5 things you need to know about the new ISUZU D-Max before buying

In mid-February, Isuzu recently introduced the new D-Max. The third generation of the pickup truck debuted in October 2019 in Thailand, and only now has it reached the domestic market. What you need to know about fresh D-Max from Japan before buying?

Fact #1 – Great off-road capability and amazing practicality

Pickups are primarily positioned as practical vehicles with a high level of cross-country ability. The new generation Isuzu D-Max meets all the requirements and differs from classmates only in a positive way. Part-time all-wheel drive with a locking rear differential and lowering, a ground clearance of 240 mm and the ability to overcome a ford of 80 cm – all this, coupled with suspension modifications, provides the Japanese pickup truck with excellent maneuverability and comfort on all types of soils and terrains.

In terms of practicality, Isuzu Di-Max also has no complaints. The increase in the size of the loading platform in the new generation and the load capacity of 1050 kg allowed the pickup truck to become a leader among cars in this class.

Fact number 2 – a motor with a “cargo” taste

The Isuzu model line is represented in our country mainly by trucks. And any car of the “light segment” is equipped with a “truck” engine by default. The D-Max was not spared either, under the hood of which a new diesel engine with the 4JJ3 index is working, which replaced the 4JJ1 version.

The three-liter diesel engine with a turbocharger retained all the advantages of its predecessor: a cast-iron cylinder block, a gear-chain drive and high torque. But at the same time, Japanese engineers significantly improved the performance of the turbodiesel, bringing the engine output to 190 hp. and 450 Nm of torque available at 1600-2600 rpm. Such indicators were achieved due to the new fuel pump and turbocharger, as well as the upgraded electronic engine control unit. In order for you to understand the level of reliability of this motor, let's give an example: a single-row timing chain is designed for the entire life of the engine.

However, not only the turbine unit stands out for its durability. A branded six-speed “mechanics” was attached to the motor, which is distinguished by a high level of reliability, and in more expensive versions, a 6-speed Aisin hydromechanical “automatic” with an overheating protection system can be chosen as a transmission.

Fact #3 – Five Star Safety

It makes no sense to talk about the safety of the third generation D-Max for a long time. It is enough to know one fact – in the EuroNCAP crash tests, the “Japanese” received all five stars. Other pickups on the current market have a 3-4 star rating.

In addition, the engineers made changes to the “ladder” frame of the SUV, which allowed not only to reduce the weight of the body, but also to increase its rigidity. And as befits a modern car, D-Max was equipped with active and passive safety systems. So in a pickup truck, there are 6/7 airbags, curtain airbags, 8 parking sensors in a circle and the Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS) complex, which includes monitoring systems for blind spots, frontal collision warning, emergency braking and marking tracking. Intelligent options include automatic high and low beams, a parking assistant, and adaptive cruise control with manual speed control.

Fact #4: It's not a truck anymore

Having decided to purchase the 2021 Isuzu D-Max, you need to understand that you are buying not only a pickup truck with a cargo platform, but also an SUV with a full range of modern comfort options.

And in the new pickup there are plenty of them:

• climate control for two zones;
• rear view camera and full parking sensors;
• light and rain sensors;
• infotainment system with support for auto platforms (Android Auto / Apple CarPlay) and a touchscreen of 7 or 9 inches, depending on the configuration;
• leather interior in the Premium Safety version.

Fact number 5 – a large selection of modifications and configurations

ISUZU D-MAX will go on sale in April 2021. According to the announced specifications, the one-and-a-half cab will be available only in the basic Business configuration with a manual gearbox. All other modifications are equipped with a double cab and differ only in the type of transmission and additional equipment / options. The initial versions also include the Space package, but with a double cabin.

Options Comfort and Premium are available in two variations with a manual or automatic transmission. The most expensive version is the D-MAX Premium Safety, equipped with the IDAS safety package. In addition, the recent appearance of an extreme version from Arctic Trucks is not excluded. Recall that pickups of this modification are equipped with a snorkel, improved suspension, additional protection and a winch.

Outcome

The new generation ISUZU D-Max is primarily intended to compete with the Mitsubishi L200 and Toyota Hilux. It is far from the level of premium VW Amarok and Mercedes X-Class, and it makes no sense to fight with budget solutions in the form of the domestic Patriot in the back of a pickup truck or the Chinese GWM Wingle 7 or JAC T6.

Reliability, a five-year warranty, high off-road performance and practicality – it would seem that the perfect pickup truck with a cargo past. That's just everything depends on the high price tag, due to both the lack of localization and import duties, recycling fees and the ruble against the dollar.

Of course, D-Max will find its buyer among many users. That's just their number will be significantly less than that of the same “Japanese two hundred” or “Hilux”. But conclusions about the popularity of the pickup can be made only at the end of the year. What do you think – will D-Max be able to compete with its Japanese “classmates” or is it doomed to failure?