2009 Isuzu D-MAX - First Steer
3 Oct, 2008
17 Comments 
Over the 11 variants there are three trim levels: EX, SX and LS.
The ES is the no frills farmers ute, a single cab/chassis manual only, which misses out on ABS and airbags, but instead comes with 4WD drivetrain, seating for three, hi-ride suspension, air-conditioning and a 16x 7-inch drilled steel wheel and 245/70 tyre package as standard. The ES retails for $27,800.
What’s really the low cost entry model into the D-MAX range comes in SX flavour. Four SX variants exist and Isuzu believes it will be the volume seller. All SX variants come standard with ABS with EBD, dual front airbags, power windows with driver’s window one-touch auto-down and remote entry via a single integrated key/pad.
The SX rear-wheel drive variants are available as both a single cab/chassis and crew cab ute. Moving up to the 4WD, choice exists between single cab/chassis and crew cab/chassis. Like the ES, the SX range is available only with a five-speed manual transmission.
Topping off the D-MAX range are the LS variants, three different crew cab utes (LS, LS-U and LS-M) each offered with either automatic or manual transmission.
On top of the SX, standard equipment includes: cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels including the spare, leather steering wheel rim and shift knob, electro-luminescent instrument cluster, five-function trip computer (trips A &B, instant & average fuel usage and outside temp), projector headlights and front fog lights, rear step bumper, power-adjustable and remote fold back door mirrors with LED turn indicators, flush fascia CD/FM/AM audio with MP3/WMA and six speakers and more.
Inspired by 2WD versions of SUVs that look virtually identical to their 4WD variants, the LS (2WD) and LS-U (4WD) D-MAX models look identical (except for the ‘4WD’ decal on the LS-U tailgate).
To top of the range, the D-MAX LS-M is made for those of us who enjoy a little bit of proper off-roading. The car is differentiated from the LS and LS-U by being available with a scratch-resistant grey front bumper, grille surround and wheel arch flares, grey gloss finish grille, black finish for the rear step bumper and exterior hardware and vinyl flooring instead of carpet.
Location: Home / 4x4, Ute, Isuzu, 4WD, Utes, Behind the Wheel, First Steer, Australian Car Industry News / ...
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October 3rd, 2008 at 9:36 pm
I am confused which isn’t hard.LOL.
If the Colorado and DMAX are the same ute bar the drive train then the Colorado with the alloy tech would be the better choice given the durability issues with the 3.5 v6 isuzu(good for about 150 to 200klms)and also better economy of the Holden unit.
Petrol Four cylinder unit far more durable than isuzu 3.5v6.
Know several individuals with either plus industry buzz on this issue.
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October 3rd, 2008 at 9:40 pm
d max diesel only?
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October 3rd, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Realcars, the Diesel engine in the ISUZU, according to the company, is capable of at least 400,000ks.. Of course durability is one thing we cant test.
As for diesel utes, last year 58% of the one tonner market was diesel so Isuzu decided to stick with a diesel only option for now.
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October 3rd, 2008 at 10:11 pm
I was hoping the D-max point of difference would be a fully spec’d version in the single cab chassis, instead it’s back to plastic & grey cloth if you want something other than a token tray out back.
At least it makes it easy to walk in to Holden & ask them for a D-max deal.
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October 3rd, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Thks
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October 3rd, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Wha? No Isuzu D-max Space Cab Hi-lander?
That was my favorite variant of the D-max range back in Thailand! (I have a soft spot for extended cab pick up trucks.)
I don’t get this part;
“The Rodeo is now called the Holden Colorado and is no longer put together by Isuzu, instead the Japanese company exports all the parts to GM plants in South America where the car gets assembled.”
I’ve always thought that the Holden Colorado is made in Thailand.
Chevrolet Colorado (Thai market version)= Rayong.
Chevrolet Colorado (Canada, North America & Mexico)= Louisiana.
Chevrolet LUV D-Max (Basically an Isuzu D-Max with Chevy badges sold in South America excluding Brazil.)= Venezuela
Chevrolet S10 (Still manufactured and sold in Brazil.)= Brazil
PS: In Thailand, the Isuzu D-max & Mu-7 (Basically a D-max with an SUV rear.) are sold as Isuzu Gold Series (Basically a D-max & Mu-7 with Gold badges on the exterior & steering wheel.).
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October 4th, 2008 at 8:24 am
Durability issues with Isuzu 3.5 V6 - self destruct at 150,000ks - what utter B/S.
