New Isuzu D-MAX goes hi-tech

The third-generation Isuzu D-MAX ute range has launched in Australia with a major boost in driver aids and technology but you'll pay more for the streamlined 20-variant model family.

The first all-new Isuzu D-MAX since 2012 also arrives with a new engine, transmission and styling, plus a stronger chassis and suspension package, but like many of its dual-cab ute rivals, continues with rear drum brakes instead of better-performing discs.

And at the pointy end of the new Isuzu D-MAX range, which officially goes on sale on September 1, is a new flagship called the X-Terrain.

Australia is the first market outside of Thailand to receive the new Isuzu D-MAX and it reaches our shores in a unique specification. The vehicle is the result a six-year development program and the equivalent of four million kilometres of testing, Isuzu says.

A highlight of the 2020 Isuzu D-MAX range is the new Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS) package, which is standard across the range and features numerous safety technologies.

The range also now benefits from electric power steering and, for 4x4 models, a rear differential lock as standard.

As such, this third-generation Isuzu D-MAX marks a step-change for the brand, with Isuzu now abandoning its previous 'low frills' approach in favour of a premium product with which it will target top-selling rivals like the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.

The Isuzu D-MAX continues in three body styles (single cab, space cab and crew cab) and four trim grades, but the previous flagship, the LS-T, is discontinued while a new halo model, the X-Terrain, is the new range-topper.

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The trim grade hierarchy begins with the workhorse SX, before moving through LS-M and LS-U and X-Terrain, with a mix of 4x2 and 4x4 drivelines in a variety of cab-chassis and ute formats.

The X-Terrain and LS-M are only available as a 4x4 ute.

Recommended retail pricing now spans $32,200 to $62,900, plus on-road costs. Prices have increased by at least $1900, with 4x4 ute models up by between $3300 to $6000 and the X-Terrain now $8100 dearer than the discontinued LS-T.

Under the bonnet is Isuzu's new 4JJ3-TCX 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel. The Euro 5 emissions-compliant engine produces 140kW of power at 3600rpm and 450Nm of torque over 1600-2600rpm, with 400Nm available over 1400rpm-3000rpm.

That's up slightly on the outgoing D-MAX which produced 130kW at 3600rpm and 430Nm at 2000-2200rpm.

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Isuzu claims the new engine is significantly quieter and smoother, and it's mated to either Isuzu's six-speed manual or Aisin's latest six-speed Rev-Tronic automatic transmission, the latter said to offer faster, smoother shifting for a $2000 premium.

Fuel economy is up slightly for most variants (although down for some), with the ADR combined-cycle figure of 7.7-8.0L/100km.

Isuzu says the 2020 D-MAX’s new ultra-high-tensile steel body is 8kg lighter yet offers 20 per cent more rigidity. Wheelbase is 30mm longer and the ute is wider overall, with a lower roof line and shorter front and rear overhangs.

The ute's overall length is 30mm shorter, yet the load bay is larger across both ute and cab-chassis variants.

The new ladder-frame chassis is claimed to be stronger while new suspension – independent double wishbones up front and lighter but stronger three-leaf springs and dampers at the rear – is said to deliver a more controlled ride, and has been tuned for local conditions.

As far as braking goes, rear 295mm drums continue while vented front discs have increased both in diameter and width (now 320mm x 30mm – up from 300mm and 28mm). Isuzu says they’re “the largest front brakes of any one-tonne ute”.

Isuzu's new IDAS active and passive safety suite is standard across the entire Isuzu D-MAX range (some features auto only), placing it "at the pinnacle of safety in the ute category", says Isuzu.

The IDAS system utilises a twin-camera set-up from Hitachi, which Isuzu says offers greater precision than single-camera systems to help detect vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and other potential hazards.

In addition to staples like anti-lock brakes and stability and traction control, IDAS features include eight airbags, including a first-in-class centre airbag, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Turn Assist with AEB, Post-Collision Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Misacceleration Mitigation (auto only), Adaptive Cruise Control (auto only), Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Keep Assist (auto only), Emergency Lane Keeping, Driver Attention Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Automatic High Beam.

The 2020 Isuzu D-MAX is yet to be assessed by ANCAP but Isuzu says it's confident of achieving a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Isuzu says new D-MAX interior has a stronger emphasis on occupant comfort and higher levels of equipment across the range, while upper tier variants feature extensive use of premium finishes.

Highlights span a new steering wheel with adjustable tilt and reach, a new multimedia system with larger touch-screen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and voice recognition, digital radio and new instrumentation with central (and customisable) 4.2-inch digital display.

Crew cab models now receive rear air-conditioning venting, while LS-U and X-Terrain receive dual-zone air-con.

All 2020 Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 models receive a rear diff lock, bringing it into line with many rivals. Wading depth rises to 800mm, Isuzu's 'Terrain Command' is said to offer faster transfer case shifting, and ground clearance and off-road geometry (approach, departure and ramp-over angles) have improved virtually across the board.

Hill start assist and hill descent control are standard across the range (4x2 and 4x4).

The new rear suspension offers an extra 30mm of axle travel and subsequently better wheel articulation, while transmission gearing ratios remain unchanged.

The new Isuzu D-MAX continues with a 3500kg braked towing limit, 350kg maximum tow ball limit and trailer sway control as standard.

Gross combination mass limits (5850kg to 5950kg) carry over, but gross vehicle mass limits have increased by 50kg to 3000kg (4x2) and 3100kg (4x4).

Maximum payloads range from 970kg (X-Terrain, down 54kg) to 1320kg (SX single cab-chassis, manual).

Isuzu says towing a caravan formed a significant component of its local evaluation program.

Isuzu UTE Australia says selected models will be launched with special 'introductory' drive-away pricing, with the entry-level 4x2 D-MAX SX single cab-chassis (manual) pitched at $29,990 and the flagship X-Terrain at $58,990.

The D-MAX's six-year/150,000km factory warranty continues but complimentary roadside assistance increases from six years to seven. With Isuzu's seven-year/105,000km capped price servicing scheme and 12 month/15,000km intervals also carry over, but the cost of service over the capped-price period has dropped by $470, to a total of $3373.

According to Isuzu UTE Australia managing director Hiroyasu Sato, the new Isuzu D-MAX represents a major progression for the nameplate.

"This third-generation D-MAX brings together everything a ute driver would need and desire without compromising on the key elements that Isuzu have built over our 100-year-plus history: durability, reliability, performance, versatility, and of course safety," he said.

"Australia is the first country outside of Thailand to receive this vehicle, which is testament to Isuzu's true focus and commitment to developing a ute that meets the needs of Aussie families, tradies, and the adventurous alike."