The next-gen Isuzu D-Max ute will come with much-improved technology and a 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine, though it’s unclear if Oz will retain the larger 3.0-litre unit.
ISUZU THAILAND HAS shown us a teaser video of the next-generation Isuzu D-Max, revealing new technology, updated looks and a familiar overseas drivetrain underneath.
In typical shadowy form, the teaser video doesn’t give away much, but we’ve gone through some of the throwaway shots and can confirm the new ute will come with Apple CarPlay and the Japanese brand’s 1.9-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel Ddi Blue Power engine. In the latest D-Max in overseas markets, it produces 110kW and 350Nm.
That doesn’t mean the larger 4JJ1 3.0-litre turbo four-cylinder diesel (producing 130kW, 430Nm) found in the current-generation model won’t be an option, though Isuzu Australia has had to fight to have that unit available locally. If it does go to the smaller engine here, it is not far behind Ford, which introduced a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel to the Ranger and Everest.
Upfront on the 2020 Isuzu D-Max we see a new fascia, flanked by more aggressive styling, LED headlights, pumped out black wheel guards and a large centre grille. Inside, the interior looks substantially more premium compared to the current model with metallic switchgear, leather stitched trims, and, as we can just see on the edge of the screen, Apple CarPlay We’d bet that Android Auto will also be available on the infotainment system and shared with the next-gen Isuzu MU-X wagon.
Isuzu has also previously told Practical Motoring that it considered a five-star ANCAP safety important, which means the new model will need AEB and lane departure warning as part of its active safety suite. Given Mazda is using the Isuzu ute as the base for its next BT-50, the two brands are likely to be sharing some technologies.
The new model will be revealed in full on October 19 and is tipped to arrive in Australia next year.
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