The Isuzu Thread

All-new Isuzu D-Max teased!

Isuzu has released a teaser video showcasing the upcoming “all-new” Isuzu D-Max bakkie.

Seen in the footage below, the new-generation D-Max’s exterior boasts with a more pronounced design elements up front such as an enlarged grille with chrome accents and a revised bumper, replete with striking fog lamp housings on opposite sides. Flanking the grille is sleeker headlights with daytime running lights. Not much of the rear is shown other than the tweaked taillamps.

Inside, the 16-second video (published by Isuzu’s Thailand arm) offers a glimpse of what looks like a redesigned interior, featuring a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone pairing functionality.

Engine options are not yet known but based on the frame at 0:06, it will sport a variation the brand's 1,9-litre four-cylinder direct turbodiesel injection engine. The official reveal will take place on the 19th of October.



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Isuzu Teases D-Max bakkie Replacement

Isuzu shows a bit of its new bakkie. The rest should drop later this week.

With less than three weeks until the opening of Tokyo’s 2019 auto show, Japanese brands are starting to tease some of their most keenly anticipated new models.

For Isuzu, the 2019 Tokyo show will be of great significance, as it is expected to reveal the new D-Max bakkie. This new Isuzu is a joint-venture project with Mazda (and its BT50).

Isuzu has been marketing the current D-Max without a substantial engineering upgrade since 2012, whilst nearly all its rivals (except BT-50) have launched newer-generation bakkies. Seven years in the double-cab market is a long time and Isuzu’s product rejuvenation is an urgent issue.

A short teaser from Isuzu has confirmed that the new D-Max features a much larger grille, new bonnet stamping (with a pronounced ridge), thinner triangular headlamps and a redesigned front bumper. Around the rear Isuzu has split the taillight design into separate clusters.

Mechanically the new D-Max is expected to retain its large-capacity 3-litre turbodiesel engine, whilst an even more sophisticated version of the small but potent 1.9-litre turbodiesel should offer a lower emissions option. South Africans have not had exposure to the 1.9-litre turbodiesel yet, which boosts 120 kW and 350 Nm – although those outputs could improve slightly with the new D-Max.

 
All-new SA-bound Isuzu D-Max to be revealed on Thursday

Isuzu’s Thai division has released a teaser video of the next-generation D-Max bakkie ahead of its official reveal, which is scheduled to take place this Thursday, October 11.

Isuzu South Africa has also confirmed to us that the new bakkie will be built in South Africa, although it’s too soon to confirm local launch timing.

The teaser video below shows that the new bakkie will adopt a more striking design than the current model, with the front end sporting a significantly larger grille, while the headlights retain a triangular style similar to the current D-Max. Things are also more interesting round back, thanks to 3D-style light clusters with LED rings.

The video doesn’t show much of the cabin, but from the small peek we do get it’s clear that Isuzu has gone for a more upscale design and material mix in its new bakkie.

There’s no official word yet on what will power the newcomer, but Australian website CarAdvice believes that the current 3-litre turbodiesel will soldier on as it was only recently given an upgrade.

The publication also reports that some new driver assistance gadgets will become available, including autonomous emergency braking.

Incidentally, the new Isuzu KB will also form the basis of the next-generation Mazda BT-50, following an agreement that was struck between the two companies following Mazda’s divorce from Ford earlier in the decade, which meant that it could no longer use the Ranger platform.

 
Isuzu D-Max X-Rider Black for SA

Isuzu has reintroduced the limited-edition D-Max X-Rider Black in South Africa. Details below…

If you pay attention to the cars you see every day on your way to your grindstone, you will probably see a lot of Isuzu X-Riders on the road. They are hugely popular and this lates 4x2 D-Max X-Rider Black is bound to be a hit with local consumers.

Almost everything is black and this limited-edition bakkie features a Black Meet Kettle body colour and rides on 18-inch blacked-out alloy wheels with red contrasting Isuzu badges. The front-end receives a black bumper guard, projector headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights and fog lights.

