Isuzu adds Space Cab D-Max

ISUZU Ute Australia (IUA) has added a Space Cab model to its one-tonne D-Max utility and cab/chassis range, which has attracted more than 2100 buyers so far this year.

Priced just $2200 higher than the entry-level D-Max single-cab/chassis model – rather than the $4000-$5500 premium charged by many of its rivals – the Space Cab D-Max SX 4x4 cab/chassis costs $35,800 (including GST, excluding on-road costs and tray) or $37,476 with an endorsed 2100mm alloy tray body fitted.

The 4x4 D-Max Space Cab is claimed to offer “generous” cabin space behind its two front bucket seats, which IUA says is ideal for locking valuable gear away or for power-napping in the fully-reclinable front seats.

The Space Cab adds signature low-sill, round-cornered rear quarter windows that open at their trailing edges for added cabin ventilation with minimal wind noise.

It follows the release in recent weeks of the D-Max SX 4x4 Crew Ute, which also offers standard air-conditioning, ABS with EBD and a limited-slip differential (which are options on Toyota’s equivalent HiLux), plus twin front airbags, power door locks, remote central locking, power windows and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system.

IUA says the D-Max Space Cab has the longest endorsed tray load floor length from cab to axle among its Japanese-brand space-cab one-tonne rivals, because its Isuzu cab/chassis wheelbase is 150mm longer than the D-Max ute’s.

According to IUA, riding on a 3200mm wheelbase (equal longest in class), the Space Cab’s total endorsed tray load floor length of 2100mm is 150mm more than Mazda BT50 and Ford Ranger equivalents.

The new Space Cab SX cab/chassis comes with the D-Max 4x4’s three-tonne tow capacity, 225mm ground clearance, ultra-low low-range first gear with anti-stall, steel-plate sump and transfer case guards, fuel tank shield, wider track 16x7.0-inch wheels with 245/70 tyres, wheelarch flares and push-button 2WD/4WD/low range dash controls with the ability to shift-on-the-fly up to 100km/h between 2WD and 4WD High.

As with all D-Maxes, the Space Cab employs Isuzu’s 3.0-litre common-rail, variable-vane turbo-diesel engine from the 200 Series two-tonne truck range, offering 120kW at 3200rpm and 360Nm of torque between 1800 and 2800rpm.

IUA says that with combined average fuel consumption of 8.1L/100km, the D-Max Space Cab is more efficient than any 2.5-litre-plus 4x4 ute or cab/chassis available – including Mitsubishi’s upcoming HP 2.5 Triton.

IUA has now appointed 62 dealers nationwide – up from the 38 with which it launched the D-Max ute in Australia last October. A further eight authorised satellite outlets (ASOs) are also operational, with another 12 ASO sites planned.