New Zealand’s safest ute the all-new Isuzu D-Max is here now
The long awaited arrival of the all-new Isuzu D-Max has finally come, and is now available at Isuzu Utes dealerships nationwide.
The all-new D-Max has been redesigned and modernised from the ground up—with a new standard of premium features, blended with a suite of technological advancements and sharp, yet bold aesthetics.
Isuzu’s third-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.
Every Isuzu D-Max includes a network of safety features making it the safest ute on the market after achieving the maximum 5-star ANCAP rating against the new stringent 2020 ANCAP test and rating criteria.
“Isuzu Utes introduces a new generation of tough with the all-new D-Max. It’s the ultimate all-rounder with cutting edge-technology, even more off-road ability, greater power and torque, plus improved driver comfort and it’s kitted out with extensive safety features. Whether you’re on or off-road, at work or at play, a family or a farmer, the D-Max is fit for purpose,” says Isuzu Utes New Zealand General Manager Sam Waller.
The all-new D-Max is available across three cabin types; Single Cab, Space Cab and Double Cab, with four model variants; LX, LS-M, LS and the new range-topping, X-Terrain.
Starting the all-new D-Max range is the workhorse LX. Available in Single Cab Chassis, Space Cab Chassis and Double Cab Ute bodies, the LX 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 Double Cab only—gives drivers the LX’s hard wearing characteristics, but adds a boot-full of upgrades including Bi-LED headlights with LED daytime running lights (DRL), 17” alloy wheels and a more premium cloth interior with additional amenities.
The popular LS Double 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, SatNav, Android Auto™ and wireless Apple CarPlay®, the LS also features dual zone climate control, a premium leather bound steering wheel and shifter, and bold-looking 18” silver 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.
With 15 variants available there’s a D-Max fit for everybody’s purpose, and pricing ranges from $49,990 for the LX 2WD through to $75,490 for the top spec X-Terrain model.
Whilst the hotly-anticipated all-new D-Max costs more than its predecessor, the price reflects the inclusion of a more powerful and efficient turbo-diesel engine, upmarket equipment and features, and new safety technology not yet seen in other NZ utes, such as the front seat centre air-bag.
To book a test drive at your nearest Isuzu dealership visit www.isuzuutes.co.nz/newdmax.
NEW 3-LITRE 4JJ3-TCX TURBO DIESEL ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN
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, 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. 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-Maxcabin 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. LX and LS-M models sport a 7” display, whereas LS 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 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 and 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, developing this suite to ensure it meets extremely high safety standards. 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 Utes NZ Dealers.
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 Isuzu D-Max was the first vehicle to be tested in Australasia against the new stringent 2020 ANCAP test and rating criteria, and was awarded the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating.
ANCAP praised the all-new Isuzu D-Max for elevating safety in the segment, as the first one tonne ute to standardise advanced lifesaving safety systems across every model, including a centre (far-side) airbag, AEB with Turn Assist, Lane Departure Prevention, Emergency Lane Keep, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring and much more.
“The D-MAX rating has been highly anticipated by fleet and private buyers, and re-establishes the safety benchmark for the competitive ute segment which has traditionally tended to lag that of passenger cars and SUVs,” said ANCAP Director of Communications and Advocacy, Rhianne Robson.
In the official ANCAP statement announcing the maximum 5 star safety rating result, ANCAP commended Isuzu for democratising safety across the entire range, stating that “all variants in the D-Max range – single cab, space cab, double cab, and cab chassis – provide the same high level safety features, technologies and performance as standard.”
“It is reassuring to see manufacturers take responsibility and prioritise safety to provide their customers with the safest vehicles they can,” Mrs Robson said.