Isuzu D-Max X-Rider Black - Price in South Africa

D-Max X-Rider Black - R462 000 (including VAT)

A 5-year/120 000 km warranty, 5-year/90 000 km service plan, 5-year/unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty and Roadside Assistance is standard.


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The dark knight: Isuzu's new D-Max X-Rider Black steps out of the shadows

The Isuzu D-Max, formerly known as the KB, has become a popular choice for many and has now added a new model to the range with the introduction of a limited edition X-Rider Black.

Isuzu sold 1197 D-Max models during September, according to Naamsa figures.

Natasha Schultz, an Isuzu Motors South Africa assembly line operator who fits wiring harnesses on the D-Max production line, says: "The Isuzu X-Rider Black is my favourite vehicle on our production line. I can see myself driving this black beauty, it really stands out.

For those looking to purchase one of those limited edition mean machines, it is priced at R462 000.

It comes standard with a 5-year or 120 000km bumper-to-bumper warranty, 5-year or unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty and a 5-year or 90 000km service plan.

 
Black by popular demand: Isuzu reintroduces X-Rider Black

Isuzu South Africa’s limited edition D-Max X-Rider Black has been reintroduced to the market, but unlike the regular X-Rider - which made the transition from special edition to permanent fixture in the range - the Black edition will only be offered for a limited period.

Isuzu’s product communications manager Nandi Matomela said: “the X-Rider Black was reintroduced for a limited period after high demand from customers since the run out of the previous edition”.

As previously reported, the X-Rider Black edition is set apart by an exclusive ‘Black Meet Kettle’ exterior paint job, while the 18-inch alloy wheels, sports bar, side steps, front bumper guard and roof rails also follow the black theme, the latter also getting matt treatment. Essentially everything on the outside is painted black, except for the red Isuzu badges on the grille and wheel caps.

Same goes for the cabin, where black leather seats are contrasted with red stitching and the red Isuzu badge on the steering wheel stands out from the dark grey dashboard with piano black trim elements, and you'll also find red ‘X’ badges on the inner door panels and ‘X-Rider’ logos embroidered on the headrests.

As with other D-Max models, the edition is sold with a five-year/120 000km warranty, and five-year/90 000km service plan.

The Isuzu D-Max X-Rider Black is available only in 4x2 double cab guise, priced at R462 000.

 
All-New Isuzu D-Max Revealed

The all-new Isuzu D-Max has been revealed. Here's what you need to know about the popular bakkie, which finally gets a new model after 8 years.

After a short teaser campaign, the all-new Isuzu D-Max bakkie has been revealed in Thailand. Powered by a revised version of the current 3.0-litre turbodiesel motor packing 140 kW and 450 Nm. Under the skin, there's extensive work done to the chassis and the suspension.

For the 4x4 enthusiasts, there's 800 mm of wading depth, as well as a rotary transmission selector featuring 2 High, 4 High and 4 Low, as well as Hill Descent. The all-new Isuzu D-Max features ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Stability Control, Hillstart Assist, 8-way parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Inside, it has a rake and reach adjust for the steering, while there's a big focus on comfort, something we've always had issues with previously. In terms of connectivity, there'll be Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a modern 9-inch infotainment screen and audio system.


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New Isuzu D-Max: next-gen bakkie gains more power and added tech!

Isuzu has whipped the covers off its new D-Max (once known here in South Africa as the KB) in Thailand, handing its one-tonne bakkie more power, larger dimensions and added technology.

The fresh range is set to comprise three body styles: regular cab, space cab and crew cab.

Isuzu says its new-generation D-Max is powered by a “newly developed” version of the Japanese firm’s familiar 3,0-litre turbodiesel engine, with peak outputs hiked to 140 kW (at 3 600 r/min) and 450 N.m (between 1 600 and 2 600 r/min).

The firm claims this new version of this oil-burning powerplant boasts not only more grunt but also improved fuel consumption and refinement. Interestingly, the company says the performance of the 1,9-litre turbodiesel offered in some markets has also been improved thanks to the optimisation of gear ratios and control systems.

