X-factor for Isuzu D-MAX

Isuzu has released a tough new X-Series version of its facelifted D-MAX ute in Thailand – complete with a new 1.9 Ddi Blue Power diesel engine – and it's almost certainly headed Down Under.

The upgraded MY16 D-MAX and new downsized variable-geometry turbo-diesel were revealed late last year in Thailand, but Isuzu UTE Australia is yet to confirm local availability.

“Isuzu UTE Australia will monitor the market response to this update -- to ensure that any new proposed design changes to the D-MAX meet the Australian market’s requirements – before committing to any changes in the local Australian product," was all IUA's Assistant General Manager of Marketing & PR, Dave Harding would say on the matter.

However, motoring.com.au sources have confirmed both the new 1.9-litre diesel and the new X-Series flagship will become available here this year as part of an upgraded D-MAX range differentiated by a new-look front-end, revised interior and more equipment.

Isuzu's new X-Series range-topper is again likely to be a limited-edition called the X-RUNNER in Australia, where BMW owns the X-Series name.

It will follow similar models offered here before, including the X-RUNNER most recently released in March 2015, which was a toned-down version of Thailand's previous X-Series featuring a host of extra features and unique cosmetics for $51,990.

The latest X-baged D-MAX winds the volume up to 11, however, with a beefy new front bumper, grille, paintwork, decals and bright red interior highlights including the centre console surround, door trims and leather seat stitching and embroidery.

There's also black alloy wheels, a new tailgate and different front-end treatments for extended space-cab and double-cab models – dubbed Speed and Hi-Lander respectively -- the latter also scoring chunky sports side skirts.

Launched in its domestic market on March 4, the D-MAX X-Series is available in Thailand with Siberian white and – get this -- Australian Coal Black paint colours.

All this is in addition to the midlife upgrades for the latest D-MAX launched here in 2012, including new headlights with integrated boomerang-shaped LED daytime driving lights, a new double-deck grille, fresh bonnet, new tail-lights, fresh 18-inch wheels for top-spec models and an updated interior with new infotainment and 3D instruments.

The same changes and the new 1.9 Ddi diesel will be fitted to Isuzu's MU-X SUV, which is produced alongside the D-MAX ute in Thailand, where the upgraded SUV will be revealed on March 25.

Under the bonnet, as we reported when IUA added new 4x2 versions of the ute and SUV in November, bringing the number of variants in the local D-MAX line-up to 25, the new DOHC 16-valve 1.9-litre VTG diesel replaces the D-MAX's 2.5-litre diesel in Thailand.

In Australia, the D-MAX is offered solely with Isuzu's trusty 130kW/380Nm 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel, so the new engine is likely to slot in beneath it rather than replace it here, but Isuzu's Thai website also mentions a 3.0 Ddi Blue Power engine, meaning it could be in line for an upgrade.

The new 1.9 Ddi Blue Power oiler produces 10 per cent more power (110kW at 3600rpm) and nine per cent more torque (350Nm over 1800-2600rpm) than the 2.5 it replaces in the Thai market, yet weighs 20 per cent less.

The Euro 5 emissions-compliant diesel is also claimed to be 19 per cent more fuel efficient, with CO2 emissions listed at 161g/km.

Just as significant are new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions to replace the existing D-MAX's five-speed units, although it's unclear what gearboxes we'll get.

Inside, the revised D-MAX brings Isuzu Connect World, which allows smartphones to connect to a new infotainment system comprising 7.0- and 8.0-inch colour TFT touch-screens in some models.

Isuzu Ute is on a roll in Australia – the D-MAX's second largest market globally. Sales boomed by almost 26 per cent last year to nearly 21,000 vehicles, with D-MAX 4x2 models up more than 90 per cent, D-MAX 4x4s proving almost 10 per cent more popular and the MU-X wagon notching up 37 per cent more registrations.