Isuzu ups towing safety

It’s good news if you’re shopping for a dual-cab ute to tow a large caravan or camper trailer.

Isuzu Ute Australia has finally fitted Trailer Sway Control to both its popular D-MAX ute and seven-seat MU-X SUV.. All D-MAX variants (except 4x4 low-ride SX single cab chassis) now come standard with the  important safety feature already fitted to most of its dual-cab ute rivals, which also boast similar 3500kg towing capacities to the D-MAX.

The additional safety feature is part of another facelift for D-MAX and MU-X for 2018, which includes new exterior colours and interior trim, and suspension tweaks.

The changes comes less than 12 months since the last set of updates which included engine performance and transmission upgrades, and addition of a reversing camera and 8.0in infotainment touchscreen.

This time around, the new top-spec LS-T crew cab auto D-MAX scores a new 4x2 variant, which at $46,990 is $8000 less than the 4x4 version. All LS-T crew cab utes also pick up more upmarket interior finishes, borrowed from the top-spec MU-X, that includes new premium leather and polyurethane ‘leatherette’ seat trim, ‘soft touch’ leatherette on the dash, glovebox and arm rests, and new chrome and gloss black highlights on the doors and dash.

Isuzu has also boosted across the D-MAX range two USB sockets in the first and second rows to faster charging 2.1 Amp units.

Priced from $54,700, Isuzu says the equipment list on the LS-T D-MAX utes now more closely mirrors that of the MU-X range-topper, including 18in alloy wheels with highway terrain tyres, sat nav, roof rails and keyless entry and start.

Three new exterior colours have been added to the D-MAX range – Magnetic Red Mica, Cobalt Blue Mica and Graphite Grey Metallic.

Other D-MAX changes address ride comfort, with Isuzu replacing the old five leaf spring rear suspension with a new three-spring set-up, for SX, LS-U and LS-T dual cab variants. Utilizing longer leaf springs along with “stronger and lighter materials” including high tensile steel and retuned dampers, Isuzu says the new set-up delivers improved ride, comfort and handling.

At the same time, load carrying capacity across the range has been improved, with Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) increased by 100kg – up to 2950kg on 4x2 variants and 3050kg on 4x4 models. As a result Isuzu claims a class-leading payload of 1349kg for its D-MAX 4x4 low-ride SX single cab chassis model.

A rear bumper and reversing camera (previously only fitted on the top-spec LS-T) is also standard fitment now across the D-MAX range.

The new Magnetic Red Mica exterior colour, Trailer Sway Control and faster-charging USB points are also new additions to the latest MY18 MU-X range.

Like last year’s ‘MY17.5’ D-MAX, Isuzu says the changes were driven by customer feedback. However, both the D-MAX and MU-X continue to miss out on latest technologies and creature comforts fitted to many of its rivals, including electronic driver aids like lane change assist and active cruise control, as well as the latest wireless connectivity apps.

Speaking at the launch of the MY18 DMAX and MU-X at Mt Cotton Driver Training Centre in Queensland, Isuzu Ute Australia executives remained tight lipped about when latest tech like Apple Carplay or electronic 4WD ‘terrain’ systems would be available on the D-MAX. It’s becoming increasingly likely these types of technologies won’t find their way into an Isuzu dual-cab ute until an all-new model arrives, probably around 2020.

Isuzu has also boosted its already impressive ‘cost of ownership’ package for the D-MAX and MU-X, which already includes a five-year warranty and five years roadside assistance. Service intervals have stretched out to 12 month/15,000km service intervals while total cost of the five year/75,000km capped servicing program is down to $2090.

After nine years of double-digit sales growth, the D-MAX remains a popular choice for ute buyers down under, and is currently the fifth biggest-selling model behind Hilux, Ranger, Triton and Navara, with 3952 sales in the first quarter of 2018.

The 18MY Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X range go on sale nationally from May 1, with minor price rises ($200-$500 on most models) across the 23 model range.