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October 4th, 2008 at 10:11 am
What is it with Jap Diesels..
3.0 litre capacity and only 120kw, and not even 400Nm of torque..
the Nissan D40 Navara has 2.5Litre capacity diesel and puts out 126kw and over 400Nm of torque.. the main difference - this is a European diesel.. (Spanish)
puzzled..
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October 4th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Know of company with a fleet of the petrol four potters and well over 300klms before rebuild.
Correction,know three people who have put new grate motors in their Rodeos earlier version 3.2 ltre v6 at between 150 to 200klms.
Probably just luck of the draw.
Nice looking trucks Collorado and dmax.
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October 4th, 2008 at 11:30 am
i think the auther of this article has fast tracked where the colorado is being made…it will be made in brazil,but for now is made in thailand(i have seen the thailand stickers in the cigerette ashtrays).in 2010…new colorado.as for the numbers quoted(projected sales figures),i really think g.m. will do EVERYTHING to undermind that(look at what happened to ford’s new model falcon…ouch).can’t blame them for going solely diesel but,the 3.5 v6 was a thirsty dog.
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October 6th, 2008 at 9:51 am
“Safety is perhaps one of the few weaknesses of the D-MAX. Tested by EuroNCAP, the D-MAX barely scored a two-star safety rating in the frontal impact test. Local crash tests for the D-MAX will be taking place soon”.
In my opinion, this dismal result is an admission of failure. Poor final effort Isuzu. Go back to the drawing board. The T Model Ford would probably score better.
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October 6th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
I think Isuzu will do well as they only have to market and build Utes whereas the other brands don’t.
As for safety only two vehicles in this segment earn 4 stars the Hilux and Triton; so next gen of the Ford/Mazda trucks, GM, VW will easily better 4 stars.
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October 7th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Paul, that is a very good observation and one that I personally found brought up by customers who shopped the ML Triton against D40 Navara.
The Triton features a 3.2L common rail turbo diesel, a variation of the upgraded Pajero engine. This engine produces 118kW and 343Nm which pales slightly in comparison to the specs of the Nissan 2.5L engine (126kW/403Nm)
I must mention, I am comparing specs between dual cab Triton GLX-R manual, and dual cab D40 Navara ST-X (according to Nissan spec sheet, single cab gets de-tuned engine).
Now the compression ratio of the Triton 3.2 is 17.0:1, compared to 16.5:1 for the Navara. A difference in power can be attributed to the Navara’s variable vane turbocharger, but the question remains, how much are they boosting this motor and as a result how, over time, will this affect durability? The Triton’s 3.2L has already proven itself to be reliable in it’s 1st-generation guise in Pajero.
I just wonder what potential the Triton could have with the Pajero-spec motor…
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October 7th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Andrew, last I heard the navara was running in the vacinity of 1 bar (14.7psi) from the turbo on the 2.5. They did the same with the Garrets on the ZD30, which were notoriously unreliable. Nissan’s figures on paper always look the best but somehow never really equate to what you get when you drive (both the Hilux and Triton walk away from a Navara in the real world-both make less power/torque and have less gears).
On topic; Alborz did they mention a dealer network? Are they being sold through Holden Dealers or do they have their own network in the pipeline? Will we see other Isuzu’s down the track?
Like what Realcars says in his first comment “i’m confused” (colorado/d-max…too similar - Aussies will stick with what they know)
Methinks that Isuzu will probably sell their D-max’s mainly to larger fleets based on price alone (which will then contradict their reduced pricing to save resale arguement) just to establish a footing here before punters will start to investigate (look at Ssangyong - btw; finally saw one on a worksite the other day and the drivers mates were all rolled over in stitches at it’s ugliness).
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October 9th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
On another note for safety - if you look up Rodeo for last years ANCAP - it recieved 3.5 star. Euro NCAP and Aus NCAP is alway different. I’d rather go by the ANCAP. atleast they test for the incidents that do happen in australia.
As for Nissan having more power - D-Max still has better fuel economy on all factors. As they have recently done a fuel economy run with the 4×2 cab chassis - 1548km from one tank. Shit, i’m sure tradies would like to see a servo every second week, not every week
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November 4th, 2008 at 10:31 am
perhaps you should consider the dmax’s incredible fuel economy, go ahead; researh it and you will be amazed
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November 9th, 2008 at 3:17 am
The isuzu is much safer than navara, maybe it only has two stars, but navara can’t even get one star, research and you will know. Nissan is not a good choice, despite its six speed transmission.
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