For the first time, Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) will sell fleet-focused versions of the D-Max with the European-spec 1.9-litre diesel engine, alongside the familiar 3.0-litre.
Fitted only to base SX single-cab-chassis 4×2 grades, the downsized ‘RZ4E-TC’ 1.9-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder puts out 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque (at 1800rpm).
Towing capacity is 3.0-tonnes for the auto and 2.8t for the manual.
By contrast the familiar 3.0-litre unit makes 140kW and 450Nm and is rated to lug up to 3.5t.
Given it won’t arrive until the first quarter of 2022, there’s no Australian-market fuel economy rating for the 1.9 available at this stage.
IUA says it’ll be quieter and around 10 per cent more efficient.
“Available in the Australian market for the first time, the RZ4E-TC has earned its stripes in overseas markets for its supreme fuel efficiency and refined and quieter operation,” the company said.
Australian versions with the 1.9-litre will have a DPF but won’t require Adblue, and stop/start is not going to be fitted with either transmission.
It’ll therefore meet ADR Euro 5 standards rather than the Euro 6D mandated in Europe.
The base D-Max SX 4×2 1.9-litre models will cost $31,200 (manual) and $33,200 (auto) respectively, before on-road costs – $2000 less than the same vehicle with the bigger 3.0-litre engine.
Beyond the new base engine, other 2022 D-Max upgrades include the addition of an SX Space Cab chassis auto 4×2, dual-cab-chassis versions of the LS-U and LS-M with 4×4 and auto, and a new high-grade LS-U+ derivative.
For more information on all the MY22 D-Max updates, read our price and specs piece published on the same day as this story as we won’t repeat it verbatim here.
IUA also addressed the stock shortages that have been holding back sales – though the brand is posting record sales seemingly every month at the minute, regardless.
“We share our customer’s frustrations with the unfortunate delays, but to show our appreciation for their patience and loyalty, IUA will guarantee the contract price across all existing orders placed before 31st July, 2021, and at our discretion update the order to 22MY specification, at no additional charge to the customer,” said IUA managing director Hiroyasu Sato.
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