Isuzu is hoping to maintain its strong position in the pickup truck market with the introduction of the completely redesigned D-MAX model change in Bangkok today.
Thailand is by far the world’s largest market for Isuzu pickups – last year it sold a total of 177,864 units in the Kingdom claiming a 17.1-per cent market share. This explains why the Japanese auto maker chose to stage the global launch of the new model here.
“Since the previous model was launched in 2012, we have sold over 1.1 million units of the D-MAX,” Masanori Katayama, president and representative director of Isuzu Motors Ltd, said. He added that the new model comes with higher safety, quieter interior and improved suspension.
The new D-MAX comes with a more dramatic exterior design along with added features, although intelligent driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking or adaptive cruise control has not been offered. Nevertheless, the new model comes with blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
Inside, there’s a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability and 6 airbags.
The new D-MAX is available with two engine choices that aren’t totally new though – the 3.0-liter diesel has been tweaked to pump out 190hp and 450Nm and is targeted for performance seekers, while the current 1.9-liter diesel with 150hp and 350Nm that has been further improved for even better fuel economy.
Isuzu says that the new D-MAX comes with a new dynamic drive platform that provides better handling and roadholding, with the chassis boasting 23 per cent increased torsional stiffness. The engine location has been moved backwards to provide better weight distribution, and there is a remote engine start function as well.
There are 5 body styles for the new D-MAX – Vehicross 4×4, Highlander, Cab 4, Space cab and Spark.
The underpinnings of the new D-MAX will also be shared by the next-generation Mazda BT-50, planned for launch in 2020. Isuzu and Mazda announced three years ago that they have entered a business partnership that will benefit both parties.
The new Mazda pickup is expected to come with Mazda-designed exterior and interior, as well as a higher equipment list, particularly in the intelligent safety department.