And transmissions? Well, Isuzu says the six-speed manual gearbox has been tweaked, while a “downsized” torque converter and lock-up clutch integrated with a wide-angle damper will do duty in the self-shifting models.


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We expect the all-new Isuzu D-Max to make its way to SA in 2020 and we received this comment from Isuzu South Africa:

Isuzu is committed to this market as demonstrated by its decision to take over the light commercial vehicle operations as well as the balance of shareholding in the trucks business in South Africa, making this its first fully-owned manufacturing and distribution subsidiary outside of Japan. We are currently engaging with Isuzu to build the next generation of bakkies in South Africa and anticipate that we will get the final approvals for this investment later this year.

 
Isuzu reveals all-new D-Max bakkie

Isuzu’s D-Max has been given its first redesign in eight years, and the bakkie gets a bold new look for 2020 as well as revised engines and improved overall refinement.

Making greater use of high-tensile steel, the new Isuzu’s body is 20 percent more rigid than before, says Isuzu, while various improvements have been made to the suspension, steering and braking systems.

Under the bonnet, the range-topping versions get a revised version of the 4JJ1 3-litre turbodiesel, which now produces 140kW and 450Nm, up from the current model’s 130kW and 380Nm. As with the current version, the 3-litre engine is offered with a choice between six-speed manual and six-speed automatic gearboxes.

At the lower end of the line-up, Isuzu is offering a revised version of its 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine, which is currently not offered in South Africa.

Naturally, the vehicles are available in rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations, the latter receiving an enhanced 4WD system, with improved power transfer and quicker shift times between the RWD and 4WD modes as well as between high and low. An electromagnetic rear differential lock is also fitted.

Inside the cabin of the new D-Max, we see a cleaner design with upgraded materials that give it a more upscale appearance. Also featured is a new 23cm touchscreen infotainment system. More information on the bakkie’s feature list will be made available closer to launch.

So when is it coming to South Africa?

According to the local division, a final decision on whether the new D-Max will be built in South Africa has yet to be made, but we should have an answer soon.

 
The Arctic Truck version also looks quite spiffy.

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The console doesn't look bad either. Pretty standard for cars these days I guess.

I'm quite bummed that my D-Max (clubcab version) came out a few months before the twincabs got the centre console multimedia station. Mine's still got the crappy oldschool radio. (Even had to retrofit a DAB radio because we removed all FM broadcasts in 2017).
 
Thailand: Next-gen Isuzu D-Max revealed - Team-BHP

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Isuzu has unveiled the next-generation D-Max pick-up in Thailand. It is available in Regular Cab, Space Cab and Crew Cab variants.

At the front, the D-Max comes with a large grille with two chrome or black bars with LED headlights with U-shaped integrated DRLs on either side. The tail lamps also get LED lights.

The Crew Cab Hi-Ride variant measures 5,265 mm in length, 1,870 mm in width and 1,790 mm in height with a wheelbase of 3,125 mm. The D-Max rides on 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.

On the inside, the D-Max comes with a dual-tone brown and black interior with silver accents, a 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel, a twin-pod instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch MID and a 9-inch touchscreen head-unit.

The vehicle is equipped with keyless entry, Android Auto and CarPlay, voice recognition, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, dual-zone AC, 8-way power seats and park distance control.

The D-Max is powered by 1.9-litre and 3.0-litre diesel engines. The 3.0L engine produces 188 BHP @ 3,600 rpm and 450 Nm @ 1,600-2,600 rpm. It is paired to a 6-speed manual transmission and a four-wheel drive system.

 
New Isuzu D-Max: SA awaiting 'final approval' to build next-gen bakkie

Isuzu Motors South Africa says it is “engaging” with the brand’s head office in Japan in a bid to secure production of the new-generation D-Max at its Struandale factory in Port Elizabeth.

The new D-Max (once known here in South Africa as the KB) was recently revealed in Thailand, where it will be produced for a number of export markets. However, the outgoing D-Max is currently also built in South Africa. And the local arm of the Japanese firm is keen to switch over to the new model.

