Isuzu D-MAX
The Isuzu D-MAX is one of Kenya’s best-selling
pick-up’s. It not has an amazing design but matching performance and
off road capabilities. Its time with us is sadly about to come to an end. To
replace the outgoing D-MAX is an amazing new model that not only builds on the
outgoing model’s reputation of reliability and economy but also adds new clever
touches of technology.
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Isuzu D-MAX |
The
refreshed exterior styling consists of a more aerodynamic body which helps
boost its overall fuel efficiency. The body design was not only designed by its
Japanese engineers but Italian car designer Pininfarina helped in tweaking the
design, resulting to one of the most aerodynamic pick-up on the planet. The new
body design not only rewards in fuel efficiency it also ensures occupants have
an even quieter ride. New large front headlamps, restyled grill and large air
intakes give the new D-MAX an even more aggressive look.
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Isuzu D-MAX 4x2 Single Cab version |
One can also order the
pick-up with powerful xenon headlamp. Modern and sleek exterior lines
compliment the new bulkier and aggressive on-road stance, with the larger
exterior dimensions affording a considerable increase in interior space,
further raising occupant comfort levels and improving the rear seat access in
crew and space cab models. New rear LED brake lights are also standard on the
Isuzu D-MAX LS models, as are projector lens headlights, while our top-line
LS-Terrain also features the added piece of mind of a reversing camera.
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Rear of the single cabin version |
Under
the bonnet is a new refined 3.0litre turbo common rail diesel engine. The new
engine has an output of 177hp and 380Nm of torque. The torque is delivered
across a flat curve through a large majority of the rev-range to aid
drivability and make ease of towing.
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Side profile of the double cabin D-MAX |
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.
Married to the engine is a new five-speed ‘Rev-Tronic’ automatic transmission
with sequential sport mode.
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Restyled front cockpit |
The transmission system uses an adaptive-learning
function. This 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 behavior, the vehicle speed and the
vehicle load. The auto also has ‘Hill Descent’ and ‘Hill-Ascent’ modes. For
lovers of manual transmission systems Isuzu also offer a new five-speed manual
transmission.
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Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 Double Cabin version |
A new clever chassis has also been fitted to the new D-MAX. The
chassis “i-GRIP” (Isuzu Gravity Response Intelligent Platform), which features
a stiffer design with improved cross bracing at the rear, has been improved to
further improve stability when the D-MAX is loaded or towing a trailer.
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with the doors open |
The new
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.
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Front of the Utah version |
To
improve its overall ride and handling capabilities the new D-MAX comes with a newly
developed “Flex-Ride” suspension geometry. Independent double wish-bone with
coil springs and gas shock absorbers guarantee superior front end grip and
steering control, while the rear suspension consists of long span leaf-springs
(under-slung 4x2 models – over-slung 4x4 models) resulting in excellent power
down and stability under every road condition with or without loading the
vehicle, and of course a smooth and comfortable ride at every speed level.
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Side of the single cabin 4x2 model |
As
well as being the most comprehensively developed, most efficient and most
refined Isuzu pick-up ever produced, the All-New Isuzu D-MAX is also the highly
capable load-lugging workhorse you’ve come to expect: 4x4 models have a
3.0tonne (braked) towing capacity and a load capacity of approximately 1,000kg
across the range.
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Isuzu D-MAX Utah version |
From the entry-level Isuzu D-MAX 4x2 SX single cab
through to the top-of-the-line 4x4 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. Various models in our range also see the introduction
of Isuzu’s new ‘Sky Sound’ roof-mounted surround sound system, and our new
LS-Terrain boasts a touchscreen multimedia and navigation system.
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Restyled front |
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.
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Side profile |
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.
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Rear design of the Double Cabin D-MAX |
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.
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New 4x4 select level |
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.
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Isuzu D-MAX extended cabin version |
The new D-MAX will debut on Kenyan shores soon.
Prices for the revised rugid Isuzu pick-up start at basic retail price of
£13,729 (Kshs 2 million excl taxes) for the 4x2 single-cab to £20,229 (Kshs 3
million excl taxes) for the top of the range Utah model. With the previous
model having rules Kenyan roads, I bet the new updated model will offer much
more to its new owners.