ISUZU Motors South Africa has introduced the highly anticipated and desirable all-new ISUZU D-MAX bakkie, taking its popular light commercial vehicle (LCV) to higher levels of refinement, quality, technology and efficiency than ever before. With a 24-strong line-up of Single Cab, Extended Cab and Double Cab models available with two engine options, five specification levels, manual and automatic transmissions and in 4×2 or 4×4 guise. The newcomer is sure to find favour as both an all-encompassing everyday leisure and lifestyle and a trusty workhorse vehicle.
The all-new ISUZU D-MAX is the seventh generation of ISUZU bakkies to be manufactured in Gqeberha over the past 42 years, and is the culmination of a R1.2 billion investment in Isuzu’s local operations, announced in 2019. It is produced for the domestic market in South Africa, and exported to 25 left and right-hand drive markets across the African continent.
“Isuzu’s LCV offerings have always been key players in the local market, delivering exceptional reliability and durability for our customers, whether used in hard-working commercial applications, or spearheading the popular double cab segment. We are confident that the new ISUZU D-MAX will continue in this proud legacy and raise the bar even higher for the brand,” says Dominic Rimmer, Senior Vice-President, Technical Operations at ISUZU Motors SA.
“We have taken our proven and trusted characteristics such as power, strength and reliability and added distinctive sporty styling, significantly improved comfort, an extensive range of new technologies and trend-setting safety features to make the new ISUZU D-MAX line-up well positioned to compete the in the leisure segment of the market, ” Rimmer says.
The extensive, highly capable South African model range comprises five Single Cabs, six Extended Cabs, and a total of 11 Double Cab derivatives for South African customers. Rest of Africa model range includes four Single Cabs and 9Double Cab derivatives for Right-hand Drive and Left-hand drive markets.
Similarly, the new loadbox design has released additional loading space and capacity, with up to 15 mm added to the bed floor length, and an extra 30 mm in depth for the box sides. At 1 530 mm wide, the tailgate offers easy loading of wide objects for added convenience and versatility.
Luxurious interior
The high series models of the new ISUZU D-MAX offer a smart and sophisticated cabin with a upper-class quality feel. It is more akin to that of a passenger car with sharp graphics and a variety of layered and textured surfaces with soft-touch materials – most noticeably on the dashboard – that provide a tactile, quality feel throughout. The new dashboard layout lifts the game with an elegant, simplified layout that positions the controls and switches within easy reach.
Supreme comfort is assured thanks to the dual-zone climate control on the LSE and V-CROSS models – with rear vents on the Double Cabs contributing for greater comfort – or manual air-conditioning on the lower derivatives.
Along with the keyless unlocking and push-button start functionality, the system also allows remote engine start (on automatic models) from the key fob within a 20 metre range of the vehicle. The system also has an automatic locking function when walking away from the vehicle with the key.
Power and performance
The new ISUZU D-MAX range is available with a choice of two diesel engines that build on Isuzu’s long-standing reputation for durability, reliability and efficiency.
Isuzu’s 1.9-litre Ddi powerplant is a new powertrain to the ISUZU line-up and is standard on all Single Cab models and is available on Extended Cab and Double Cab derivatives. It uses common rail direct injection to produce a maximum power output of 110 kW at 3 600 r/min, with peak torque of 350 Nm available between 1 800 to 2 600 r/min, delivering superb fuel economy and low running costs.
Available on mid to high-series Extended Cab and Double Cab models, the upgraded 3.0 Ddi engine has been optimised for more torque at lower engine speeds, superior pull off and acceleration, significantly reduced noise levels and optimised consumption. In its latest guise, the 3.0-litre unit delivers 140 kW of peak power at 3 600 r/min, with its maximum torque figure of 450 Nm available from 1 600 to 2 600 r/min.
A choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions is available. The manual gearbox benefits from optimised gear ratios and an improved shift action, and makes the most of the strong torque delivery and superb fuel economy. The automatic version delivers an ideal combination of refinement and responsive performance and incorporates a sequential sport mode that enables the driver to select a specific gear manually, which is helpful when towing and off-road driving.
The ISUZU D-MAX range reflects the modern requirements of the LCV market. There are five Single Cab derivatives, all featuring the 1.9 Ddi engine, and available in Standard and L specification levels. Two of these are available with the six-speed automatic transmission and there are two 4×4 models. There is also a Chassis Cab derivative for commercial customers aiming to outfit the vehicle according to their specific business requirements.
The Extended Cab is available in six derivatives in Standard and LS spec, matched to the 1.9 Ddi engine. The LSE models are paired with the 3.0 Ddi engine and automatic transmission, in 4×2 or 4×4.
With 11 models in the line-up, the Double Cab offering is extensive. Covering all specification grades, five of these make use of the 1.9-litre engine in L and LS models, and a choice of manual or auto, and two or four-wheel drive. Customers opting for the 3.0 Ddi engine can select LS, LSE or V-CROSS specification. A single manual derivative is available in the LS model, with the rest equipped with the six-speed automatic and either 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrains.