Isuzu D-Max gets another $10,000 price rise

The starting price of the Isuzu D-Max 3.0-litre turbo diesel range has shot up from $29,990 drive-away to about $40,000 drive-away, as the company makes way for a new 1.9-litre entry model.

It is the second time in less than six months Isuzu Ute Australia has increased the price of one of its key D-Max models by such a significant margin.

In August the company raised the price of the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain by $10,900 amid chronic stock shortages.

It has since re-introduced a drive-away price of $62,990 on that model, which is $4000 dearer than the original launch offer.

The latest variant in the Isuzu D-Max range to receive a substantial price increase – in this case up by 33 per cent – is the basic “traffic controller” 3.0-litre turbo diesel 4x2 variant backed by a six-speed manual transmission.

That model has been $29,990 drive-away since launch more than a year ago.

But, as screenshots from the Isuzu Ute Australia website show below, the imminent arrival of a new 1.9-litre turbo diesel option has seen the 3.0-litre return to full retail pricing of close to $40,000 drive-away (final cost varies depending on stamp duty and dealer delivery fees).

Instead, the Isuzu D-Max 1.9-litre turbo diesel 4x2 (with a six-speed manual) will become the $29,990 drive-away price leader.

But anyone who wants more grunt from the same model will be asked to pay up to $10,000 more.

The issue highlights vast inconsistencies across the new Isuzu D-Max and MU-X model ranges.

In a number of cases, lesser-equipped models are dearer than flagship models that come with a drive-away offer.

Prior to the arrival of the new Isuzu D-Max and MU-X, Isuzu Ute Australia had consistent drive-away offers across most models in its range.

Industry insiders say recommended retail prices are often inflated by car companies so they can offer what appear to be generous fleet discounts.

It means the car company can still yield a sizeable profit from a so-called “fleet deal”, but retail customers end up bearing the brunt of a full retail price.

When Drive asked Isuzu Ute Australia about plans to reintroduce fairer and more consistent drive-away prices across it new model lines, company representatives said they continue to monitor the market.

Dealer sources say more attractive drive-away deals may not return to the Isuzu D-Max and MU-X range until there is an oversupply of stock and newer competition.