Isuzu Motors has finally pulled the wraps off the next-gen 2020 D-Max pick-up truck range in Thailand, ahead of the SUV’s official debut slated for October 19.
It’s a completely overhauled model in terms of exteriors and interiors, and along with that, it comes with a slew of mechanical revisions which has made it more efficient and safer and has improved its overall driveability.
Globally, the D-Max pick-up truck has been in the market since 2011 and is finally getting a generation upgrade after 8 years.
The Isuzu D-Max looks way more aggressive than before now. At the front, it gets a bigger grille which is taller and broader. At the rear, it gets twin-barrel tail lights with clear lenses and LED edge lighting. In the higher-spec models, the rear bumper now comes integrated into the bed which looks sleeker and more streamlined. The 18-inch alloy wheels are also new.
Inside, the new D-Max is fitted with an impressive array of technology in a fresh, upscale interior. An available 9-inch infotainment screen provides access to everything from navigation to Android Auto / Apple CarPlay, and it can be managed through voice recognition for hands-free operation. The driver can shift gears manually with a six-speed, or through an automatic gearbox, sending power to the rear wheels or all four. Safety systems such as blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert are also in the D-Max.
The all-new D-Max uses a new Isuzu Dynamic Drive Platform. The ladder frame has been majorly revised for improvement in driving stability and reduced noise and vibration levels. The Thai-spec model has been introduced with a newly developed 3.0-litre turbodiesel, producing 188 bhp and 450 Nm of peak torque. Isuzu will also continue to offer the 1.9-litre RZ4E turbodiesel four-cylinder engine but the revised power figures are yet to be revealed.
Other mechanical improvements include a one-piece aluminium propshaft which has contributed to overall weight reduction and an electromagnetic rear differential lock for faster switching between two- and four-wheel drive and also high and low ratios. The water wading capacity has also increased – 800 mm. The all-new Isuzu D-Max is scheduled to be launched in Thailand on October 19. Expect it to reach India in 2020.
