2012 Isuzu D-Max launches in Australia

By Anthony Crawford | June 20th, 2012

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Isuzu Ute Australia has officially launched the second-generation Isuzu D-Max, with vehicles available from July 2 in a model range that includes five trim levels and three cab configurations.

Isuzu sold close to 6000 D-Max utes across Australia in 2011 and is keen for that number to grow to at least 8000 units in its first year of sales with the all-new D-Max.

Isuzu engineers and development teams clocked up over four million kilometres of testing in the new D-Max with the goal that it would exceed customers’ expectations.

Generous standard equipment levels across the model range from the $27,200 entry-level Isuzu D-Max 4×2 SX single cab to the top-spec 4×4 LS-Terrain crew cab at $51,700 include air conditioning with pollen filter and a new sound system with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.

Certain models in the range are also equipped with Isuzu’s latest ‘sky-sound’ roof-mounted audio system with surround sound, while the top-of-the-line LS-Terrain picks up a multimedia touchscreen and satellite-navigation system that lists 10,000 off-road destinations.

The chassis, which was a joint-development with General Motors and shared with the recently released Holden Colorado, has been extended to allow for more cabin space for improved driver and passenger comfort. Cabin access has also been enhanced due to wider door arches and hand grips on the A-pillar. The new Isuzu D-Max boasts a new seat design too, with more pronounced bolstering for better support.

Safety on board the new Isuzu D-Max gets a significant boost across the entire range with standard features such as anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and brake assist. Six airbags including dual front, side and curtains are also standard.

Other passive safety features on board the Isuzu D-Max include a new collapsible steering column and brake pedal for additional driver protection. Equally, a lot of work has gone into the D-Max’s pedestrian safety, with an impact-absorbing bonnet, recessed fog lamps and shatter-resistant polycarbonate headlight covers.

However, the D-Max LS models are the only model variants to come equipped with LED brake lights and projector lens headlamps, while the LS-Terrain is the only variant to get a reversing camera.

Providing power to all 22 Isuzu D-Max configurations is a new 3.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel engine that generates 130kW of power and 380Nm of torque.

Transmission options include a newly developed five-speed auto with a sequential sports mode, along with Hill Decent and Hill Ascent technology. There’s a new five-speed manual available, too, which includes an enhanced gear-lever point that reduces the gear-lever throw for a sportier feel.

The D-Max also introduces a new Terrain Command system, which allows the driver to switch between two- and four-wheel-drive at speeds of up to 100km/h with the twist of a dial.

The all-new Isuzu D-Max sports a new exterior look that positions it alongside the most recent and contemporary-styled utes in the segment.

Developed with the assistance of extensive wind tunnel testing at the Japan Railway Technical Research Institute – the same place the Bullet Train is developed – the D-Max benefits from a low drag figure, which has also reduced cabin noise.

It’s a larger vehicle than the previous-generation Isuzu D-Max, which has meant a generous gain in interior space and improved rear seat access for crew cabs and the new space cab variants.

The new D-Max is underpinned by a new ladder frame chassis dubbed the ‘i-GRIP’ (Isuzu Gravity Response Intelligent Platform), that Isuzu says is 42 per cent more rigid than its predecessor. The wheelbase has been lengthened across the model range. The D-Max also benefits from new suspension geometry dubbed ‘Flex-Ride’ using independent double wish-bone with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers up front and long span leak-springs at the rear for better stability with or without a load, according to Isuzu.

Load capacity across the Isuzu D-Max range is 1000kg, while towing capacity (braked) with the 4×4 models is rated at 3000kg.