“We are currently engaging with Isuzu to build the next generation of bakkies in South Africa and anticipate that we will get the final approvals for this investment later this year [2019],” Isuzu Motors SA told CARmag.co.za.

“Isuzu is committed to this market as demonstrated by its decision to take over the light commercial vehicle operations as well as the balance of shareholding in the trucks business in South Africa, making this its first fully owned manufacturing and distribution subsidiary outside of Japan,” the firm added.

 
Isuzu says new D-Max was ‘benchmarked’ against Hilux and Ranger

An Isuzu official has confirmed the Japanese company benchmarked its new D-Max against both the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, the sales leaders in this bakkie segment in many major markets.

Speaking to CarsGuide, Isuzu spokesperson Eiji Mitsuhashi said the automaker had the segment’s most popular bakkies squarely in its sights when it was developing the new D-Max.

"The Toyota Hilux, and also Ford vehicles, were the benchmark for this car," Mitsuhashi told the publication.

"The D-Max is now also widely demanded as a passenger vehicle, so we also have to take that into consideration," he added.

Revealed in Thailand in October 2019, the fresh-faced D-Max is powered by a “newly developed” version of the Japanese firm’s familiar 3,0-litre turbodiesel engine, with peak outputs hiked to 140 and 450 N.m.

 
Isuzu South Africa rolls out optional mechanical diff-lock for MU-X

Isuzu Motors South Africa says an optional mechanical diff-lock is now available for both variants in its MU-X seven-seater SUV range.

So, how much will this Eaton MLocker mechanical locking differential cost you? Well, the local arm of the Japanese firm says it is available – for both the 4x2 and 4x4 derivatives – for an extra R11 500.

Isuzu SA says the MLocker functions as a light bias limited-slip differential during “normal driving conditions” and as a full locking differential when traction conditions become "tricky".

The diff automatically locks to deliver added traction on surfaces such as wet tarmac, gravel, mud, dirt and sand. When a low-traction situation causes a wheel speed difference of 100 r/min, a flyweight mechanism opens to engage a latching bracket.

 
It’s official: Isuzu will build the new-gen D-Max bakkie in South Africa

Isuzu Motors of Japan has confirmed it plans to invest R1,2-billion into its South African operations in order to production the new-generation D-Max bakkie locally.

Revealed in Thailand in October 2019, the new D-Max is already being produced for export in that country. But now South Africa is set to join the party (although it's not yet clear when production is scheduled to switch from the outgoing model to the new one).

Isuzu Motors South Africa says, in addition to the firm’s aforementioned investment, total local content value of R2,8-billion will be generated through the lifecycle of the programme.

The automaker says it plans to grow annual bakkie production at its Struandale factory in Port Elizabeth to 29 000 units per annum.

“Our decision to invest in the production of the next-generation bakkie in South Africa demonstrates our commitment to this market,” said Yoichi Masuda, senior executive officer for Isuzu Motors Limited and chairman of the Isuzu Motors South Africa board.

Michael Sacke, CEO and managing director of Isuzu Motors SA, added the new D-Max would be “locally engineered to meet the requirements of the South African and key Sub-Saharan Africa markets”.


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New Isuzu D-Max to be Built in Eastern Cape

Isuzu devotes more resources and commits to local production, which will be a big boost for P.E. economy.

Isuzu is entrenching its local production capability with a substantial investment.

The Japanese company has confirmed that resources will be allocated to upgrade its Port Elizabeth facility with the aim of producing Isuzu’s next-generation D-Max in South Africa, for both domestic and export markets.

Isuzu has committed an initial investment of R1.2bn, securing 1000 local jobs at its Struandale assembly plant. Although Isuzu currently fields the fourth best-selling bakkie model in South Africa, the Japanese diesel specialist is confident that its new D-Max will secure an even greater market share.

To ensure that demand for the new D-Max does not possibly overwhelm supply, Isuzu is now spending the required money to modernize and reequip its local industrial engineering operations. Isuzu South Africa also services most of the regional SADC markets, in addition to Kenya, Mauritius, Senegal, Ghana and Ivory Coast.

 
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