Click here to read our 2009 D-MAX LS-U Crew Cab Road Test
Isuzu UTE Australia (IUA) has launched its new Isuzu D-MAX ute range. Diesel only, tough as nails, but well-finished and not lacking in creature comforts, IUA has Toyota’s venerable HiLux firmly in its sights with the D-MAX.
A short on-road drive and a few laps of a four-wheel drive track at Sirromet Winery (south of Brisbane) showed that the new D-MAX ute, in either cab-chassis, single or twin-cab form, is worth consideration as a rugged work-mate, for recreational use, or as a dual-purpose family car.
Like its ‘badged’ competitor, the Colorado (more about the complexities of the extended family later), the D-MAX shows good road manners for a ladder-framed, high-steppin’, ‘light truck’.
There’s also ample power in the diesel, class-leading fuel consumption and three-tonne towing capacity (in the 4×4) if the D-MAX has to turn itself to weekend duties ferrying the family around, or heading up the highway with the off-road bikes or boat in tow.
Under the bonnet is Isuzu’s 4JJ1 3.0-litre common-rail, direct injection turbo-diesel producing a healthy 360Nm from 1800-2800rpm (in manual). In the automatic, peak torque of 333Nm arrives at a lower 1600-3200rpm. Peak power of 120kW arrives at 3600rpm. It’s an unstressed, proven unit with roller rocker arms, variable geometry system (which tunes the turbo’s air intake), and stainless steel timing chain for durability, lower maintenance costs and long life.
Fuel consumption figures of 7.9 l/100km (combined cycle) for the D-MAX 4×2 puts it at the head of the 3.0 litre one-tonne ute class, and in 4×4s, D-MAX takes the cigar for one-tonners at 8.1 l/100km (combined cycle).
(Economy driver Hans Tholstrup achieved 1528 kilometres – at 4.698 l/100km – driving a single cab manual 4×2, complete with aluminium dropside tray, from Birdsville to Brisbane.)
With a heavy-duty low range, limited slip diff, steep approach and departure angles, steel guards protecting sump and transfer-case and hefty ground clearance, the D-MAX made light work of the four-wheel driving at the Sirromet launch. For the real test, we’ll put it through its paces over Wonnangatta in Victoria’s high country, and report back, once a few start filtering into the press fleet.
All in the 11-model D-MAX range are powered by the 3.0 litre diesel – there’s no petrol variant in the range (which may raise some eyebrows). There is a good reason for this: in 2004, diesel utes accounted for 36% of sales; in 2007, that had risen to 58%, and is still rising.
The D-MAX comes from the world’s second-largest ute market: Thailand (second to the US). There, out of total annual car sales of 631,000 (2007), utes account for more than 140,000 sales. (And you were thinking Australia might have been second on that podium?)
Recommended retail prices start from $23,300 for the base ‘farm ute’ 4X2 (air-conditioning and limited-slip diff included) rising to $42,500 for the top of the range 4×4 LS-U automatic crew-cab. This gives the D-MAX range a significant price advantage over HiLux. Should be an interesting punch-up if IUA can establish a wide-enough sales footprint through its new dealer network.
And what about Colorado? Yup, it’s also an Isuzu, supplied under agreement to GM Holden, but with four cylinder and alloytec V6 petrol variants. And IUA? To further complicate the family picture, IUA is owned by Mitsubishi Corp, but not Mitsubishi Motors. All clear now…? (Didn’t think so.)
IUA is working hardest to get the dealer footprint in place, and to prepare its sales teams and technical support. “We expect to start sales at a moderate level and as the already excellent truck brand of Isuzu becomes also known for its D-MAX one-tonne range, we forecast its popularity will increase steadily in the next few years,” Isuzu UTE Australia Managing Director Hitoshi Kono said.
All D-MAX models carry a three year/100,000km new car warranty and are backed by 24/7 roadside assistance during this period.
TMR’s first drive showed that Isuzu’s D-MAX is worth a close look if you’re in the market for a road-friendly dual-purpose work-horse. The 3.0 litre diesel in particular is an appealing unit.
Following is D-MAX pricing details and Isuzu press release notes about its relativity to HiLux – in case you were in any doubt as to whom Isuzu Ute Australia has the cross-hairs on.
Gallery
GALLERY » isuzu_dmax
Pricing
D-MAX 4×2
SX single-cab/chassis 4×2: $23,300 rrp; ($6,390 less than HiLux SR TD which lacks D-MAX’s standard air-conditioning, ABS and LSD).
SX crew-cab 4×2: $31,800 rrp; ($3,790 less than the HiLux SR TD version which lacks a centre rear 3-point retractable seat belt as well as air-con, ABS and LSD).