Technical Specifications
Engine

Series Isuzu 4JJ1-TC Hi-Power
Description 3.0 litre turbo-diesel, in-line 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Maximum torque 380 Nm @ 1800→3000 rpm (manual)
380 Nm @ 1800→2800 rpm (automatic)
Maximum power 130 kW @ 3600 rpm
Bore x stroke 95.4 mm x 104.9 mm
Displacement 2999 cc
Compression ratio 17.3 : 1

Cylinder head Isuzu-patent special aluminium alloy with double-walled
water jacketing

Valve gear Chain-driven dual overhead camshafts, roller rockers, 4 valves/cylinder

Induction Electronic high pressure common rail direct fuel injection with Variable Swirl System (VSS) and intercooled Variable Geometry System (VGS) turbocharger

Cylinder block Cast iron upper with induction-hardened cylinder bores, cast alloy lower; Special pistons with nickel composite oil rings

Emission level Euro 4

Alternator 90 amp

Transmissions

Manual Isuzu MUX 5-speed manual with high torque capacity and output reduction 265mm diameter clutch plate

Automatic Aisin AW TB50-LS 5-speed with sequential shift and brake shift lock electronically controlled, tri-mode with Adaptive Grade Logic Control and fuel-saving lock-up torque converter on gears 2, 3, 4 & 5
Adaptive Grade Logic Control: holds gear 3 in varied-gradient ascents, selects 3 on steep descents to hold speed w/engine braking
Hill-ascent and Hill-descent control

Ratios: 1: 5-SPEED MANUAL 5-SPEED AUTO
1st 4.332 3.520
2nd 2.561 2.042
3rd 1.492 1.400
4th 1.000 1.000
5th 0.791 0.716
Reverse 3.947 3.224

Final drive 4×2 SX 3.416 3.727
LS 3.727 3.727
4×4 3.727 3.727

Snorkelled diff breathers to increase fording depth and reduce mud blockage

Transfer Gearing 4×4 low range 2.482 2.482
4×4 high range 1.000 1.000

4×4 system “Terrain Command” control with ‘shift on the fly’ 4H↔2WD selection up to 100km/h

Drivetrain system Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on all model variants

Chassis Frame Separate, full-length heavy-duty truck chassis with 7 cross members

Suspension – Front 4×2 SX Low-Ride model (manual): Independent, coil springs, gas shock absorbers, upper and lower wishbones, stabiliser bar
4×2 High-Ride & 4×4 models: Independent, high ride, coil springs, gas shock absorbers, upper and lower wishbones, stabilizer bar
Suspension–Rear 4×2 SX Low-Ride model (manual): Alloy-steel underslung semi-elliptic leaf
springs, heavy-duty on cab/chassis; gas shock absorbers
4×2 High-Ride & 4×4 models: Alloy-steel overslung long-span semi-elliptic leaf springs, heavy-duty on cab/chassis and LS-M; gas shock absorbers
Axles
Front: Independent. 4×4: fully floating with outer CV and inner double offset joints.
Equal length driveshafts. Ratings: Low-Ride: 1250kg; High-Ride: 1350kg
Rear: Rigid semi-floating banjo with hypoid final drive. Dual tapered needle roller bearings. Rating: 1870kg
Steering Engine-speed-sensitive variable capacity power-assisted rack & pinion system; 3.2 turns lock-to-lock via tilt-adjustable steering wheel (N/A on EX)
Brakes Power-assisted via 10.5″ servo unit; 300mm ventilated front discs with 2-piston calipers (280mm on 4×2 SX Single Cab Chassis and Low-Ride); 295mm rear drums
Anti-skid Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)
Central pull up park brake

Wheels & Tyres 4×2 SX manual 15″x 6.5″ drilled silver-finish steel; 215 / 70 R15 HT
4×2 SX auto 16″x 7″ drilled silver-finish steel; 245 / 70 R16 AT
4×2 LS 17″x 7″ alloy; 255 / 65 R17 HT
4×4 EX, SX 16″x 7″ drilled silver-finish steel; 245 / 70 R16 AT
4×4 LS-M 16″x 7″ alloy; 245 / 70 R16 AT
4×4 LS-U 17″x 7″ alloy; 255 / 65 R17 HT
(Full size spare wheel on all model variants)

Warranty 3 years or 100,000km, whichever occurs first.

