New Isuzu D-MAX lands in June

The third-generation Isuzu D-MAX will be available in Australia from late June.

Headline features for the new RG-series version of the Isuzu D-MAX ute -- one of the most popular dual-cab pick-ups for towing caravans down under -- include a beefed-up 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, improved safety systems, more infotainment technology, better off-road skills and a new design inside and out.

An all-new Isuzu MU-X – the SUV version of the D-MAX – is all but guaranteed to follow in the ute's footsteps as well.

In terms of pricing, nothing has been confirmed for the new D-MAX but the current prices (ranging from $28,600 to $54,800 for the entry-level 4x2 single cab-chassis SX model to the range-topping 4x4 dual-cab LS-T ute respectively) could go up, especially given the pick-up truck's all-new platform architecture, greater equipment levels and so forth.

However the D-MAX should continue to be one of the more affordable utes in its class.

The new-generation Isuzu D-MAX ute received ADR (Australian design rule) approval on March 17 but the Japanese car-maker still has a few hoops to jump through to ensure cab-chassis versions can be sold here, mostly relating brake lights and rear reflectors.

It's anticipated that all three body styles will return – single-cab, space-cab and dual-cab – and 4x4 models will get an electronic locking rear diff (a first for the D-MAX) along with an updated drivetrain claimed to deliver better off-road capability.

The new ute boasts an 800mm wading depth now, matching class-leaders such as the Ford Ranger.

The current D-MAX ute comes with a six-year, 150,000km warranty and roadside assist at present, one of the best warranties in the segment. Expect the new D-MAX ute to have similar after-sales provisions.

Capped-price servicing is covered for seven years and 105,000km, with service intervals every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.

Isuzu D-MAX ute equipment

Apart from the butch new exterior styling that encompasses new LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED brake lights, Isuzu has gone to great lengths to make avoid a workhorse look and feel.

The cabin has an upmarket design now, with top-spec model-grades getting leather seats, a fancy new control panel and a bigger 9.0-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with improved connectivity and voice control features.

An eight-speaker stereo will be offered and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality are also on the equipment list, along with a reach-adjustable steering wheel and rear air-vents.

Dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and engine start – plus remote engine start – will be offered along with a new digital speedometer on top-spec model-grades.

Bigger front brakes are part of the package on up-spec models along with more safety tech, including rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, auto-parking, hill start assist, hill descent control, auto locking, auto headlights, follow me home lighting, emergency stop signal, LED tail-lights, rain-sensing wipers and front and rear parking sensors.

Expect all of these systems to be offered in Australia.

Two items conspicuously absent (for now) from the specification list, however, are autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assistance. These two features are required for a five-star ANCAP safety rating and are offered by some of its rivals.

The new D-MAX dual-cab ute measurements released on Isuzu's Thai website show it to be 5265mm long, 1870mm wide and 1790mm high, with a kerb weight of around 1890kg.

That would make it a bit shorter and lower than the current model, but slightly wider and lighter.

With more herbs and spices than the current 2020 Isuzu D-MAX, pumping out more power and torque, 10kW and 20Nm, the D-MAX should at least maintain its 3.5-tonne towing capacity and 1024kg tray load.

Mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed auto, it's not yet clear if it will be more fuel efficient.

The updated 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine's 140kW at 3600rpm and 450Nm at 1600-2600rpm compares favourably with strong-selling rivals such as the Toyota HiLux (130kW/450Nm), Mitsubishi Triton (133kW/430Nm) and Nissan Navara (140kW/450Nm), but is trumped by the Ford Ranger (147kW/470Nm and 157kW/500Nm).

The new Isuzu D-MAX will form the basis for the next Mazda BT-50 ute, as Mazda parts ways with the Ford Ranger - its current donor vehicle.

Stay tuned for more local details on the new Isuzu D-MAX ute closer to the mid-year launch date.