The mid-life-update of the Isuzu D-Max, due in 2016, will see the Thai-built ute replace the current Euro4-rated 3.0-litre single-turbo diesel engine, with a 2.5-litre twin-turbo unit to meet Euro5 emissions regulations in Australia.
The new Isuzu engine is already used in the Isuzu D-Max in parts of Europe including the UK, where Euro5 standards have been in place for several years.
While the smaller displacement twin-turbo unit gives up 10kW of power to the existing 3.0-litre powerplant, maximum torque is up by 70Nm to 400Nm between 1400-2000rpm.
It's a comprehensive re-design by the company'spowertrain development team, with the two engines sharing similar physical proportions but the 2.5-litre unit getting a shorter stroke and a boost in direct-injection pressure from 1800-2200bar.
It's also one of the cleanest powertrains in the light commercial segment, achieving a claimed fuel-economy of 6.2L/100km (4×4 manual models) and CO2 emissions of 194g/km. By comparison, the existing Isuzu 3.0-litre engine produces 220g/km of CO2.