2012 Isuzu D-Max manufacturer’s list prices:

SX 4×2 single cab chassis manual – $27,200
SX 4×2 crew cab ute manual – $33,200
SX 4×2 crew cab hi-ride ute manual – $36,300
LS 4×2 crew cab hi-ride ute manual – $38,800
LS 4×2 crew cab hi-ride ute automatic – $41,000

EX 4×4 single cab chassis manual – $33,400
SX 4×4 single cab chassis manual – $36,400
SX 4×4 single cab chassis automatic – $38,600
SX 4×4 space cab chassis manual – $39,100
SX 4×4 space cab chassis automatic – $41,300
SX 4×4 crew cab chassis manual – $41,300
SX 4×4 crew cab chassis automatic – $43,500
SX 4×4 crew cab hi-ride ute manual – $42,000
SX 4×4 crew cab hi-ride ute automatic – $44,200
LS-M 4×4 crew cab hi-ride ute manual – $44,000
LS-M 4×4 crew cab hi-ride ute automatic – $46,200
LS-U 4×4 space cab hi-ride ute manual – $43,700
LS-U 4×4 space cab hi-ride ute automatic – $45,900
LS-U 4×4 crew cab hi-ride ute manual – $45,500
LS-U 4×4 crew cab hi-ride ute automatic – $47,700
LS-Terrain 4×4 crew cab hi-ride ute manual – $49,500
LS-Terrain 4×4 crew cab hi-ride ute automatic – $51,700

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Wayne Blacker

Looks MUCH more masculine than the Colorado. Well done Isuzu!
- Frosty
  
  I cannot see how you come to this conclusion unless you are just basing this on the headlights and grill. Seen both cars side by side in Thailand and the exterior is almost the same. Cover the front and cover the badges and you won’t tell the difference.
  - Sydlocal
    
    Different shaped front panels/bonnet and front/rear lights and cut-outs can make a huge difference to the way a “truck” can look even when they basically have the same “exterior” between the front and rear roof pillars. The Ranger/BT50 is a classic example of this.
    The whole rear tray of the Colorado/D-Max have different pressings. The “flared wheel arches” on the Colorado dual cab tray are a lot sharper along with the front guard (fender for the “wannabe Americans” out there). Plus behind the rear arch the Colorado has a slight recess where the D-Max doesn’t. You would find the only panels they share are between the roof pillars (doors and roof), much like the Ford/Mazda twins.IMHO it was a fair comment by Wayne.
- Crummydore
  
  Good looking front end there although the grilles a little too chunky for my taste.
- Loft
  
  I agree with u Wayne I think it looks a lot better than the Colorado but it seems like it missed out on some new tech. I thought I read somewhere that it was Gonna be coming out with a bi turbo making 400nm, seems like they have just carried over the old motor.
  - Car2012
    
    The Mazda BT-50/ Ford Ranger offers a 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel engine with 147kW/470Nm, 6 speed manual or 6 speed auto.
  - Car2012
    
    The Mazda BT-50/ Ford Ranger offers a 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel engine with 147kW/470Nm, 6 speed manual or 6 speed auto.
    - Tony
      
      and the Navara STX550 has 3L six-cylinder diesel engine with170kW and 550Nm of torque and a 7 speed auto…
      
      And a porsche 911 has a… etc….
      
      So? what’s your point?
      - Symo
        
        And yet I would chose a VW Amarok over all of the above for because of superior refinement and driver involvment and safety. Once youhave 400nm or more you don’t need more torque. Unless you tow 3500kg ALL DAY.
      - ricky
        
        and u have VW’s reliability……
      - Ace
        
        VW safety? no rear side airbags means I won’t be getting an Amarok, not as safe as a Ranger or BT50
      - Andrew M
        
        I think the point now becomes if you compare it to the Navara it seriously behind.
        470NM from Ranger, colorado and BT50 etc made it look bad enough, so dont bring up the STX550
- Jason
  
  I disagree, this looks too fussy at the front and not truck like
  - Sumpguard
    
    I agree with you Jason. I don’t mind this but the Colorado is a better looker imo.
Bryan

I wonder if Isuzu will do a wagon version of this one i.e. bring back the Jackaroo? I have read that Ford might be going to do this with the new Ranger too.
- Loft
  
