Isuzu D-MAX

The Isuzu D-MAX is one of Kenya’s best-selling pick-up’s. It not has an amazing design but matching performance and off road capabilities. Its time with us is sadly about to come to an end. To replace the outgoing D-MAX is an amazing new model that not only builds on the outgoing model’s reputation of reliability and economy but also adds new clever touches of technology. 

Isuzu D-MAX

The refreshed exterior styling consists of a more aerodynamic body which helps boost its overall fuel efficiency. The body design was not only designed by its Japanese engineers but Italian car designer Pininfarina helped in tweaking the design, resulting to one of the most aerodynamic pick-up on the planet. The new body design not only rewards in fuel efficiency it also ensures occupants have an even quieter ride. New large front headlamps, restyled grill and large air intakes give the new D-MAX an even more aggressive look.

Isuzu D-MAX 4x2 Single Cab version

One can also order the pick-up with powerful xenon headlamp. Modern and sleek exterior lines compliment the new bulkier and aggressive on-road stance, with the larger exterior dimensions affording a considerable increase in interior space, further raising occupant comfort levels and improving the rear seat access in crew and space cab models. New rear LED brake lights are also standard on the Isuzu D-MAX LS models, as are projector lens headlights, while our top-line LS-Terrain also features the added piece of mind of a reversing camera.

Rear of the single cabin version

Under the bonnet is a new refined 3.0litre turbo common rail diesel engine. The new engine has an output of 177hp and 380Nm of torque. The torque is delivered across a flat curve through a large majority of the rev-range to aid drivability and make ease of towing.

Side profile of the double cabin D-MAX

The All-New Isuzu D-MAX also introduces a new “Terrain Command” 4WD select dial, allowing the driver to adjust between two-and four-wheel drive modes while travelling at speeds of up to 100km/h. Married to the engine is a new five-speed ‘Rev-Tronic’ automatic transmission with sequential sport mode.

Restyled front cockpit

The transmission system uses an adaptive-learning function. This constantly monitors brake and throttle applications. This allows the transmission to automatically select the most appropriate shift points and lock-up points depending on the driver’s behavior, the vehicle speed and the vehicle load. The auto also has ‘Hill Descent’ and ‘Hill-Ascent’ modes. For lovers of manual transmission systems Isuzu also offer a new five-speed manual transmission.

Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 Double Cabin version

A new clever chassis has also been fitted to the new D-MAX. The chassis “i-GRIP” (Isuzu Gravity Response Intelligent Platform), which features a stiffer design with improved cross bracing at the rear, has been improved to further improve stability when the D-MAX is loaded or towing a trailer.

with the doors open

The new i-GRIP chassis has improved strength and rigidity by 42% over its predecessor thanks to an increased side rail cross-section and the addition of ‘cross member to chassis rail’ braces. An increased length wheel base from the current model’s body of 3050mm to 3095mm is now standard across the entire vehicle range. 

Front of the Utah version

To improve its overall ride and handling capabilities the new D-MAX comes with a newly developed “Flex-Ride” suspension geometry. Independent double wish-bone with coil springs and gas shock absorbers guarantee superior front end grip and steering control, while the rear suspension consists of long span leaf-springs (under-slung 4x2 models – over-slung 4x4 models) resulting in excellent power down and stability under every road condition with or without loading the vehicle, and of course a smooth and comfortable ride at every speed level.

Side of the single cabin 4x2 model

As well as being the most comprehensively developed, most efficient and most refined Isuzu pick-up ever produced, the All-New Isuzu D-MAX is also the highly capable load-lugging workhorse you’ve come to expect: 4x4 models have a 3.0tonne (braked) towing capacity and a load capacity of approximately 1,000kg across the range. 

Isuzu D-MAX Utah version

From the entry-level Isuzu D-MAX 4x2 SX single cab through to the top-of-the-line 4x4 LS-Terrain crew cab, the All-New D-MAX offers a generous complement of standard equipment, including air conditioning with a fine-particle pollen filter and a new audio system with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity. Various models in our range also see the introduction of Isuzu’s new ‘Sky Sound’ roof-mounted surround sound system, and our new LS-Terrain boasts a touchscreen multimedia and navigation system.

Restyled front

An overall extension of the chassis has also allowed for a larger cabin interior across the range, further improving driver and passenger comfort levels, while newly-designed wider door arches and A-pillar assist grips make access even easier. A new seat design with ‘wrap-around’ bolsters provide increased shoulder, back and base support delivering more comfort for occupants.

Side profile

In addition to an upgrade in the comfort stakes, the entire D-MAX range now also comes equipped with a host of added safety benefits, including 4-channel 4-sensor Anti-skid Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Brake Assist (BA), along with six (6) airbags (dual front, curtain and side). A high-strength tailor blank welded passenger safety cell also increases occupant safety.

Rear design of the Double Cabin D-MAX

The new Brake Assist and Anti-lock Brake Systems are designed to detect an emergency braking situation during hard application of the brakes. These systems work in unison to slow the vehicle without locking up the wheels and aiding stability. Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) further assists by detecting the payload weight and modulating the rear breaking force to compensate, giving the driver more control regardless of the load weight and road conditions.

New 4x4 select level

Further enhancing driver safety is a new collapsible steering column and brake pedal, while pedestrian safety has been improved with an impact absorbing bonnet design, recessed fog lamps and shatter-resistant polycarbonate headlamp covers.

Isuzu D-MAX extended cabin version

The new D-MAX will debut on Kenyan shores soon. Prices for the revised rugid Isuzu pick-up start at basic retail price of £13,729 (Kshs 2 million excl taxes) for the 4x2 single-cab to £20,229 (Kshs 3 million excl taxes) for the top of the range Utah model. With the previous model having rules Kenyan roads, I bet the new updated model will offer much more to its new owners.