The upgraded Isuzu D-Max 4×4 will score a crucial lift in braked towing capacity when it arrives in Australia next month.
The uprated 3500kg capacity for 4×4 variants of the D-Max represents a half-tonne boost over its predecessor, with Isuzu engineers redesigning the ute’s tow bar to allow it to handle the additional load and bring it in line with rivals such as the Ford Ranger and Holden Colorado.
Further updates to the new D-Max only affect the range-topping LS-U version, which adds satellite navigation with reversing camera, charcoal leather upholstery, climate control and a shark fin-style antenna.
While pricing for the updated D-Max won’t be released until closer to its December launch, Isuzu says that any hike over the current model will be minimal.
Isuzu Ute Australia is keen to lift D-Max’s market share from six per cent to 10 per cent over the next three years and believes it has the product to do so.
Citing a Roy Morgan customer satisfaction survey for the one-tonne ute market, Isuzu said the D-Max came out on top with a 75.4 per cent satisfaction score ahead of rivals such as Toyota Hilux (68.3 per cent), Mazda BT-50 (61.5 per cent), Ford Ranger (58.4 per cent), Nissan Navara (57.6 per cent), Holden Colorado (57.2 per cent), Mitsubishi Triton (57.2 per cent) with Great Wall finishing in last place with a score of 42.5 per cent.
The upgraded Isuzu D-Max will hit showrooms in the same month as the brand’s second model, the all-new Isuzu MU-X SUV, which was unveiled in Thailand overnight.
