The Isuzu D-Max is a pickup truck manufactured by the Isuzu Motors. The D-Max facelift had been launched for a starting price of Rs 15.51 lakh. Isuzu has gone a step forward for the ‘D-Max’ by launching a premium ‘Z-Prestige’ variant at the price of Rs 19.99 lakh. It comes along with tons of additional features compared to its lower-spec variants.
The ‘Z-Prestige’ variant is powered by an incredibly powerful 1.9-liter diesel motor that makes power measuring 150PS and 320 Nm of torque. Its engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox as compared to the 5-speed manual features in the lower-spec variants. While this variant does not support any exterior change, it gets beautiful color options- sapphire blue, ruby red, cosmic black, and pearl white. Talking about the inside, it comes with dual-tone perforated leather seats and speakers on the roof. It also offers additional safety features like six airbags and a brake override system.
With this new variant, it continues to enjoy a monopoly in the lifestyle pickup segment as it is, currently, the only vehicle in this niche segment in India. D-Max uses Isuzu’s own engine as well as drivetrain. Its iTEQ engine has been retained but has been updated. The performance of the engine has been upgraded using Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGS Turbo). The D-Max’s engines pass the Euro V emission standard.
The model comes with a 5-speed manual, though it has unveiled new 5-speed “Rev-Tronic” automatic transmission with sport mode. Isuzu’s front suspension has been made up of an independent double-wishbone with a coil-spring setup as well as a rear suspension that has been made up of over slung leaf-springs and installed above a special long-span rear axle for the comfortable driving experience.
There is rarely any country where this generation D-Max is available with a gasoline engine or an Opel-based C24 along with 16 valves and double overhead camshafts. These are supplied from Brazil where the lower-grade version of the Chevrolet S10 relies on the 8-valve SOHC version which is served as a basis for the Vortec 2400 industrial engine.
The latest ladder-frame platform namely “i-GRIP” (Isuzu Gravity Responsive Intelligent Platform) underpinning the new D-Max successfully makes 42% stronger versions as compared to its predecessors, leading to an improved ride and smooth handling. The frame also includes improved cross bracing at the rear which helps in improving the stability under loads and the same while towing. It ensures long-term durability when used regularly in extreme/harsh environments. The longer wheelbase of 3095 mm to 45mm longer than before is now a standard on all three body styles.
The three body styles offered are single cab, crew cab, and space cab. Customers have a choice of rear-wheel drive 4×2 and four-wheel drive 4×4 models as well. The Space Extra Cab has laterally opened doors to give easier access to the rear seat. Isuzu D-Max by Isuzu Trucks offers an advanced safety package, providing features like electronic stability control (ESC), high-tensile steel, traction control (TCS), emergency brake assist, airbags, and Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD).