With utes accounting for more than one fifth of the 1.2 million vehicles sold in Australia last year, Isuzu has jumped on the Ford Ranger/Toyota HiLux bandwagon with a seriously upgraded D-Max pick-up truck.
The pick-up finished as the fourth best-selling vehicle overall, as well as scoring third in the dominant one-tonne ute LCV segment
With major updates to technology, safety, interior and exterior design, 25 models cater for owners across the board from families to tradies and the odd tourist, the 2024 D-Max offers a choice of body styles, tray configurations and power trains.
The Japanese manufacturer says pricing remains competitive, with the D-Max SX single cab chassis 4×2 1.9 litre turbo-diesel manual at $32,990 drive away rising to the D-Max X-Terrain 3 litre turbo 4×4 at $67,990.
In between is a selection of variants including cab chassis/ute, manual or auto 4×2 or 4×4. Newly added is an X-Rider crew cab ute 3 litre auto 4×4 for $59,400. On test was the flagship 3 litre 4×4 auto at $67,990.
All are covered by Isuzu’s six-year/150,000km warranty and up to seven years roadside assistance. A revised five-year/75,000km flat price servicing warranty has been introduced in response to customer and media feedback.
STYLING
The D-Max X-Terrain weighs with a mix of muscle and contemporary design. Up front, the profile has taken on new bi-LED headlights and sharp body lines evolved from Isuzu’s signature horizontal bar grille.
Tying in with this redesigned grille, are a set of new tail-lights, which with horizontal creases expand the width of the tailgate. The grey metallic aero sports bar has been redesigned, there are dark grey metallic sidesteps, mirrors, door and tailgate handles, roof rails, plus front and rear underbody spoilers and fender flares.
The X-Terrain is topped off with a matte black roller tonneau cover and the whole unit rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels in matte grey shod with 265/60R18 Bridgestone 68411 HT tyres.
Aerodynamics are taken up by a pair of air curtains within the fog lamps, channelling airflow round the front wheels, together with deflectors, sleek bodylines and reworked tailgate spoiler.
INTERIOR
Forget the rough stuff, the crew cabin design, we are told, has more than a touch of the aesthetics of the Japanese art of Miura Origami paperfolding in the perforated leather-accented upholstery while melding creature comforts with occupant ergonomics and wireless connectivity.
The flagship X-Terrain adds signature red stitching throughout the cabin with dark grey and piano black appointments. Spokes of the steering wheel are trimmed in either matte silver, satin chrome or piano black, depending on grade.
The dual cab X-Terrain offers adequate leg-, head-, shoulder- and toe room for rear seat occupants. There are centre console-mounted air vents and USB-C ports, as well as a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders.
INFOTAINMENT
Addressing customer demands, a new 9-inch information touchscreen is the basis of new technology in the X-Terrain supporting USB-C connectivity, voice recognition, DAB+ digital radio, and wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Also on hand in a new 7-inch muti-information display are more info on sat nav, ADAS setting controls and an additional 3AmP USB-C connection as well as tyre pressure and temperature figures.
Off-road enthusiasts can make use of an inclinometer and Terrain Command 4×4 modes now integrated in the system enabling the driver to access essential systems at a simple tap and swipe of the screen.
ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS
There are two turbo-diesel engines, 4 2 and part-time 4 4, as well as six-speed manual and automatic transmission options. On test was the flagship 3 litre turbo-diesel 4×4 six-speed automatic.
SAFETY
D-MAX is already in possession of a five-star ANCAP safety rating under 2022 testing, the pick-up is waiting in the wings for a latest upgrade, which Isuzu is confident of passing with its extensive additions to driver assistance.
These include a new Gen4 stereo camera, plus upgrades to intelligent adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic braking, welcome headlight and welcome light functions which improve visibility and safety around the vehicle at night.
Eight airbags include dual front, dual rear seat side, dual full length curtain, front knee and centre (far side).
DRIVING
Not a fan of sidesteps for their tendency to damage in hard going off road. However, together with sturdy grab handles, they do make climbing into a big off-roader more acceptable, especially if the D-Max owner is met with an exalted view from the driver’s seat.
Settling in some of the most comfortable seats in its class, D-Max passengers can have little to complain about. Font-seat padding is supportive and the X-Terrain’s eight-way power adjustment is easy to operate.
When the 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel of the test vehicle fired up there was more than a distant sound of the past from under the bonnet – for what the term ‘agricultural’ was coined.
Tap the accelerator and the D-Max has a particularly perky take-off – it’s easy to startle onlookers with a tyre squeal or two. The six-speed automatic transmission handled shifts smoothly, giving the driver an added layer of confidence. This is not the same for the lane-keeping, with systems varying in response. The system can be switched off manually.
Isuzu puts the combined urban/highway fuel consumption at eight litres per 100 kilometres. The test X-Terrain recorded 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres in town and 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the open road. Towing is limited to 2800kg to 3500kg.
An optional suspension tuning unique to Australian roads, would not go a miss with those craving classy comfort, while off road is just the beginning for the D-Max X-Terrain, with impressive ground clearance of 240mm, and wading depth of up to 800mm, plus vital underbody protection.
Selectable dual-range 4WD, a rear differential lock and generous approach and departure angles make the D-Max one of the most capable units on the market.
Then, for the more adventurous, there are new improvements to Isuzu’s Rough Terrain Mode, an electronic off-road traction control aid that maximises torque transfer and driveability in slippery or rugged conditions.
SUMMARY
The Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain Crew Cab, helped by a corner full of the latest technical and safety know-how, continues to duke it out with some of the best in the heavyweight ute division.
RATINGS
Looks – 8
Performance – 7
Safety – 6
Thirst – 7
Practicality – 7
Comfort – 8
Tech – 7
Value – 7
