Isuzu details NZ-bound D-Max

Tuesday, 15 September 2020

Isuzu has released details of the newly refreshed D-Max, including when we can expect it here.

The ute will arrive in New Zealand dealerships midway through October 2020 and if you’re doubly keen, you can pre-order now online or in person with a $500 deposit.

“It’s a very exciting time for Isuzu with the introduction of the all-new D-Max, a model that has been worth the wait. There’s a whole lot more to this ute, whilst retaining its toughness and durability.

This is the new D-Max, arriving here in around a month.

“With new active safety, greater power and torque, even more off road ability, plus enhanced technology and improved driver comfort, the all-new D-Max is ruggedly refined,” said Isuzu Utes New Zealand General Manager Sam Waller.

**READ MORE:

Isuzu has improved the on-road capabilities as well as the off-road, with a bevy of new driver aids and other under-the-skin improvements.

* Road test review: Isuzu D-Max

* Isuzu D-Max hit by delay

The interior has really stepped up, with more luxury materials used and a thoroughly updated infotainment system.

* What will be the top cars of 2020? Brands from H-K

“Kiwis not only have the choice of the LX, LS-M and LS, a totally new variant also joins the new-generation of D-Max, the X-Terrain - a higher spec variant.”

Isuzu’s new ute will start at $49,990 for the LX 2WD through to $75,490 for the top-spec X-Terrain model.

All models get Isuzu’s reworked 3.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder, now producing 140kW and 450Nm. Manual and automatic transmissions will be offered as well as two- and four-wheel drive.

A new rear differential lock comes as standard on 4x4 models and wade depth has been bumped to 800mm from 600mm. Hill-start assist and improved ground clearance round off the major off-road tweaks.

Meanwhile, on-road additions include autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane support (for automatic models only, presumably Isuzu’s name for lane keep assist), lane departure warning, a blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control will be offered on all variants but only with the automatic transmission.

An updated infotainment system, upgraded technology and quality of interior components have “increased convenience and improved driver comfort.”

There's also a new front centre airbag to help better protect occupants in a side-on collision.

The LX model will come in single cab, space cab and double cab configurations, 2x4 or 4x4 with manual or automatic gearbox options. It gets all of the above active safety gubbins as well as a seven-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The LS-M model is only available as a double cab with four-wheel drive and both transmission options. It adds LED headlights and DRLs to the LX specsheet, as well as 17-inch wheels and a “more luxurious interior trim.”

One more step to the LS factors on a nine-inch touchscreen with sat-nav, smartphone mirroring of both Apple and Android flavours, dual-zone air conditioning, rear parking sensors and 18-inch shoes.

Finally, the D-Max X-Terrain is the new range-topper, only available as a four-by-four with an automatic transmission.

Specifications for the X-Terrain include the active safety technology of the other variants plus an eight-way powered driver seat, leather interior trim, smart proximity key with remote engine start, front and rear parking sensors, wheel arch extensions and gun-metal exterior highlights as well as a matte black roller tonneau cover and under-rail tray liner.

Pricing ranges from $49,990 for the LX 2WD through to $75,490 for the top-spec X-Terrain model.