Isuzu has taken the wraps off an all-new D-Max. Sold in markets like India and Thailand, among other South East Asian markets, the D-Max is available for personal and commercial use, which is underlined by the fact that it is available in multiple cab forms (from a two-door to a four-door) and a higher-spec V-Cross variant.
The all-new D-Max has a longer wheelbase than the model that’s currently on sale in India but is shorter overall and is lighter besides. Isuzu says that they’ve upgraded the body shell to comply with safety standards in the Thai market and added safety features mandated in the country such as blind-spot monitoring and a cross-traffic alert system.
While retaining its rugged, off-road-ready look, the updated V-Cross gets bi-LED projectors headlights, LED tail-lights, an integrated rear bumper, new creases in the front bumper that house the turn indicators and fog lamps, along with a new radiator grille shape. There are new-design alloy wheels on offer too.
The cabin of the new D-Max is quite different – there’s a new 9.0-inch infotainment system that comes with navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is the centre piece of the new dashboard. Gone is the circular design for the climate control system that’s on the current model; the all-new pickup has a dual-zone climate control system that’s operated via buttons below it. A new digital MID can also be seen between the speedo and tacho dials.
Under the bonnet, Isuzu in Thailand offer two engine options – the 1.9-litre diesel engine that recently made its debut in the India-spec D-Max automatic (it is rated at the same 150hp and 350Nm of torque) and a 3.0-litre diesel unit that is tuned to produce 190hp and 450Nm of torque. Gearbox options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic and there are four-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive options available too.
There’s no word on when Isuzu is bringing this all-new model to the Indian market to replace the current D-Max that’s been on sale since 2016, but we hope it is soon.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
