With over 4-million kilometres and 6-years of development testing invested into the All-New D-MAX, Isuzu’s seventh-generation ute is the most advanced, refined and sophisticated vehicle ever produced by the famed Japanese auto maker. Standard across the range is the latest in autonomous safety, convenience and connectivity features, including Android Auto™ and wireless Apple CarPlay®, as well as Isuzu’s new 3-litre turbo-diesel engine with a 3.5-tonne towing capacity across the entire range. The All-New D-MAX will be available across three cabin types; Single Cab, Space Cab and Crew Cab, with four model variants; SX, LS-M, LS-U and the new range-topping, X-TERRAIN.
Starting the All-New D-MAX range is the workhorse SX. Available in Single Cab Chassis, Space Cab Chassis, Crew Cab Chassis and Crew Cab Ute bodies, the SX is as utilitarian as they come, with durable surfaces, Isuzu’s famed 3-litre powertrain and the largest carrying capacity of the range, with up to 1.3-tonnes of payload. While enjoying the connectivity of the 7” infotainment display including DAB+ radio, Android Auto™ and wireless Apple CarPlay®, and the extensive safety technology of the new D-MAX range.
Stepping up to the LS-M—available in Crew Cab only—gives drivers the SX’s hard wearing characteristics, but adds a boot-full of upgrades including Bi-LED headlights with LED daytime running lights (DRL), 17x7” alloy wheels and a more premium cloth interior with additional amenities.
The popular LS-U Crew Cab and Space Cab ute has also been extensively updated. Still representing excellent value for money, it’s now equipped with new levels of comfort and convenience, without compromising on its practicality and capability. Equipped with a large 9” infotainment display with DAB+ radio, Sat-Nav, Android Auto™ and wireless Apple CarPlay®, the LS-U also features dual zone climate control, a premium leather bound steering wheel and shifter, and bold-looking 18x7.5” machined-face alloy wheels, plus much more.
Headlining the All-New D-MAX range is the new-flagship, D-MAX X-TERRAIN. Bolstered with an array of additional inclusions such as remote engine start, Smart Keyless Entry, Push Button Start, electric 8-way adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, and a lavish piano black and leather-accented interior.. The exterior design follows similar modern cues, including front and rear underbody spoilers, roof rails, fender flares, an aero sports bar, roller tonneau cover and tub liner.
Bolder, wider and distinguished with cues that are unmistakably Isuzu, the All-New D-MAX boasts a ruggedly refined demeanour—particularly the flagship X-TERRAIN model. With larger and deeper rear trays, a longer wheelbase and lean horizontal bodylines, the All-New D-MAX is sleeker and more aerodynamically efficient than the preceding D-MAX.
“We’ve completely redesigned and modernised the Isuzu D-MAX from the ground up—with a new standard of premium features, blended with a suite of technological advancements and sharp, yet bold aesthetics,” said Isuzu UTE Australia Managing Director, Hiroyasu Sato.
“I’m proud to say that the Australian specification of the All-New D-MAX was designed with feedback from Australian drivers, our Dealers and the media. We’ve refined the areas that traditional ute drivers need, introduced features that families want and improved its capability to make the All-New D-MAX the ultimate all-rounder for the modern working families.”
NEW 3-LITRE 4JJ3-TCX TURBO DIESEL ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN
Fuelled by local Australian feedback, Isuzu engineers have evolved the proven 4JJ1 platform to now produce 140kW at 3,600rpm and 450Nm at 1,600rpm through to 2,600rpm, with the new 4JJ3-TCX sporting a 10kW and 20Nm hike over the preceding engine. The strength of the engine comes courtesy of the wider and stronger torque band, with the 450Nm peak figure now available across a flat 1,000rpm stretch—a torque-band five times wider and more usable than its predecessor. Testament to how torque-efficient the 4JJ3-TCX is, midrange torque has also been further finessed, with a hearty 400Nm on tap from only 1,400rpm through to 3,250rpm.
Quieter, more thermally efficient and now generating more power and torque, the 4JJ3-TCX sports new engine internals, a more efficient electronically controlled Variable Geometry System (VGS) Turbocharger and a new high efficiency, high-pressure direct injection fuel system, that makes the most of each drop of diesel. With less internal wear and tear through engineering, the new 4JJ3-TCX makes more power and torque, while emitting less noise and vibrations. Engine power is now transferred to the road through a more efficient and faster-shifting 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. Compared to the previous generation, this engine is as quiet and proven as they come.
OFF-ROAD PERFORMANCE
With off-road enthusiasts in mind, Isuzu engineers have improved the All-New D-MAX’s off-road tractability, durability and capability. 4x4 models benefit from a solid and lighter one-piece aluminium tailshaft, transferring drive to the rear differential, which is now fitted with an electromagnetic diff-lock for constant traction when off-roading.
Isuzu engineers have cleverly engineered the engine air intake system, based on Australian feedback, which has increased the D-MAX’s wading depth up to 800mm. Under the D-MAX is more ground clearance and extensive under body protection—shielding vital components from debris. With the comprehensive redesign of the body and chassis, comes a welcomed improvement to the Approach, Departure and Ramp-Over Angles, which further aids in the All-New D-MAX’s off-road prowess.
