SPY PICS: Next-gen Isuzu D-MAX

The all-new Isuzu D-MAX is nearing the final stages in its development ahead of an expected Australian launch some time in 2020.

Now, spy photographers have captured these photos of a single-cab variant to supplement the four-door twin-cab D-MAX derivative spotted in February.

The test-mule photos were snapped in Germany and show a vehicle featuring pretty much the same camouflaging as seen on the four-door version captured winter-testing in Scandinavia.

As you can see in those photos, the next Isuzu D-MAX will follow a typical workhorse ute design path by featuring an oversize grille that is clearly intended to give it a more macho look, along with rear side window kick-ups, a conventional tailgate and tail-lights and, similar to the current model, a high-clearance, jacked-up ride height.

The overall look appears to lean towards the squared-off, pragmatic style of the Volkswagen Amarok, while the deeper ute tray suggests it will offer a more accommodating load area too.

There is still no definitive word on the engines that will be employed in the new Isuzu ute, which will be twinned with the next Mazda BT-50.

However, Australian versions will probably continue with the reliable 130kW/430Nm 3.0-litre truck-derived 4JJ turbo-diesel four-cylinder doing service in the current model, maybe upgraded to approach the outputs of its higher-power competitors.

Other markets will get a mix of either Isuzu’s existing 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine or the newer 122kW/360Nm 1.9-litre oiler.

And although some reports suggest coil-spring rear suspension could appear under some D-MAX models, the single-cab test mule here clearly uses a load-toting leaf-spring arrangement.

This is consistent with the Isuzu’s role as one of the most proletarian workhorse LCVs this side of a Chinese or Indian import. That said, sharing with the Mazda BT-50 could see a big lift for the current D-MAX’s perception as a bare-bones workhorse.

The Mazda, though it has struggled for acceptance in the shadow of its high-achieving Ford Ranger twin, has fared pretty well in terms of cabin and general presentation.

As the next Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok saddle up together and the next Mitsubishi Triton twins with the new Nissan Navara, the 2020 D-MAX’s switch from the Holden Colorado to the BT-50 as its dance partner can only be a positive move – even if the Isuzu currently out-performs the Mazda in the marketplace.