At a time when fuel efficiency, build quality and technology is ever more important to both the business and leisure buyers in Mzansi, Isuzu's new "nogwaja" has come at the right time. We attended the launch in Botswana to find out what has changed.
The new D-Max design updates are termed "Miura-Ori" design pattern meaning a design that is clean, emotive but solid. From the outside to the interior design, the changes are meant to enhance the core benefits of what single-cab, extra cab and Double-cab customers seek on a D-Max. Immediately noticeable in the new D-Max is the stronger presence front with new LED headlight design and the daytime LED lights are now placed at the top of the headlight housing. The indicator lights which were placed lower in the bumper next to the fog lamps, have been placed inside the headlight housing giving the front a more cleaner look.
The famous "Nogwaja" grille has been enlarged with a new design. The side air intakes that also house fog lamps have a new cladding design whilst the lower front bumper cladding is also new completing the new design changes.
On the side, depending on models, there are new design alloy wheels ranging from 17 inch to 18inch. The V-Cross comes with new wheel arch cladding in black and side steps in black. The V-Cross retains the aero roll bar that is flush with the body with an aero design around the rear light. X-Rider models come standard with the steel roll bar in black. Poof rails come standard on the V-Cross, LSE High and X-Rider. There are changes to the rear with new combination rear lights, an aero spoiler on the tailgate top, new design tailgate with crisp horizontal lines whilst the badging has been repositioned for a more balanced look.
The Arctic Truck 35 (AT35) model is retained and in addition to the V-Cross design, the AT35 adds the wider wheel arches housing 35 inch tyres with unique to model alloys. This model retains the special built off road suspension built to tackle extreme off road conditions including "King of the Hill". All models can be specced with tonneau covers in either leather or steel with the steel ones coming in either automatic or manually opened. The V-Cross also comes with upgraded Gen4 Stereo camera placed on the top of the windscreen. This aids autonomous driving and traffic sign recognition.
There are varying metallic and non metallic colours buyers can choose from to tailor make their D-Max to their lifestyle and look. The dealer network also has optional extras which buyers can select to add that extra personalised look.
The interior sees the dash get a redesigned U shaped garnish styling that extends to the side door trims. The V-Cross retains the piano buttons for the climate control which is a welcome thing in the age of climate controls infused into touchscreens.
Base and L models get a new 8 inch infotainment touchscreen (USB, Bluetooth, Audio streaming, handsfree phone and WiFi), with the LSE models getting a new colour 8-inch touchscreen (Black piano finish, 2 dials - 3 touch switches, USB Type C, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, reversing camera display and hands free phone). The LSE and V-Cross models get a new 9-inch Touchscreen (Black piano finish, 2 dials - 5 touch switches, USB Type C, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, reversing camera display, hands free phone and ADAS display.
There is a new digital instrument cluster on top models for that tech laden look which gives more driver info.
The X-Rider models get a red line finish around the infotainment screen and the gear lever. There are also red accents on the door interior mouldings.
Leather comes standard on V-Cross (and AT35 models) with electric adjustment for the drivers seat. The front seats now get heating function as standard.
The engine line up remains the same as before meaning there is a 1.9 litre Turbodiesel (110kW / 350Nm) and a 3.0 litre Turbodiesel (140kW / 450Nm). These come in either 4x2 or 4x4 with a 6 speed manual or 6 speed auto. The key change has been done to the 1.9 litre to make it more responsive and reduce turbo lag. This has been achieved by boosting fuel boost pressure from 200 MPa to 250 MPa, recalibrating the throttle response, upgrade the ECU software, which all aids low end torque access (now peaking at 1600rpm vs 1800rpm before), something critical for ease of towing and carrying large loads. This also aids drivability of models fitted with the 1.9 litre engine with no compromise to its fuel efficiency strength. 4x4 models also get a new feature called Rough Terrain Mode which aids driving, enhances traction in off road conditions.
The ISUZU D-MAX range is sold with ISUZU’s standard five-year/90 000 km service plan, five-year/120 000 km warranty and roadside assistance, and five-year/unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000 km or 12 months.
Pricing
Single Cab D-Max starts at R463 860
Extended Cab D-Max starts at R533 690
Double Cab D-Max starts at R574 010
X-Rider Double Cab D-Max starts at R668 990
V-Cross Double Cab D-Max starts at R898 380
AT35 Double D-Max starts at R1 211 910