Isuzu South Africa has expanded its local D-Max range with the addition of a five-speed automatic gearbox. In total, five new models are added to the range to give consumers greater freedom of choice.
The lifestyle-orientated D-Max 250 X-Rider headlines the expanded range and is, for the first time, available with the automatic gearbox. Isuzu also made use of the opportunity to fit its D-Max 300 double cab Hi-Ride with a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Pricing for the five automatic models ranges between R403 200 and R474 700, all comprising double and extended cabs.
All Isuzu D-Max models come standard with Isuzu Complete Care, comprising a five-year/120 000km bumper-to-bumper warranty and Isuzu Roadside Assistance, a five-year/unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty and a five-year/90 000km Service Plan. Service intervals are every 15 000km/12 months.
Extended cover can be purchased for Roadside Assistance, Service Plans and Maintenance Plans.
Dominic Rimmer, Senior Vice President, Technical Operations at Isuzu Motors South Africa, says: “Buying trends in the bakkie segment are changing rapidly, and we have seen a major upswing in the demand for automatic gearboxes in recent years.”
2020 Isuzu D-Max. Image: QuickPic
Proven toughness
The Isuzu D-Max 250 continues with the proven 2.5-litre diesel engine that’s been doing duty in the range for the last number of years. Power remains unchanged at 100kW and 320Nm, with a claimed fuel return of 8.1-litres/100km. Isuzu says that the D-Max 250 auto has a towing capacity of 2100kg for a braked trailer.
The load bed can carry more than 1 ton of goods, depending on the model.
The D-Max 300’s 3.0-litre diesel engine delivers 130kW and 380Nm. Both engines are turbocharged.
2020 Isuzu D-Max. Image: QuickPic
Feature on revised range
Coming in as the entry-point to the range, Hi-Ride models are equipped with safety and security features that ‘closely matches the X-Rider’, according to Isuzu SA. The mid-range LE models, says the automaker, finds a good balance in the range to lift it above the Hi-Ride, but not in the X-Rider’s territory.
Rimmer concludes: "The introduction of the six-speed automatic transmissions in the D-Max 3.0-litre models in 2018 was extremely well received, and we are delighted to now offer automatic gearbox options on our popular D-MAX 250 models. From our trendy X-Rider model to the mid-level LE and the Hi-Ride - which is ideally suited to our commercial vehicle customers.
“The five-speed automatic gearbox has been developed to suit the performance characteristics of Isuzu’s exceptionally capable, reliable and economical 2.5-litre inter-cooled turbodiesel engine, thus giving our customers great performance matched to low running costs, superb comfort and outstanding driving convenience - particularly in bustling and congested city environments.”
2020 Isuzu D-Max. Image: QuickPic
Pricing:
• D-Max 250 Extended cab Hi-Ride Auto - R403 200• D-Max 250 Double cab Hi-Ride Auto - R435 300
• D-Max 250 Double cab LE Auto - R459 000
• D-Max 300 DOUBLDouble cab Hi-Ride Auto - R464 100
• D-Max 250 Double cab X-Rider Auto - R474 700
Compiled by: Charlen Raymond