Isuzu introduced the facelifted D-Max in Thailand, featuring a redesigned exterior, more technology inside the cabin, a new rough terrain mode, and safety improvements. The automaker also confirmed plans for a battery electric pickup set to be produced in Thailand initially for the European market. The Isuzu D-Max is being updated exactly four years after the debut of the third-gen model in October 2019. The Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux rival looks more modern than before, while retaining a variety of available bodystyles (chassis cab, regular cab, space cab, and crew cab).
Changes are focused on the front end which
features a redesigned grille with a 3D look, a new pair of headlights (Bi-Led
tech in high-spec trims), and tweaked bumper intakes with air-curtains on the
sides. The pickup also benefits from a new tailgate with a larger integrated
spoiler and revised taillight graphics. The pictured D-Max V-Cross 4×4 flagship
trim is the most rugged-looking of the bunch thanks to the extra plastic
cladding around the grille, the aluminum-style skid plate, the wide fender
extensions, the matte black 18-inch alloy wheels, and other add-ons.
Inside, the dashboard looks familiar,
albeit with new trim options and upgraded technology. The 9-inch touchscreen
for the infotainment with new touch-sensitive buttons/shortcuts and physical
knobs for the volume and tune underneath is combined with a 7-inch digital
instrument cluster. Isuzu added USB-C ports for the front and rear passengers,
and a new key with remote engine start function. The powertrain lineup appears
to be unchanged from the pre-facelifted model, including two four-cylinder
turbodiesel options. The base 1.9-liter mill produces 148 hp and 350 Nm of torque, while the more potent 3.0-liter unit is good
for 187 hp and 450 Nm. Depending on the version,
power is transmitted to either the rear (2WD) or to all four wheels (4WD) via a
6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.
Despite the carry-over engines, the pickup
is said to offer improved 4×4 driving performance thanks to tweaked
electronics. More specifically, the traction control has been expanded to when
the electronic rear differential lock is activated, while there is a new “rough
terrain mode” assisting drivers by controlling the braking and engine RMP in
more demanding off-road scenarios. Safety equipment has been improved thanks to
a new ADAS camera with a heating function for cold weather, and more systems,
including the expansion of the adaptive cruise control to the manual versions.
Sales of the 2024 D-Max are scheduled to
start on October 12 in Thailand, with other global markets set to follow
gradually. Prices start from 540,000 Thai Baht (US$ 14,551) for the cheapest
regular cab 2-door and 2WD version, reaching up to 1,257,000 (US$ 33,876) for the
flagship 4-door V-Cross 4×4 trim. Currently, the Isuzu D-Max is offered in more
than 100 countries and regions in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa,
Central America, South America, and Oceania. However, Thailand remains the
strongest market for the pickup, accounting for 180,000 sales out of the
340,000 global sales in 2022.
During the launch of the facelifted D-Max
in Bangkok, Shinsuke Minami, Isuzu President and COO, revealed plans for a new
fully electric pickup. The BEV will be produced in Thailand, but it will
initially be available in Europe before Isuzu examines the possibilities of
offering it to other markets. Unfortunately, the company didn’t provide more
information about the model and hasn’t set a timeline for its launch.
