All-new Isuzu D-Max range arrives Down Under

ISUZU Ute Australia (IUA) has announced the pricing and specification of its all-new, third-generation D-Max pick-up, that arrives in local showrooms next month priced from $32,200 plus on-roads.

The four-variant range has been reworked and is now topped by the flagship X-Terrain grade, which replaces the LS-T and will compete with the likes of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak, Toyota HiLux Rogue and Nissan Navara N-Trek at $62,900.

Like before, the D-Max will be offered with the choice of 4x2 or 4x4 drivelines, and a range of body styles however the mid-spec LS-M and X-Terrain will be a dual-cab-only affair.

The new generation of D-Max has undergone some serious revisions and updates, listening to customers to improve its safety credentials and infotainment, while also making some changes under the skin.

Its new ladder-frame chassis is 20 per cent more rigid than its forebear while weighing in 8kg lighter – it is also wider but shorter in length than the model it replaces.

Despite its reduced length, the new D-Max sports 15mm more tray length and 30mm more depth resulting in a more usable load space, while dual-cab-chassis models extend tray length by 150mm.

The new generation ushers in a revised look for the D-Max, with a front fascia that features a new headlight shape (LED on all variants bar SX) and a more prominent front grille, with engineering changes underneath to allow an 800mm wading depth.

An updated combination LED tail-light design adds further differentiation, while the flagship X-Terrain scores a number of visual highlights including metallic grey trim, flared guards, unique front bumper, sports bar and rear aero spoilers.

Under the bonnet, all versions of the new D-Max are underpinned by a heavily revised version of the outgoing 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, which has been tuned to produce 140kW at 3600rpm (+10kW) and 450Nm from 1600-2600rpm (+20Nm).

Its outputs now match rivals such as the Nissan Navara, while Isuzu is claiming a wider torque band with 400Nm available from 1400-3250rpm, and 300Nm from 1000rpm.

The engine block, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, intake and turbocharger are all new, as are the direct-injection fuel system and lighter exhaust pipe and muffler combination.

Combined fuel consumption for the Euro5 engine ranges between 7.7 and 8.0 litres per 100km, while CO2 emissions range from 200-207 grams per kilometre.

Transmission options consist of either a six-speed manual or six-speed Aisin automatic which has been refined for quicker shifting and cooler transmission temperatures.

As before, braked towing capacity remains at 3500kg.

A new transfer case on 4x4 grades allows shifting from 2WD to 4WD at speeds of up to 100km/h, while switching to low-range takes less than one second, down from 2.5 seconds.

For off-roaders, the existing traction control system has been boosted by the addition of a locking rear differential, a feature borne of customer feedback.

Three-leaf suspension – previously reserved for top-spec grades – is now standard across the range, with GVM either 3000kg on 4x2 grades or 3100kg on 4x4s, and a payload as high as 1320kg.

Moving into the cabin, and some of the biggest changes to the new D-Max become apparent, starting with the new-generation infotainment system comprising of a 9.0-inch touchscreen display for LS-U and X-Terrain (7.0-inch for SX and LS-M), with Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, voice recognition and DAB+ digital radio standard on all models.

Satellite-navigation is also standard on the higher-spec models, as is a 4.2-inch instrument cluster display.

Dual-cab grades are able to store 1.5-litre bottles in their doors, with Isuzu aiming to optimise interior space and storage in the new model.

Increased safety has also been a huge point of focus for Isuzu, with all models scoring the brand’s new Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS) suite of active safety technologies, which is underpinned by a Hitachi 3D stereo camera system that allows the car to accurately see the road ahead.

Standard on all models and calibrated for Australian roads, the IDAS system includes autonomous emergency braking with turn assist, post-collision braking, forward collision warning, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed limiter, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic headlights and high beam, trailer sway control, automatic windshield wipers and LED daytime running lights.

Automatic versions also score adaptive cruise control, misacceleration mitigation and lane keep assist.

Standard equipment on the base-level SX includes 17-inch steel wheels, matte grey metallic front grille, cloth trim upholstery, vinyl floor, power windows and mirrors, air conditioning, 7.0-inch infotainment system and four speakers.

The dual-cab-only LS-M adds auto-levelling bi-LED headlights, LED foglights, 17-inch alloys, body-coloured mirrors and handles, high-grade cloth trim upholstery, two extra cupholders and an additional 2.1A USB port.

Stepping up to the LS-U – available in extra-cab or dual-cab guise – adds LED combination tail-lights, 18-inch machine-faced alloys, chrome door handles, handbrake button, side mirrors and front grille, smart wet wiper blades, rear parking sensors, dual-zone air conditioning, top glove box, carpet floor, premium leather steering wheel and gear knob, power adjustable driver’s seat lumbar support, eight-speaker sound system and the aforementioned 9.0-inch infotainment system.

The top-spec X-Terrain incudes its unique exterior touches, 18-inch dark grey metallic alloys, ‘X’ badging, front and rear parking sensors, matte black roller tonneau cover, under-rail tub liner, dark grey exterior trim elements, automatic locking, remote entry and engine start, leather-accented upholstery, piano black trim and eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support.

Five exterior paint colours are on offer, with an additional three exclusive to high-spec grades.

All new models come with a six-year/150,000km warranty, seven years of roadside assistance and seven years of capped-price servicing, with a total cost of $3373 over the first seven years or 105,000km of services, whichever comes first.

The new D-Max officially goes on sale at the start of September.

2020 Isuzu D-Max pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs