Isuzu adds their new D-Max to the SA bakkie battle.
Theres no denying that the Hilux and the Ranger have gotten the most attention when it comes to our local bakkie market, but it seems like Isuzu is about to retake its position in this hotly contested segment with the introduction of the latest D-Max.
The new D-Max comes hot off the heels of the companys 2019 R1.2-billion investment to upgrade its Struandale production facilities in Gqeberha. This investment has not only given the world a new, very good looking bakkie, it has also secured at least 1000 jobs within Isuzu’s operations, and as many as 25,000 jobs through their South African component suppliers and supply chain.
Moving back to the D-Max, the bakkies new look brings it up to date with its competitors, endowing it with an aggressive snarl which is missing from both the new Hilux, upcoming Ranger and, to a degree, the Navara. In all honesty, the D-Max has just become a leading contender for the coveted position of my personal favourite bakkie. These aggressive looks are carried across the range and that range consists of no less than 23 models stretching between single-cab, extended-cab and double-cab body styles.
Engine-wise, the new D-Max is offered with a revised 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 140kW and 450Nm working in conjunction with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission taken from the Mazda BT50, which shares its platform with the Isuzu. Theres also a new 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine with 110kW and 350Nm of torque inside the smaller workhorse variants or those who dont need all three litres. Naturally, there are also 4×4 and 4×2 options available.
The D-Max is also offered in a multitude of trim levels which include L, LS, LSE and LSE for the single and extended cab models, while the double-cab variants are offered in L, L, LS, LSE and V-Cross, the top of the range trim level. In V-Cross spec, you get 8-way power adjustment leather seats, automatic high-beam activation and a gunmetal finish on the grille, fender flares, door handles, side-mirror caps, roof rails and the rear sports bar over the loadbed. From the safety end, your D-Max V-Cross also offers 8 airbags, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert and a multi-collision braking system that automatically applies the brakes as soon as the airbags are deployed.
On the inside, the new D-Max features a totally redesigned dashboard which does away with the weird and ageing round centre bit as seen in the outgoing model and inside the higher trims levels, the combination of the new interior design coupled to leather seats and nicer finishes gives this bakkie a far more high-end car-like feel.
So, how much will the new D-Max cost you?
Together with the very competitive pricing model, Isuzu also adds on a five-year/120,000km warranty with roadside assistance, and a five-year/90,000 km service plan, with 15,000 km or annual service intervals
So, what do I think of the new D-Max? Well, its simple why are you still waiting for the new Ranger?
Find your next Isuzu in the ClickaCar Virtual Showroom