Beyond a sighting in January this year, we haven’t
seen much of Isuzu’s third-generation D-Max prototype. At the time, the Japanese
commercial vehicle specialist only released the four-door double cab version of
the D-Max on Sweden’s snow-covered roads for winter testing. However, now we
can also show you the more utilitarian two-door extended cab model.
Compared to the D-Max double cab, the extended cab
has a longer bed but it still comes with a bench seat behind the front seats,
making it the ideal compromise between the two-seat single cab version and the
five-seat double cab.
Obviously, the key design cues are the same
regardless of the cab version. Somehow, the proportions of this extended cab
model seem to suit the D-Max better as the truck looks better with a longer bed
— not to mention that it should haul more stuff too.
The exterior is still being kept hidden with black
tape and some padding here and there but it’s not hard to imagine what the
finished product will look like. The headlights are an evolution of those on
the current model, as are the taillights and the bumpers. The grille appears
much bigger and will most certainly give a bolder look to the front end.
Inside, Isuzu is expected to offer more upscale
materials, new technology, and improved comfort levels. As for the powertrain, expect the
next-generation D-Max for Europe to stick with the 1.9-liter four-cylinder
turbo diesel introduced in 2017. On the current D-Max, the unit makes 163 PS and 360 Nm of torque and is linked to either manual or
automatic six-speed transmissions and standard four-wheel drive with low range.
In Asia, South Africa, and Australia, the upcoming
D-Max should continue with the 3.0-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel which may
get a power update. The 1.9-liter could be brought in some of these markets as
well. The reveal of the all-new Isuzu D-Max is expected to take place later
this year, with a launch following in 2020. Later on, Mazda’s version of the
D-Max, the BT-50, will also be unveiled.