  Yea I read a while ago Isuzu will bring a wagon version here called the MU-7 I think, as will ford bring the Everest ( ranger based wagon )
- Birty_B
  
  It’s very much in the works aparantly.
- Igomi Watabi
  
  Of course, to be Mr Pedantic, a wagon version of this would be bringing back the Frontera. Not the Jackaroo.
the guvna

I wanna see this thing with an ARB bull and winch, snorkel and desert duelers. the older model colorado looked absolutely bad-ass with these add ons, Im sure this would also. the new colorado, not so much
Nick

Looks like a Hyundai front end looks quite good. but I like how it comes with sat naV reverse camera and Colorado doesn’t good job
Jones55dave

England has a 2.5 twin turbo 400nm variant,why has Australia got old technology
- matt
  
  because for the target demographic in this country for these cars… “tha 3 lita’s betta mate coz its bigga”
- AEON
  
  Not old technology friend, its tuned up version for from previous 3.0 litre 4JJ1. 2.5 litre in UK also has been tuned up from its previous 4JK1. These 2 engines actually use 3rd gen commonrail syste unlike hilux and triton.
Mac1

Wonder what happened to the chinese Foton ute they were gonna release around now?
Andrew M

Welcome to 2002 with a 3.0L 280nm turbo diesel engine.

Does look better than Colorado IMO, but like the last model it was seriously behind the times on drive train spec
- Tony
  
  hasnt it got 380Nm?
  
  While not anywhere near top of class, isnt that more than the top selling Hilux?
  
  Obviously we dont care about “old tech drivetrains” that much then…
  - Nick
    
    Bazinga good 1 . Hilux is really old tech this is a good step
  - Andrew M
    
    yes I do mean 380nm, oops,
    and yes, hilux has been flogging the same 3.0L engine for years.
    
    The Hilux sales are freakish and sold off of reputation and in massive numbers to fleet.
    Im not saying the Hilux is acceptable either, and maybe 380nm is adequate for doing most tasks, but you would think if they try and put on deep voices in their blokey bloke style radio adverts they would have some stats to talk with
Shak

Why are there no pics of the rear?
- Andrew M
  
  or interior
  - matt
    
    i noticed that last night… interior is same but reddish background lighting… but i cant find a pic of the rear of the thing on any website.
    - matt
      
      *same as colarado.
sam123

The Ford Ranger still seems like the pick of the Bunch.
Peggatron

It looks a lot like a Nissan Exa from the front and a 2003 Subaru from the side. I like it. Beats driving a Toyota Avalon, like my neighbour Boris, drives. Smells like peanuts and feet.
- http://twitter.com/WiillWalker Will Walker
  
  Peggatron, are you on the same page?? Nissan Exa? 2003 Subaru? “Beats driving neighbours Avalon, smeels like peanuts and feet” Man your high on fumes. BTW, this is a Ute, a Dmax is not a car…..sheez Nissan Exa?
ricky

so all this talk about this ute has this much torque and that ute has that much torque.I drive hilux’s at work regularly and while id like a little more torque, all these new utes have that, to much torque means more wear and tear and less reliability and longevity. hilux is old and prob a bit under powered but well proven, sales confirm that, ford and mazda use a transit motor which good though unproven, Amarok is a complete wildcard with a tiny motor, completly unproven. colorado uses an italian VM Motori engine which is little is known about there reliability or suitability for a ute. So i say this well proven, slightly under powered (compared to the new competitors) ute is up there with the rest of them
- Jones55dave
  
  I am with you my friend
- Andrew M
  
  fair comment, but with people saying diesel torque this, and diesel tourqe that, its a little embarassing when they are out tourqued by a petrol motor, and especially so in the Hilux’s case
http://twitter.com/WiillWalker Will Walker

Why do people still think the Colorado and the Dmax are the same truck. Different in every way now. Two different choices of engines for the Colorado, Cummins power made in China and a VM Motori from Italy for a start, and thats just the begining.
- Can I say
  
  The Colorado engine is made in thailand, a new factory was built to make the Coloardo engines, yes it is a VM Motori design they have made diesels since 1947.I think GM owns part of them, thats why you find them also in Jeeps as well as many others including London taxis.
Peter Mwangi Mwaura

This vehicle is going to be very competitive in the d/cab prefference of vehicles to customers. I wish i would have the pleasuse to drive one late this year if it will have arrived to Kenya.

