D to the maximum

Auas Motors unveiled the highly anticipated, all-new Isuzu D-Max bakkie at a glamourous event that gave key stakeholders and members of the media the opportunity to experience this landmark latest generation in the most unforgettable setting.
This generation sees Isuzu take its popular light commercial vehicle (LCV) to higher levels of refinement, quality, technology and efficiency than ever before, and the amazing team from the Isuzu Driving Academy was on hand to assist guests get to grips with the breakthrough new vehicle.

A fleet that’s hard to beat
With a 24-strong line-up of single cab, extended cab and double cab models available with two engine options, five specification levels, manual and automatic transmissions and in 4x2 or 4x4 guise, the newcomer is sure to find favour as both an all-encompassing everyday leisure and lifestyle and trusty workhorse vehicle.
“Isuzu’s LCV offerings have always been key players in the local market, delivering exceptional reliability and durability for our customers, whether used in hard-working commercial applications, or spearheading the popular double cab segment.
“We are confident that the new Isuzu D-Max will continue in this proud legacy and raise the bar even higher for the brand,” Dominic Rimmer, the senior vice-president of technical operations at Isuzu Motors SA, said.
“We have taken our proven and trusted characteristics such as power, strength and reliability and added distinctive sporty styling, significantly improved comfort, an extensive range of new technologies and trend-setting safety features to make the new D-Max line-up well positioned to compete in the leisure segment of the market,” he added.

Design and styling
The stark beauty of the Moon Valley Lodge was a truly fitting backdrop to emphasise the rugged yet modern and refined styling of the all-new D-Max, which is bolder and sportier than ever.
This is clearly evident by the fresh and more aggressive front fascia and grille, centred around a modern interpretation of established Isuzu design cues.
Slimmer, more angular lights that include bi-LED projector headlamps and LED daytime running lights on the high-series models give the new D-Max a distinctive on-road presence.
This is complemented by LED edge lighting for the turn indicators on the mirror housings, crisp new LED combination tail lamps and an integrated LED high-mount brake light at the rear that continue the contemporary theme.
The enhanced sense of quality and attention to detail in the design is highlighted with minimised panel gaps between the doors, as well as between the cabin and cargo box, while the integrated two-step rear bumper is seamlessly incorporated into sleek and sophisticated lines.

Luxurious interior
The high series models of the new Isuzu D-Max offer a smart and sophisticated cabin with a upper-class quality feel. It is more akin to that of a passenger car with sharp graphics and a variety of layered and textured surfaces with soft-touch materials – most noticeably on the dashboard – that provide a tactile, quality feel throughout.
The new dashboard ups the game with an elegant, simplified layout that positions the controls and switches within easy reach.
The instrument binnacle features analogue dials for the rev counter and speedometer, along with a large 4.2-inch LCD multi-information display that provides high resolution for easy readability and access to a wide range of functions.
A fully integrated wide extended graphic array display infotainment system features prominently in the centre stack, in seven-inch or nine-inch versions, depending on model. The system is touchscreen-activated and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to seamlessly mirror your connected smartphone.
Supreme comfort is assured thanks to the dual-zone climate control on the LSE and V-Cross models – with rear vents on the double cabs contributing to greater comfort, or manual air conditioning on the lower derivatives.
Power and performance
The new Isuzu D-Max range is available with a choice of two diesel engines that build on Isuzu’s long-standing reputation for durability, reliability and efficiency.
Isuzu’s 1.9-litre Ddi powerplant is a new powertrain to the line-up and is standard on all single cab models and is available on extended cab and double cab derivatives. It uses common rail direct injection to produce a maximum power output of 110 kW at 3 600 r/min, with peak torque of 350 Nm available between 1 800 to 2 600 r/min, delivering superb fuel economy and low running costs.
Available on mid- to high-series extended cab and double cab models, the upgraded 3.0 Ddi engine has been optimised for more torque at lower engine speeds, superior pull off and acceleration, significantly reduced noise levels and optimised consumption. In its latest guise, the three-litre unit delivers 140 kW of peak power at 3 600 r/min, with its maximum torque figure of 450 Nm available from 1 600 to 2 600 r/min.
A choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions is available.
Underlining its suitability for both work and play, the D-Max is available in both 4x2 and 4x4 guise across single cab, extended cab and double cab body styles.
Make sure to catch next week’s edition of My.Na Cars for an in-depth report on this epic adventure.