ISUZU D Max 2010 Range
Space Cab models now have four seats and their twin rear 'jump' seats come with flexible multiple folding modes. SX variants gain five-speed intermittent wipers, bold arch flares and 16-inch wheels are mated with the 4 x 4 high-ride suspension. While the four-speed automatic transmission has always been optionally available with LS, LS-M and LS-U models, it is now available with mid-spec SX models, as is cruise control and D-Max 4 x 4 versions have a three-tonne
towing capacity.
The cheapest way into a D-Max is via the $25,100 SX single cab/chassis 4 x 2 manual. The top of the range LS-U crew ute auto will set you back $44,500. Pricing does not include statutory or dealer charges. The single cab's 2550mm tray load floor length is 150mm more than its rivals the Mitsubishi Triton, Mazda's BT50, its Ford Ranger cousin, the Nissan Navara D22 and the basic Toyota HiLux Workmate equivalents. All D-Max SX variants also gain five-speed intermittent wiper mode while silver hubcaps for the 16-inch drilled steel wheels replace the outgoing model's black wheels.
For the 4 x 2 SX crew ute, the optional automatic package includes the 4 x 4 high-ride suspension with 225mm ground clearance, wheel-arch flares and shod with 245/70 tyres. Because of its class-leading 3200mm wheelbase, automatic cannot be specified for cab/chassis models. Automatic is still however available for D-Max LS, LS-M and LS- variants. Isuzu Ute believes that the availability of automatic for both 4x4 and 4x2 SX crew utes will appeal to many state and local
governments as well as business and rental operators.
As well as "normal," "power" and '3rd' modes, the D-Max's tri-mode four-speed automatic adaptive grade logic system holds third gear during varied-gradient ascents to avoid 'hunting' and on steep descents to help hold speed. "Power" mode upshifts at higher revs and "3rd" cleverly starts in third gear to avoid wheel spin on acceleration from rest on slippery surfaces like snow, ice or wet clay. The D-Max is powered by a gutsy three-litre, double-overhead-camshaft, 16-valve intercooled turbo-diesel engine that in manual guise delivers 120kW of peak power at 3800rpm and 360Nm of torque that is on tap from 1800 to 2800rpm. The figures for the automatic versions are 120kW and 333Nm between 1600 and 3200rpm.
For the 4x2 single-cab/chassis model, Isuzu ute claims a combined fuel-consumption figure of 7.9 litres/100km.
The most popular D-Max model is the high-spec LS-U 4 x 4 crew ute that comes standard with air-conditioning, ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, dual airbags, cruise control, projector headlights and fold-in power door mirrors with turn indicators. Other goodies include some leather trim, remote entry, electric windows with one-touch driver's glass up and down, a dual-bin padded centre console, an electro-luminescent instrument display, a limited-slip differential and a lockable tailgate.
Externally, the LS-U stands apart because of its chrome grille, body-coloured front bumper and wheel-arch flares, front fog lights, chrome rear step bumper, side steps, 16-inch alloy wheels (including the spare) and high-ride suspension. All 4x4 D-Max models have a three-tonne maximum tow capacity, high 225mm ground clearance, paddock-crawler ultra-low low-range first gear with anti-stall, steel plate sump and transfer case guards, fuel tank shield, steep gradient ABS disabling (not on EX), wide-track 16 x7-inch wheels with 245/70 tyres, wheel-arch flares, push-button dash controls for 2WD/4WD/low-range selection and shift-on-the-fly up to 100 km/h between 2WD and 4WD High. D-MAX 4 x 2s can tow up to 2.5 tonne braked trailers.