 1380kg respectively. Braked towing capacity is listed at 2800kg for manual models and 3000kg for the automatic. Both models are fitted with a 2550-mm long and 1777-mm wide alloy tray as part of Isuzu’s drive away offer, and a selection of ladder racks, headboards, grab rails and other genuine tray accessories are available.

Standard equipment includes 17-inch steel wheels, heavy-duty suspension, a urethane steering wheel, -gearshift knob and -handbrake cover, vinyl flooring, cloth upholstery, power windows and mirrors, air-conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing headlights, and a tilt- and reach-adjustable steering column. Adaptive cruise control is available on automatic variants.

The 7.0-inch infotainment array in the D-MAX SX includes (wireless) Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity, DAB+ digital radio, voice recognition, four-speaker sound and a reversing camera.

Safety equipment includes a full complement of airbags, AEB with turn assist, blind-spot monitoring, drive-attention assist, lane-support systems, rear cross-traffic alert and traffic-sign recognition.

All Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X variants are backed by Isuzu Ute Australia’s Service Plus 6-7-7 ownership care program, which includes a six-year/150,000km warranty, up to seven years’ roadside assist (when serviced through an IUA dealer) and seven-year capped price servicing scheme totalling just $3223 over the first 105,000km.

The 2022 Isuzu D-MAX SX single-cab chassis is available in five paint colours including Mineral White (flat), Basalt Black Mica, Cobalt Blue Mica, Mercury Silver Metallic and Obsidian Grey Metallic.

Isuzu has sold 42,018 examples of its two-wheel drive D-MAX since its introduction in 2008.

“For years, our SX Single-Cab Chassis has been one of the top choices of Australians that depend on their one-tonne ute for their livelihood—and we are proud of that. Expanding the selection of powertrains opens up the range to more customers, giving them the choice to choose a work vehicle that suits their specific needs,” Mr Sato said.

“Like the rest of the D-MAX range, it is fully equipped with the full IDAS suite of safety and driver assistance technology, and coupled with the sharp drive away price, we hope it continues to be a best-seller in the segment,” he concluded.