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24-06-2012 at 23:00: All-New D-MAX Hits Aussie Shores

The all-new Isuzu D-MAX has it the Aussie shores and will be available for sale from Monday July 2.

On sale just four weeks after the all-new Holden Colorado, it will be interesting to see the sales figures of this new model as the D-MAX is offering only one engine option for the five specification levels.

The three body configurations will include the single and crew cab variants and the new ‘Space’ cab body featuring rear ‘Wing’ doors. The all-new Isuzu D-MAX will build on its reputation of reliability and economy as the D-MAX offers new levels of performance, safety and comfort across the entire range.

The all-new Isuzu D-MAX continues to harness ‘The Spirit of Truck’ in its design with Isuzu covering over 4,000,000km of testing in the development.

The all-new D-MAX has received performance upgrades but will once again only be powered by the 3.0litre turbo common rail diesel. Isuzu UTE Australia have said the new engine is refined and will be Euro4-compliant.

Generating 130kW and a peak torque output of 380Nm at 1800rpm the torque is said to be delivered across a flat curve through a large majority of the rev-range to aid drivability and make ease of towing.

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.

Mated to a newly-developed five-speed ‘Rev-Tronic’ automatic transmission with sequential sports mode, the all-new auto box is electronically controlled by the transmission control module (TCM) and features an adaptive-learning function which 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 behaviour, the vehicle speed and the vehicle load. The auto also has ‘Hill Descent’ and ‘Hill-Ascent’ modes.

A new five-speed manual transmission is also available. It features a revised gear-lever pivot point, reducing gear-lever travel when changing gears offering a sportier feel.

From the entry-level D-MAX 4×2 SX single cab through to the top-of-the-line 4×4 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 which is a massive step up from the outgoing model.

A number of models in the range also see the introduction of Isuzu’s new ‘Sky Sound’ roof-mounted surround sound system, and the new LS-Terrain boasts a touchscreen multimedia and navigation system that features 10,000 off-road destinations for the adventurous explorer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New rear LED brake lights are also standard on the Isuzu D-MAX LS models, as are projector lens headlights, while the top-line LS-Terrain also features a reversing camera.

Sporting an all-new exterior look, the D-MAX has further improved fuel efficiency and performance after the company spent months in wind tunnels. The testing took place at the Japan Railway Technical Research Institute where the Shinkansen (Bullet train) was developed.

Advanced refinement in the wind tunnel of Italian auto design house Pininfarina – which is usually reserved for the likes of Ferrari and Maserati – has ensured the All-New D-MAX is the most aerodynamic yet with record low Cd (drag coefficiency) figures. This development has also realised an improvement in cabin noise levels.

The all-new D-MAX has more modern and sleek exterior that compliments the new bulkier and aggressive on-road stance with the larger exterior dimensions affording improving the rear seat access in crew and space cab models.

A newly developed ladder frame chassis builds on the engineering successes of the class leading platform. Dubbed the “i-GRIP” (Isuzu Gravity Response Intelligent Platform), it features a stiffer design with improved cross bracing at the rear, further improving stability while both loaded and while towing. It also ensures long term durability when exposed to harsh driving environments.

This new chassis design also provides better vehicle stability due to the extended wheelbase, wider wheel tracks and optimal engine installation just behind the front wheels – allowing for optimal weight distribution.

The 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.

With quality ride and handling being a well sort after feature in a utility, the D-MAX has been improved with a newly developed “Flex-Ride” suspension geometry. Independent double wish-bone with coil springs and gas shock absorbers ensure superior front end grip and steering control, while the rear suspension consists of long span leaf-springs (under-slung 4×2 models – over-slung 4×4 models) resulting in better power down and stability under every road condition with or without loading the vehicle, and a smooth and comfortable ride at every speed level.

As well as being the most comprehensively developed, most efficient and most refined Isuzu Ute ever produced, the All-New Isuzu D-MAX is also the highly capable load-lugging workhorse. The 4×4 models have a 3.0tonne (braked) towing capacity and a load capacity of approximately 1,000kg across the range.

With all this being said, the all-new D-MAX will be an interesting competitor in the well developed ute market with one manufacture owing this segment and the rest playing catch up. Pricing is yet to be announced.

Technical Specifications

Engine SeriesIsuzu 4JJ1-TC Hi-PowerDescription3.0 litre turbo-diesel, in-line 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valveMaximum torque380 Nm @ 1800→3000 rpm (manual)
380 Nm @ 1800→2800 rpm (automatic)Maximum power130 kW @ 3600 rpmBore x stroke95.4 mm x 104.9 mmDisplacement 2999 ccCompression ratio17.3 : 1Cylinder headIsuzu-patent special aluminium alloy with double-walled water jacketingValve gearChain-driven dual overhead camshafts, roller rockers, 4 valves/cylinderInductionElectronic high pressure common rail direct fuel injection with Variable Swirl
System (VSS) and intercooled Variable Geometry System (VGS) turbochargerCylinder blockCast iron upper with induction-hardened cylinder bores, cast alloy lower;
Special pistons with nickel composite oil ringsEmission level Euro 4Alternator90 ampTransmissionsManual Isuzu MUX 5-speed manual with high torque capacity and output reduction 265mm diameter clutch plateAutomaticAisin AW TB50-LS 5-speed with sequential shift and brake shift lock electronically controlled, tri-mode with Adaptive Grade Logic Control and fuel-saving lock-up torque converter on gears 2, 3, 4 & 5
Adaptive Grade Logic Control: holds gear 3 in varied-gradient ascents, selects 3 on steep descents to hold speed w/engine braking
Hill-ascent and Hill-descent control

Ratios: 1:

5-SPEED MANUAL

5-SPEED AUTO

1st

4.332

3.520

2nd

2.561

2.042

3rd

1.492

1.400

4th

1.000

5th

0.791

0.716

Reverse

3.947

3.224

Final drive4×2SX 3.4163.727LX 3.7273.7274×4 3.7273.727

Snorkelled diff breathers to increase fording depth and reduce mud blockage

Transfer Gearing4×4 low range

2.482

4×4 high range

1.000

4×4 system“Terrain Command” control with ‘shift on the fly’ 4H↔2WD selection
up to 100km/hDrivetrain systemTraction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
on all model variantsChassisFrame Separate, full-length heavy-duty truck chassis with 7 cross membersSuspension – Front4×2 SX Low-Ride model (manual): Independent, coil springs, gas shock
absorbers, upper and lower wishbones, stabiliser bar
4×2 High-Ride & 4×4 models: Independent, high ride, coil springs,
gas shock absorbers, upper and lower wishbones, stabilizer barSuspension –Rear4×2 SX Low-Ride model (manual): Alloy-steel underslung semi-elliptic leaf
springs, heavy-duty on cab/chassis; gas shock absorbers
4×2 High-Ride & 4×4 models: Alloy-steel overslung long-span semi-elliptic
leaf springs, heavy-duty on cab/chassis and LS-M; gas shock absorbersAxlesFront:Independent. 4×4: fully floating with outer CV and inner double offset joints.
Equal length driveshafts. Ratings: Low-Ride: 1250kg; High-Ride: 1350kgRear:Rigid semi-floating banjo with hypoid final drive. Dual tapered needle roller bearings. Rating: 1870kgSteeringEngine-speed-sensitive variable capacity power-assisted rack & pinion system; 3.2 turns lock-to-lock via tilt-adjustable steering wheel (N/A on EX)BrakesPower-assisted via 10.5″ servo unit; 300mm ventilated front discs with 2-piston calipers (280mm on 4×2 SX Single Cab Chassis and Low-Ride); 295mm rear drums
Anti-skid Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)
Central pull up park brakeWheels & Tyres 4×2 SX manual 15″x 6.5″ drilled silver-finish steel; 215 / 70 R15 HT
4×2 SX auto 16″x 7″ drilled silver-finish steel; 245 / 70 R16 AT
4×2 LS 17″x 7″ alloy; 255 / 65 R17 HT
4×4 EX, SX 16″x 7″ drilled silver-finish steel; 245 / 70 R16 AT
4×4 LS-M 16″x 7″ alloy; 245 / 70 R16 AT
4×4 LS-U 17″x 7″ alloy; 255 / 65 R17 HT
(Full size spare wheel on all model variants)Warranty3 years or 100,000km, whichever occurs first

All-New Isuzu D-MAX Exterior Dimensions & Load Area

Isuzu D-MAX Specification ListSingle C/C SXCrew Ute – Low-Ride SXCrew Ute High-Ride SXCrew Ute High-Ride LSSingle C/C EXSingle C/C SXSpace C/C SXSpace Cab LS-UCrew C/C
SXCrew Ute SXCrew Ute LS-MCrew Ute LS-U■ Dimensions (mm)4X2 models4X4 modelsWheelbase309530953095309530953095309530953095309530953095Overall length504051905190529550405040504052955020519051905295Overall width
(excl.door mirrors)177517751860186018601860186018601860186018601860Overall height168516901785179517801780178017901785178517851795Front overhang905905905905905905905905905905905905Rear overhang104011901190129510401040102012951020119011901295Front / Rear track151015101570157015701570157015701570157015701570Ground clearance190190225235225225225235225225225235Turning circle diameter between kerbs (metres)121212.612.612.612.612.612.612.612.612.612.6Approach angle20.7°20.7°29.4°30°29.4°29.4°29.4°30°29.4°29.4°29.4°30°Departure angle20.3°20.3°27.4°22.7°27.4°27.4°27.4°22.7°27.4°27.4°27.4°22.7°Ramp-over angle17.3°17.3°21.7°22.4°21.7°21.7°21.7°22.4°21.7°21.7°21.7°22.4°Fuel tank capacity (litres)767676767676767676767676■ Load area4X2 models4X4 modelsCab to rear axle123543043043012351235740740430430430430Length (top)-148514851485---1795-148514851485Length (floor)-155215521552---1825-155215521552Width-153015301530---1530-153015301530Width between wheel houses-110511051105---1105-110511051105Depth-465465465---465-465465465

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