The bold new Isuzu D-Max has finally arrived in South Africa, with the local arm of the Japanese manufacturing saying the highly anticipated and desirable all-new bakkie takes its popular light commercial vehicle (LCV) to higher levels of refinement, quality, technology and efficiency than ever before. See pricing below…
Said Dominic Rimmer, senior vice president of technical operations at Isuzu Motors SA, “We are confident that the new Isuzu D-Max will continue in this proud legacy and raise the bar even higher for the brand … We have taken our proven and trusted characteristics such as power, strength and reliability and added distinctive sporty styling, significantly improved comfort, an extensive range of new technologies and trend-setting safety features to make the new D-MAX line-up well-positioned to compete in the leisure segment of the market.”
The local line-up comprises an array of models, available in single-, extended- and double-cab guises. Five trim grades and two engine options are on offer, as is a duo of drivetrains, 4×2 and 4×4.
Outside, the new D-Max features a “rugged, yet modern and refined” look. According to Isuzu, “[It’s] bolder and sportier than ever.” The most notable exterior items are the tapered headlamps flanking the more pronounced front grille.
The latest model’s roofline is 10 mm lower than its forebear’s, with the bonnet and load area now heightened by 15 mm and 30 mm, respectively. The wheelbase has been stretched by 30 mm “for greater optimisation of the cabin structure”. According to the brand, interior space has also been improved.
Inside, top-spec models boast a variety of soft-touch and textured surfaces. Thanks to an increased range of seat adjustment and smaller-diameter steering wheel, which now incorporates telescopic adjustment, Isuzu says the new D-Max has a more “car-like” driving position.
The instruments comprise analogue dials for the speedo and tacho and a 4.2-inch LCD multi-information display. Depending on the trim level, the infotainment system’s touchscreen measures seven or nine inches. The latter set-up incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In terms of safety tech, all models come equipped with ABS, EBD and brake assist. ESC, complete with traction control, hill start assist and decent control, and trailer sway control are included.
The range-topping V-Cross model (seen here) further gains intelligent driver assist, which incorporates a suite of active and passive safety systems. These include, among others, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure and keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and fore and aft parking aids. Eight airbags are standard.
A duo of diesel engines are on offer, a 1.9-litre turbo-four and 3.0-litre unit. The former oil-burner produces 110 kW and 350 Nm of torque, while the latter is endowed with 140 kW and 450 Nm. A six-speed manual ’box and automatic transmission with a similar number of cogs are on offer.
As standard, all models feature a five-year/90 000 km service plan. A five-year/120 000 km warranty is included.
Isuzu D-Max pricing:
