Third-gen Isuzu D-Max teased – debuts on October 11
The second-generation Isuzu D-Max has been around for quite a long time now, and has been given a number of updates since making its debut way back in 2011. Now, the company is teasing the arrival of the third generation of the pick-up truck, which will make its debut in Thailand on October 11.
To go along with the announcement, there’s also a short teaser video that gives us a glimpse at some of the design cues found on the all-new model that follows the theme of “Infinite Potential.”
Starting from the front, the main grille has been made much larger than the outgoing model, and it continues to feature two “fang-like” trim pieces within it. You’ll also notice that there’s no division of the upper and lower intakes like before, with the grille being a one-piece item this time around.
Flanking said grille are a pair of smaller headlamps, which sport U-shaped LED daytime running lights within the clusters. Just below them are sculpted sections that house the fog lamps and what are likely the indicators as well. Around back, there are new taillight clusters with a dual-square lighting signature, and these are positioned beside a reshaped tailgate.
While the video doesn’t show much of the interior, based on what we can see, Isuzu has put in effort to give the new D-Max a more upmarket cabin. Silver accents on the climate control switchgear and gear lever, as well as a more modern instrument cluster certainly suggests that, and the layout also appears more contemporary compared to the second-generation model.
There’s no mention of engines, but the Ddi badging on the engine cover clearly points to the RZ4E-TC 1.9 litre turbodiesel four-cylinder unit that is already in use. On the second-generation D-Max, the mill pushes out 150 PS and 350 Nm, with available transmissions being a six-speed manual and automatic – two- and four-wheel drive are offered as well.
Other turbodiesel engines that could also be part of the line-up include the 4JK1-TC 2.5 litre and the larger 4JJ1-TCX 3.0 litre, but we’ll have to wait for an official debut to take place to see if these are confirmed.
The third-generation D-Max is a big deal because it also sees a new generation of the Mazda BT-50, which is currently in its second generation. The current BT-50 is based on the Ford Ranger, but for the third-generation model, the company decided to pair up with Isuzu. For now, we haven’t gotten word about when the next BT-50 will make its debut, but we do know it will be produced at Isuzu’s facilities in Thailand.
