WHAT’S NEW

RANGE

A new LS-T range topper officially lands in 4x4 and 4x2 guise for buyers seeking a plusher D-Max. This flagship 4x4 Crew Cab is $54,700, but includes perforated leather interior, 18-inch alloys, satnav, roof rails and keyless entry and start.

SUSPENSION

In an Australian market first the D-Max has three-leaf spring rear suspension for its Crew Cab models. Eschewing the standard five-leaf springs, Isuzu says the use of stronger and lighter materials makes the new set-up better for daily driving while not compromising payload capacity.

SAFETY

Isuzu isn’t chomping at the bit to add the likes of autonomous emergency braking or lane departure warning to its products. MY18 D-Max utes are now in line with most rivals though with Trailer Sway Control as standard and a reversing camera on all utes bar the cab chassis models.

CARRYING

Isuzu engineers have reassessed the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of the D-Max range, upping figures to 2950kg on 4x2 models and 3050kg the 4x4s. It means payload is up 100kg over MY17 models to 1349kg and 1159kg respectively, well ahead of the likes of Toyota’s HiLux and Mitsubishi’s Triton.

STYLE

Adding to the varying shades of grey of before, a bit more jazz comes to the D-Max colour palette. Beside a bright red and graphite grey is a Cobalt blue reminiscent of the Toyota HiLux SR5. No bad thing. Inside there are two 2.1-amp USB charge points, soft leatherette for the glovebox, and new cabin chrome and gloss back finishes.