2017 Isuzu D-Max | new car sales price

Isuzu has facelifted its D-Max ute line-up, which is now on sale, and features a cleaner, upgraded engine that can be paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission for the first time.

Other highlights include improved NVH levels, a longer list of standard equipment, revised styling and the introduction of capped-price servicing.

The 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine carries over with the same 130kW power output, but torque has been boosted by 50Nm to a heady total of 430Nm.

The heavily revised engine was developed for Australia in concert with real-world data from local customers, and now satisfies Euro 5 emissions standards with a five per cent reduction in fuel use compared to its predecessor.

Official combined fuel economy figures for the D-Max line-up range from 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres for the SX manual 4x2 single cab-chassis low-ride to 8.1L/100km in the LS-U 4x4 manual crew cab.

If the six-speed automatic with its redesigned differential is opted for, then customers can expect fuel economy to be 0.1L/100km more efficient than its manual counterpart.

Externally, visual changes extend to a restyled bonnet, front bumper, radiator grille and headlights.

Isuzu has also installed additional firewall insulation and new screens between the front guards and the body, which are designed to allow less engine and road noise to enter the cabin while reducing vibration and harshness levels.

The starting price for the entry-level variants of the D-Max range rises by $1000, kicking off from $28,500 plus on-road costs for the manual 4x2 single cab-chassis.

Higher-spec LS variants have seen a price increase of $1400, headlined by the $54,200 LS-Terrain in 4x4 automatic crew cab.

The price of the manual-only workhorse-spec EX 4x4 single cab-chassis has also been lifted to $34,800, an increase of $800.

Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) says additional standard equipment helps offset the price increases.

Additionally, 600 X-Runner 4x4 dual-cab special editions join the line-up at $46,990 drive-away, offering unique exterior and interior styling, automatic transmission and a level of standard equipment higher than the $48,500 LS-M on which it is based.

Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) says additional standard equipment helps offset the price increases, as do fuel-efficiency gains and an 18 per cent reduction in vehicle maintenance costs due to longer 12-month service intervals – up from the previous six-monthly visits – and the all-important introduction of a five-year, 50,000km capped-price program.

The single-cab 4x4-only EX variant comes with manual air-conditioning, a leather multi-function steering wheel, USB connectivity and Bluetooth streaming, vinyl flooring, 16-inch steel wheels with all-terrain tyres and a full-size spare, and an unpainted grille, bumper and door mirrors.

The SX grade – which is available in all cabin types – adds a 7.0-inch touchscreen, cruise control, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, 15-inch steel wheels with highway terrain tyres on low-ride 4x2 versions, and a gunmetal grey grille, body-coloured bumper and door mirrors.

SX variants also gain reversing camera compatibility with their touchscreens, but the camera itself is actually a dealer-fit option which costs $490, including installation.

Crew-cab SX and LS-M variants share an eight-speaker sound system which includes two ceiling-mounted speakers.

LS series upgrades extend to LED daytime running lights within the restyled projector beam headlight, a reversing camera and three USB ports.

Dual-cab 4x4-only LS-M variants also add front fog lights, 16-inch alloys with all-terrain tyres, a chrome grille and door handles, a black rear step and lockable tailgate.

LS-U grade utes – which are available in either space or crew cab bodies – receive climate control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, a shark-fin antenna, electrically folding chrome door mirrors, carpet floor coverings, a chrome rear step, and 17-inch alloys with a full-size steel spare and highway terrain tyres.

The flagship LS-Terrain is sold as a 4x4 automatic crew-cab only and has leather upholstery, keyless entry and start, chrome roof rails, aluminium side steps, and 18-inch alloys with highway terrain tyres and a full-size spare.

The X-Runner special edition sits in the range above non-LS series variants, offering a darker-coloured version of LS-M’s alloy wheel design, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, climate control, reversing sensors, a matte black sports bar, gunmetal grey side steps and grille, black and red upholstery and steering wheel trim, a tub liner, red Isuzu emblems, 100th anniversary badging and X-Runner decals.

Hill descent control also now features as standard across the entire D-Max line-up, including all 4x2 variants.

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