Tough new Isuzu D-MAX revealed

The all-new replacement for one of the Australia’s top-selling utes, the Isuzu D-MAX, has been officially revealed ahead of its arrival in Australian showrooms next year.

Key upgrades for the 2020 Isuzu D-MAX include a power boost for the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, better off-road ability and more advanced connectivity and safety tech.

Brandishing a tough new look and transforming it from a no-frills budget ute to one of the most high-tech hay-haulers in its class, the redesigned D-MAX is distinguished by Bi-LED headlights incorporating signature U-shaped LED daytime running lights.

Other new tech for top-spec versions of the new Isuzu D-MAX includes a big 9.0-inch colour touch-screen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, voice recognition, dual-zone climate control, eight-speaker surround sound, remote engine start, proximity key, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, UV-protection windscreen, leather seat trim and a large 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster display with a digital speedo.

Also increasing comfort, convenience and ergonomics in the first full redesign for the D-MAX since 2012 is the fitment of reach adjustment for the steering wheel and rear air-vents.

On the safety front, new additions include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, emergency stop signal, LED tail-lights, auto-parking, hill start assist, hill descent control, auto locking, auto headlights, follow me home lighting, rain-sensing wipers, front/rear parking sensors.

However, there is so far no sign of autonomous emergency braking or lane-keeping -- key safety features available in Australia’s two top-selling utes, the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger, and now a prerequisite for a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Australian pricing and specification levels – and precisely when the new D-MAX will become available here in 2020 -- are yet to be announced, although we expect more details at the official launch in Thailand on October 19.

Expect flagship versions of the next-generation Mazda BT-50, which will be based on the 2020 D-MAX, to offer all of these new features when it arrives Down Under about 12 months after the Isuzu.

Under the bonnet, the D-MAX’s 3.0-litre engine has been upgraded to deliver 140kW of power at 3600rpm and 450Nm of torque over 1600-2600rpm.

That’s up from 130kW/430Nm in the current model and a much better match for key rivals like the HiLux (130kW/450Nm), Ranger (147kW/470Nm and 157kW/500Nm), Mitsubishi Triton (133kW/430Nm), Holden Colorado (147kW/500Nm), Nissan Navara (140kW/450Nm) and Mazda BT-50 (147kW/470Nm).

While the current D-MAX’s more modern Euro 6 emissions-compliant twin-turbo 1.9-litre diesel continues – at least in Thailand – both engines will be matched to a 4x4 drivetrain operated by a new 2H/4H/4L rotary selector and incorporating an electronic rear differential lock for the first time.

The all-new Isuzu D-MAX rides on a new chassis comprising upgraded double-wishbone front suspension, faster (and now electric-assist) steering, bigger 320mm front brake rotors (rear drums continue) and a wading depth increase to 800mm – matching the class-leading Ranger and BT-50.

‘Spark’ single-cab, Space Cab and ‘V-Cross’ dual-cab versions of the new D-MAX were revealed overnight on Isuzu’s Thai public website, where the latter is listed at 5265mm long, 1870mm wide, 1790mm high and 1890kg in weight.

Stand by for more details as they’re announced.