SUSPENSION
Improvements in the All-New D-MAX’s ride, comfort and handling have been made with heavily redesigned suspension—a suspension tune engineered for Australian conditions. Up front, not only has the Front Axle Weight capacity increased to 1,450kg, new double wishbone suspension with thicker anti-roll bars and new high-mounted upper-control arms reduce unwanted body roll, whilst optimising the roll centre geometry and improving vehicle handling and dynamics.
The rear suspension features a new 3-leaf design, manufactured using tempered SUP9 rated steel—which improves in strength, ductility and reduces unsprung weight, with overall rear suspension travel increased by 30mm over the preceding model.
INTERIOR & INFOTAINMENT
The bold design continues throughout the interior, equipped with new levels of technology, comfort, convenience and connectivity than ever before. Whether it’s the single cab, space cab or crew cab, each D-MAX cabin is laid out to be functional and comfortable with premium materials used throughout.
All models feature the latest in high-definition infotainment, equipped with DAB+ radio, voice recognition, Android Auto™ and wireless Apple CarPlay® and up to 8-premium surround sound speakers. SX and LS-M models sport a 7” display, whereas LS-U and X-TERRAIN models benefit from a larger 9” display with integrated Sat-Nav.
All buttons, switches and knobs have been meticulously designed to be ergonomic to use, with precise tactility when used. LS-U and X-TERRAIN models further benefit from dual zone climate control for the front row and AC vents in the rear, standard across all crew cab models. The driver is kept up to date with vehicle systems via a new 4.2” Multi-Information Display, which is customisable—relaying data such as the digital speedometer, turn-by-turn navigation instructions, fuel usage and range data, and menu sequences to the vehicle’s IDAS. The driver’s indicator and wiper stalks now feature Comfort Turn indicator operation for easy lane changing and automatic rain sensing and headlight control, with automatic high-beam control.
SAFETY & DRIVING CONVENIENCE
Equipped with the brains to match the brawn, standard across the All-New Isuzu D-MAX range is Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS); a suite of comprehensive safety and convenience features that complement the driver and dramatically improves the level of safety for all occupants, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. Some of these active safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control with stop & go traffic functionality, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Prevention, alongside other potentially lifesaving technology such as 8-airbags, including a knee and centre airbag.
Isuzu have pioneered this innovative technology for the first time in the Australian D-MAX, developing this suite to ensure it meets the extremely high safety standards in Australia. This system has been developed with customer’s needs in mind, working seamlessly with frontal protection accessories, such as bull bars and nudge bars, which will be available as a genuine part at time of launch from Isuzu UTE Dealers.
Engineered for Australian conditions, IDAS has seen some extensive localised testing, which has enabled Isuzu engineers to finely calibrate the Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) for Australian roads. Standard across the range, a new array of sensors now control headlight and windshield wiper operation, automatically turning them on and off when needed. Automatic High Beam control autonomously dims the high beams, when traffic is detected to avoid dazzling other drivers.
Providing additional safety, all D-MAX models, including Cab Chassis models come standard with a Reverse Camera including integrated parking lines and a rear-step bumper, which houses the rear IDAS radar sensors—that also take care of the Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Monitoring.
With surveys detailing that close to half of all Isuzu owners tow with their vehicle—up to the maximum 3.5-tonnes—all models come equipped with Trailer Sway Control (TSC), which adds that extra layer of certainty when towing.
“The All-New D-MAX pioneer’s active and passive safety technology previously un-seen in a ute, striving to achieve the highest possible ANCAP safety rating,” said Isuzu UTE Australia Managing Director, Hiroyasu Sato.
Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS) includes:
- 8 airbags – dual front, dual seat side, dual full length curtain, front knee and centre (far-side)
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Turn Assist with AEB
- Post-Collision Braking
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Misacceleration Mitigation (MAM) (*AT models only)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (*AT models only)
- Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
- Intelligent Speed Limiter
- Manual Speed Limiter
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
- Lane Keep Assist (LKA) (*AT models only)
- Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK)
- Driver Attention Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Automatic High Beam(AHB)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Hill Start Assist (HSA)
- Hill Decent Control (HDC)
- Rear Differential Lock (*4x4 only)
- Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
- Roll Over Mitigation (ROM)
- Rear Park Sensors (LS-U and X-TERRAIN)
- Front Park Sensors (X-TERRAIN)
- LED Daytime Running Lights DRL
- Automatic headlights
- Automatic Windshield Wipers
- Crash Door Unlock
- ISOFIX Compatible Seats
NEW COLOURS
In keeping with customer feedback, the All-New D-MAX range will be available in a tasteful selection of colours and finishes.
- Mineral White
- Basalt Black mica
- Cobalt Blue mica
- Mercury Silver metallic
- Obsidian Grey metallic
- Marble White pearl (LS-U and X-TERRAIN exclusive)
- Magnetic Red mica (LS-U and X-TERRAIN exclusive)
- Volcanic Amber metallic (X-TERRAIN exclusive)
As a sign of the times, the All-New Isuzu D-MAX was revealed online, on August 13, 2020. To view the 2021 Isuzu D-MAX launch online, visit www.isuzuute.com.au/all-new-d-max.