The wait for an all-new Isuzu D-Max is almost over
as the third-generation model has been teased in a new video released by the
carmaker’s Thai subsidiary. Posted on Isuzu’s Thailand website, the video is accompanied by a
countdown which read 7 days 5 hours at the time of writing, meaning the 2020
D-Max should debut October 11.
The video opens with a shot of the new D-Max’s front
end which adopts new headlights with U-shaped LED DRLs, a bigger hexagonal
grille, as well as two round projectors stacked on top of each other on either
side of the bumper – the one on top appears to be the turn signal while the
other one looks like a fog lamp.
We also get to see the LED taillights which look way
more sophisticated in the dark than those of the current model thanks to a
light signature featuring two separate units. Isuzu is giving us glimpses of
the interior as well, including a fragment of the dashboard featuring stitching
and piano black trim, as well as the center console with the climate control
area featuring aluminum-look switches and an automatic transmission lever
embellished with aluminum trim and topstitched leather. The cabin clearly looks
more upscale than in the current D-Max.
As for the video, it reveals the rev counter whose
redline starts at 4,400 rpm – a clear hint that a diesel engine is under the
hood. While Isuzu has not confirmed what engine that is, the 3.0-liter
turbodiesel four-cylinder which was overhauled only two years ago looks like a
strong candidate in markets such as Australia, South Africa, and southeast
Asia.
Other markets, including Europe, are expected to get
the D-Max with the twin-turbo 1.9-liter diesel already available since 2017. On
the current D-Max, this 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.
Expect the all-new Isuzu D-Max to feature modern
driver assistance systems including autonomous emergency braking, as well as
new tech such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a digital speedometer.
