Isuzu D-Max hit by delay

Tuesday, 9 June 2020

The new generation of Isuzu D-Max has been delayed, with carsales over in Australia saying the initial supply of vehicles won't land until August ahead of an official launch in September.

The Aussie publication contacted Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) about the delay and was only told that the RG-series D-Max won't be launching in June as originally planned. IUA didn't elaborate on a new launch date, however.

Pushing the Isuzu ute back will line it up against the updated Hilux, due around the end of August or early September.

This is the buff and burly new D-Max. Like it?

Late this year is shaping to be a good time for ute shopping then, as the updated D-Max-based Mazda BT-50 is also due be revealed this month.

**READ MORE:

* Isuzu teases new D-Max ute

* Mazda can't seem to make up its mind about the luxury BT-50 Limited

It'll be interesting to see how much D-Max Mazda carries over into its new BT-50, which is due to be revealed this month.

* Revamped Isuzu D-Max ute sticks with bigger-is-better philosophy

Both the D-Max and BT-50 will share the same (or very similar) running gear, set to feature a 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder. Manual and automatic transmissions will be offered as well as two- and four-wheel drive.

Isuzu could also add its 1.9-litre twin-turbo inline-four diesel offered overseas, which makes 110kW/350Nm.

When the model was revealed, Isuzu said the new architecture is compatible with electrified and fully electric powertrains, hinting at potential future D-Max offerings.

Key numbers include a 3500kg braked towing capacity and 800mm water fording ability while improved inboard tech includes parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot detection and electric steering.

The interior has a nine-inch infotainment screen, supporting both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay while a 4.2-inch digital display sits behind the steering wheel to display stuff like speed, revs and vehicle information.

Isuzu's offering looks meaner than before, with angry bi-LED headlights sitting either side of a chunky new grille. Vertical foglights occupy each corner of the front end while high-end models get extra black cladding over the wheel arches, a bash plate, special wheels and roof rails. More LEDs are found in the rear lights.

Isuzu Utes New Zealand told Stuff that it was 'currently working with the factory to confirm the highly anticipated arrival date of the new D-Max model' and that it would provide more information on its website when available.

Mazda New Zealand had no information as to whether the delay would affect the B-50, however it will reveal the new ute next week.