LS 4×2: $34,800rrp (auto $36,800rrp); ($4,430 less than the conventional ride-height HiLux SR5 with its smaller 15″x6″ wheel/205 tyre package, steel spare, two less speakers, 250kg less tow capacity and whose petrol V6 consumes 12.6 l/100km versus D-MAX LS’s 8.4 l/100km).
D-MAX 4×4
EX single-cab/chassis 4×4 manual: $27,800 rrp; ($7,190 less than HiLux SR TD 4×4 which omits air-con, tows 750kg less and runs a narrower 6″/205 wheel/tyre set but has SRS).
SX single-cab chassis 4×4 manual: $32,000rrp; ($2,990 less than HiLux SR TD despite out-equipping it with standard air-con, ABS, superior wheel/tyre package and towing 750kg more)
SX crew-cab chassis 4×4: $36,700rrp; (the same equipment advantages stretches its price savings over HiLux SR TD to $4,190).
LS-M crew-cab ute manual 4×4: $38,700 rrp (auto $40,700rrp); ($3,190 less than HiLux SR TD crew ute which lacks standard air-con, ABS, cruise control, alloy 1″ wider wheels including the spare, four extra speakers, projector-lens headlights, roof console, electro-luminescent cluster, wider tyres and 3-tonne tow capacity).
LS-U crew-cab ute 4×4: $40,500rrp (auto $42,500rrp); (just $70 shy of $10,000 more affordable than HiLux SR5 TD).
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An embarassment of riches awaits the Maker of a 4×4 dual cab ute that installs an effective stability control system.. Sorry, Toyota that rules you out.
Hi,
Does the D-Max come in a single cab ute back as I preferre the ute back but need to be able to fit a Moto X motor bike in the back.
Thanks
David
who has the best pricing Isuzu or Holden 3 ltr 1 ton sinle cab ute
Right… seems neither Colorado nor D-Max come in a ’single cab’ ute (ie. with ute ‘tub’).
Single cab chassis, yes, for both D-Max and Colorado; D-Max will set you back $23,300 for the 3.0 litre diesel but you’ve got to go to the Colorado LX at $27,990 for the 3.0 litre diesel there.
Colorado also has a ’space cab’ ute and both come in crew cabs. D-Max range is diesel only. Worth a discrete eyeball Dave, ripper diesel donk and good-sized tray in the crew cab.
The Insider
where do i get a list of dealers for the dmax utes,
can’t seem to find it on the net.
kay
Yo Kay,
Go to http://www.isuzuute.com.au and click on DEALER LOCATOR (top right, horizontal menu bar); listed there are the dealer locations state by state.
The Insider
Hello I noticed that the dmax utes have the botton control 4×4 mode i have had issues with this in the navara what is the isuzu like in the auto for 4 wheel driving. thanks jessica
Big differene between Nissan & Isuzu in quality. I did a lot of searching on the net & can’t really find a disgruntled Isuzu customer
If this 4WD dual cab ute actually achieves 8-9 litres/100km it kills my 2 year old Nissan Navara auto ute which is a hog on diesel achieving only 13 litres/100km despite an advertized 10.4 litres/100km which is just simply unachievable.
Yo Pollllllllllllenatorrrrrrrrrr… we’ve got an extended test of the D-Max coming up. Look out for it mid-February. We’ll have an answer to your question then.
The Insider.
I’m looking!! cant find any test on d-max from you.
Lars, the D-MAX is with us right now. We have a week of driving to go. We’ve been bush, now we just need to load it up.
Look for the write up in late Feb/very early March.
Thanks for the quick response, I have plans to by a double cab Ute for work and also for my many fishing expedition around the Snowy Mountain, so I’m extremely interested in your test.
It’s the double-cab that we are testing Lars. Looks like good value for money so far, if your looking for a workhorse that will handle a bush track or three. Stay tuned!
Am looking forward to your test. Am looking at getting a LS-M. Holden had a few probs with the 4WD selction switches with the Rodeo (apparently it didn’t like dirty/wet conditions) & also the EGR control valve. Wonder if these issues are fixed…
I looked at both the colorado and Isuzu for 4 x 2 variants and initially the colorado looked good on paper ie all the same, price better etc. What Holden dont tell you (sales people say everything is the same) is that ABS is optionional on Colorado which makes the Colorado cheaper by $1k (without ABS). Add ABS to a colorado and Isuzu with its standard ABS makes Isuzu base price (with incentives) more attractive. I’ve just bought 2 of the isuzu for my business based on the value for money argument above. For those of us that like to buy Austraian made..
Well both are made offshore, both employ Australians in sales and support and it comes down to a pure value proposition.
For the moment my money is with Isuzu not some bleeding heart GM executive who has to catch a commercial flight instead of the corporate lear jet.
Can it Pull? Have floats and horses I need to move but also need something to drive in and around the city, is the Isuzu right for me?
