An updated version of the Isuzu D-Max has been revealed in its Thai homeland, where it’ll reach showrooms on October 12.
“The facelifted D-Max recently unveiled in Thailand is a specification limited to vehicles produced for that market only,” said a spokesperson for Isuzu Ute Australia.
“We are currently not in a position to comment on future model timing, specifications or pricing for Australia. As soon as we have confirmed information we will share this with the market.”
There’s a new grille that more closely resembles that of the MU-X and a revised front bumper, as well as new bi-LED headlights.
Other visual changes include new wheel designs and revised tail lights that have more of a traffic light look about them with three (instead of two) extruded elements.
Inside, the 8.0-inch and 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreens now support both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and features volume and tuning dials.
However, the physical shortcut buttons underneath, for actions like returning to the home screen, appear to have been replaced with touch-capacitive switches.
There are USB-C outlets inside, while ahead of the driver there’s an available 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster screen, up from 4.2 inches in the current model.
Other changes include revised upholstery, new trim appliques for the dashboard, and new patterned door inserts.
The Thai-built D-Max hasn’t adopted the completely different, more modern dashboard design that debuted on the flagship D-Max V-Cross in China this year, complete with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, nor has it gained the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster offered on multiple Chinese-market D-Max models.
There don’t appear to be any mechanical changes to the Thai-built D-Max’s engines, which comprise a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder mill with 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque, and a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four with 140kW and 450Nm.
Isuzu Thailand does tout a new rough terrain mode function, however.
The rear cross-traffic system can now apply the brakes if it detects you’re about to reverse into the path of traffic.
It appears to continue with its rear leaf springs, part-time four-wheel drive system and rear drum brakes, even though the new Chinese-market D-Max gains rear coil springs and disc brakes
The current D-Max was revealed in 2019 and went on sale in Australia in 2020.
It didn’t get to be the new kid on the block for long, with a new generation of Ford Ranger emerging in 2022.
The Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux continue to dominate the sales charts, but the Isuzu D-Max has ensconced itself as Australia’s third favourite ute.
Whether it’ll be able to hold onto the bronze is unclear, given there’s a new Mitsubishi Triton coming to Australia next year.
Other redesigned utes on the horizon include new generations of the Nissan Navara and Toyota HiLux, while Kia will finally enter the ute segment around 2025 with a vehicle it may call the Tasman.
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