The increasingly popular Isuzu D-MAX ute range received a 2018 model year upgrade this week.
The headline act for 2018 is the permanent addition of the LS-T variant which will act as the new range-topper. The LS-T effectively takes the place of the LS-Terrain variant that was previously available as a limited edition. The LS-T will be sold in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations and will look to establish a following in the growing lifestyle ute segment.
As the flagship model, the 4x4 LS-T gets 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Highway-Terrain (HT) tyres, keyless entry and start, satellite navigation, premium leather accented interior with polyurethane leatherette on the hard-wearing bolsters.
Some work has been done on the inside to lift the atmosphere, the dash, glovebox and armrest are trimmed in soft-touch leatherette, door handles finished in chrome and the air vents and window switches finished in gloss black. The soft-touch refinements can also be found inside the D-MAX LS-M and LS-U variants.
LS-M, LS-U and LS-T variants also get two additional 2.1-Amp USB – there are now two up front and one in the rear console.
Ride quality should be improved on the SX, LS-U and LS-T Crew Cab ute variants, Isuzu engineers have upgraded the suspension to a new 3-span leaf spring setup. The use of stronger and lightweight materials is said to have a noticeable effect on comfort and handling.
Isuzu Engineers have also reassessed the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of all variants - the GVM on 4x2 models increases 2,950kg and the GVM on 4x4 models lifts to 3,050kg. That represents an additional 100kg across the range. The 4x2 low-ride SX Single Cab Chassis has a massive payload capacity of 1,349kg.
Isuzu’s data collection indicates approximately half of all D-MAX buyers tow with their ute, so trailer sway control has been added.
For increased safety, all ute body versions of the D-MAX get a new rear bumper to improve occupant collision protection and a reversing camera, previously these features were reserved for LS models.
Three new colours have also been added to the palette - Magnetic Red Mica, Cobalt Blue Mica and Graphite Grey Metallic.
The drivetrain was only updated last year and is carried over, the 3.0-litre turbo diesel produces 130kW and 430Nm which is low by today’s standards. Most buyers are likely to opt for the Aisin-built six-speed automatic transmission, however, there is a six-speed manual available.
Every D-MAX is backed by Isuzu’s Service Plus Program which includes a five-year warranty, five years roadside assistance and five-year/75,000km capped-price service program.
Service intervals have been changed from 12 months/10,000km to 12 months/15,000km – well done, Isuzu! The total cost of the first five services comes in at $2090.
The 2018 Isuzu D-MAX range will go on sale nationally from the 1st of May. Expect to see sharp drive-away deals, making the prices listed below redundant.
2018 Isuzu D-MAX pricing (excludes on-road costs):
4 x 2 SINGLE CAB CHASSIS SX man - $28,600
4 x 2 SINGLE CAB CHASSIS SX auto - $31,900
4 x 2 CREW CAB CHASSIS SX auto - $37,500
4 x 2 SPACE CAB UTE SX auto - $36,300
4 x 2 CREW CAB UTE SX auto - $38,700
4 x 2 CREW CAB UTE LS-U auto - $44,100
4 x 2 CREW CAB UTE LS-T auto - $46,900
4 x 4 SINGLE CAB CHASSIS EX man - $35,000
4 x 4 SINGLE CAB CHASSIS SX man - $38,200
4 x 4 SINGLE CAB CHASSIS SX auto - $40,300
4 x 4 SPACE CAB UTE SX man - $41,000
4 x 4 SPACE CAB UTE SX auto - $43,100
4 x 4 CREW CAB CHASSIS SX man - $43,400
4 x 4 CREW CAB CHASSIS SX auto - $45,500
4 x 4 CREW CAB UTE SX man - $44,600
4 x 4 CREW CAB UTE SX auto - $46,700
4 x 4 CREW CAB UTE LS-M man - $46,900
4 x 4 CREW CAB UTE LS-M auto - $49,000
4 x 4 SPACE CAB UTE LS-U man - $46,600
4 x 4 SPACE CAB UTE LS-U auto - $48,700
4 x 4 CREW CAB UTE LS-U man - $48,800
4 x 4 CREW CAB UTE LS-U auto - $50,900
4 x 4 CREW CAB UTE LS-T auto - $54,700
More: All News
More: 2018 Isuzu MU-X Review