Hi Lucinda. It can pull.
The D-Max will do the same job as the other diesel twin-cabs on the market. It’s good around town although it doesn’t have the best ride in its class, it is still perfectly acceptable.
Its built tough, will pull a load and has a strong diesel.
Review will be up early next week I promise!
11/3-09 4Pm
Hi Steane, I think we are a few people waiting for the Review on the D-Max. You have made a few promises but no delivery, not good enough!!
Crikey Lars, you know how to sink the boot in
Fair call though. Sometimes, with a small team like TMR’s the schedule gets the better of you, and we are not prepared to just throw up reviews without going through due process.
My estimates have proven inaccurate, but the final touches are being put to the D-MAX review as I write this. Not long now mate.
OK!!
I’m checking your website tomorrow, you never know, perhaps I find a test on a D-Max.
Sweet Dreams mate.
Very good, you must have worked all night.
Thanks, I always like your guy’s reviews.
Thanks for the comprehensive test review on the DMAX. Thankfully your test was done on the 4×4 auto, which is what I was looking for.
There are plenty of reviews written on the DMAX & most look like they have been plagiarised or quite simply, “copied & pasted”. Another plus for your originality!
The Isuzu-Mitsubhishi-GM drama was very well explained as well.
As for your write up, I think that it echos a lot of what I felt, when I first drove it. I does need a load in the tray & then its a totally different vehicle. This one is not for soccer mums…
Hi folks.
Any news on whether isuzu are bring out a space cab version? Need the space for gear and dogs with a seven-foot tray.
Cheers
Yo Alex, can’t answer it myself, but call Isuzu Ute HQ. They’re a friendly mob… (won’t bite if they’ve had the morning slab of meat passed to them on a stick).
Call or email Richard Power - richard.power@iua.net.au or phone (07) 3113 5819.
The Insider
Hi Guys,
If you in Adelaide or anywhere near it and want to buy an Isuzu D-Max, Call Blackforest Isuzu UTE.(08) 8351 5755
Its all good news on this product. Delivered a heap of these in the past few months………..and believe this….not one warranty claim. Tough Truck.
Scott
Can anyone give us a price on a new twin cab 4cyl auto or manual D-max ute with alloy dropside tray pls? We are in Brisbane and are looking to trade a 2001 Rodeo DX with only other option appearing to be the Toyota Workmate being offered at $26500 after $3500 trade (yup that hurt!) it appears Holden dont do a Colarado 4cyl 4×2 twin cab even though we have found a new(?) 2008 4×2 Rodeo diesel….any help with this would be much appreciated…..cheers Rad
Yo Conrad, best to talk directly to the source re a crew-cab with dropside tray. (It doesn’t appear in the options we’ve listed above in a 4X2 and also a no-show on the Isuzu Ute site.)
Use this address http://www.isuzuute.com.au to get a list of the dealers closest to you and give one of them a yell to see what the story is.
(Norris Motor Group in Nundah, 07 36 35 5100, might be a place to start.)
Reckon you’d have to do better with that trade-in price on a 2001 Rodeo too.
The Insider
Hi Conrad, If you are going the Isuzu way, I would reccomend keema Auto at springwood. I found them more helpful & had better product knowledge to help answer all the questions that I had. I did go to Nundah to start off with coz they are closer to where I am (northside brisbane), but I found the sales staff at Keema extremely professional & very well informed about the product. I mightn’t have got the best price, but I did get a reasonable price (remember they are a biz & operating at a profit, not a charity). But I definitely didn’t come out of there feeling ripped off. I opted for the LS-M, which was better suited for my needs. They are all diesel engines at Isuzu with very impressive fuel economy; better than my old hatch back that I traded in. I do however feel that there should be a drop side tray option for the models coz that would have been just great!
Just got my new D-MAX from Black Trucks Isuzu Ute in Toowoomba. Been Toyota forever but they have priced themselves out of my business. I think the D-MAX is as good if not better in most respects
If you want to deal with the most friendliest, easy going professional sales guy ever, call in and see Paul Winfield, he made buying the vehicle a real pleasure..
….gem of a guy to do business with and really knows his stuff.
Good stuff Michael ! Welcome to the Isuzu Clan !
where will i find a picture of a dmax spacecab ute been looking all over the joint can u let me know where to look im as keen as a rattle snake to buy one!
Tom, Isuzu Dmax’s don’t come in the spacecab version! Its single or dual cab only at this stage, don’t know if they have any in the offing…
Hey guys! i’m from the philippines,i wanted to buy a 3.0 4×4 D-max double-cab, but i wanted the model with the hood-scoop..the models here in the philippines is not the same with thailand and australia…who should i contact? Any suggestions?
Great to read the comments on the d max like to purchase the ls-u dual cab.Hope it will do the job pulling a 23ft Jayco!