Peter M. Mwaura
Peter Mwangi Mwaura

I would wish to commend GM for this new ute and i have been using the dmax single cab for 1 year. They are such wonderfull vehicles with excellent fuel efficiency power and designed to style! I mean! would there be any reason y GM Kenya would delay the launch of this ute!??! this is peculiar from all the other double cabins in its class!

Of all the other uts that have come arround its only dmax that has proven it durability specs even going beyond the toyota! I mean, the toyota is all about the name not the quality any longer! The VW amarok for example has just adopted the d/cab version to get into the market field created and mostly dominated by isuzu power! same to ford 3.2L and mazda.

COME ON ISUZU and keep the lead and i hope you will be coming to Kenya VERYYY SOOON!
Hola me @ +254 725 397 400
Rigga99

Why do us Aussies get the 3.0L turbo and europe gets the new 2.5L twin turbo???!!?!?!
And why not have hill decent and accent control in the manual?
- JB
  
  There is hill accent and decent in the manual. Euro v regs dictate different engine in eurpoe
Rigga99

Bryan and Loft holden will be releasing a colarado 7 wagon sometime 2013/14
- Beno
  
  You have to remember that the Isuzu being a four cylinder maybe down a bit when it comes to hp & torque when it comes to it’s 5 & 6 cylinder competitors but there is the benefit of being cheaper to insure and cheaper registration every year. If you had to pick a diesel engine for reliability, you could not go past the Isuzu as it is built by a truck company that has enviable reputation of selling over 22 million diesel engines, has been the no.1 selling truck in oz for the past 23 years and has a reputation 2nd to none!
Jeff

I drove the new Colorado and DMax back to back a couple of weeks ago. I only got the standard 20 min test drive in each but came away much more impressed by the DMax than the Colorado. I had gone in thinking that I was going to buy a Colorado but a drive in the DMax was necessary just to prove I was right. I ended up changing my mind, I could not feel the difference in power, and the five speed auto in the Dmax was much better than the six speed in the Colorado. The vinyl floor is more practical, it has a couple more air bags, the engine is much better for servicing as the oil filter is mounted up the top and easy to get at. It also has a lifetime stainless steel timing chain, no need to replace the belt (Colorado) or engine (Navara) at 80K.
- Bschaper
  
  I have driven them all except great wall and ssangyong i had a set test track with a number of performance tests. Forget the ‘tech’ Dmax performs better than all of them except the Nissan V6. V6 Nissan is $10k more, thats a lot of accessories on a Dmax. Dmax’s unstressed and proven 3l is the most fuel efficient 4WD in auto, even better than the brand new 8speed 2l in the expensive VW. Loved Ranger but ford dealer was hopeless and it is also a lot more coin.
Gareth

I went about things a little differently. I visited a mechanic that has a lot of fleet customers and asked his opinion. I was bombed with opinions from every mechanic in the shop when they found out what I was doing….but a pattern emerged.
1. Japan built wins out bar none when it comes to long term servicing and maintenance costs. The mechanic pulled up 20 years worth of servicing history that compared every make, model and gave them a / km maintenance cost, and a servicing cost. ( that meant Toyota in utes, Suzuki Swift and Toyota Carolla in cars).
The D Max ticked all the boxes….can I ask what is going on with clutches (all 4×4′s all makes models) for them to be needing replacement after 50-70,000 km’s. I haven’t seen too much comment about that on any reviews I have read.
Jeff

I think the clutch problems seem to be a Navara thing, they have a fancy clutch which is supposed to smooth out the power pulses, but the plate is too thin and can easily get hot which buggers the springs. The 4 cylinder Navara also has a single row cam chain which breaks anywhere from about 80K onwards, and a very weak front diff, cant expect too much though, it is a Renault after all.
isaac

i love it because of it’s style and power

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2012 Isuzu D-Max launches in Australia

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