This Isuzu D-MAX Also Scores A Total 5 Stars By ANCAP.
News just in that the all new Isuzu D-MAX pickup truck sales in Australia has just hit a high 150,000 units. This is impressive news as just weeks after its launch in Australia in September 2020, this all new D-Max is already sold out and has created a 4 month waiting list. Isuzu Malaysia is just weeks away from launching this all new D-MAX and it will be interesting to see its sales numbers in coming months.
Meanwhile we share some interesting facts about this all new pickup truck from the worlds biggest diesel engine manufacturer.
The All-New Isuzu D-MAX is the first vehicle to be tested in Australia and awarded the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating, following testing against the new stringent 2020 ANCAP test and rating criteria.
ANCAP praised the All-New Isuzu D-MAX for elevating safety in the segment, as the first pickup truck to standardize advanced life-saving safety systems across every model, including a center (far-side) airbag, AEB with Turn Assist, Lane Departure Prevention, Emergency Lane Keep, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring and much more.
Advanced safety equipment is joined by automatic headlights with high beam control, Reversing Camera, Intelligent Speed Limiter, Driver Attention Assist and 8 airbags on every D-MAX.
Redefining the standards for safety, the All-New Isuzu D-MAX is the first vehicle to be tested in Australia against the new stringent 2020 ANCAP testing and rating criteria by achieving a maximum 5 star safety rating across the entire Isuzu D-MAX range.
So What Is New With This D-MAX?
Engine
The 4JJ3 engine is newly developed based on the reliable and well-received 4JJ1 diesel engine (3L displacement). The combined effects of 250 MPa high injection pressure, electronically-controlled VGS turbocharger, heat-insulating coating on the piston, double-scissors gear, etc. has yielded the engine featuring high power, low fuel consumption and low noise.
The engine performance of RZ4E diesel engine (1.9L displacement) is also revamped by optimizing its gear ratio and control systems.
Powertrain
The pull-ring shift lever is chosen for the manual transmission to make it easier for the driver to reverse the vehicle, and drive feel is better and more engaging. With regard to the automatic transmission developed for RZ4E diesel engine, a downsized torque converter and lockup clutch integrated with a wide-angle damper provide improvements in fuel consumption and response.
A single propeller shaft made of aluminum is now incorporated in the 4×4 vehicle to achieve a significant weight reduction. The new D-MAX is also mounted with an electromagnetic rear differential lock.
With an enhanced transfer of power to the wheels, it now takes shorter time to switch between 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive as well as between high and low.
Suspension
The D-MAX’s high-ride model employs high-mounted front suspensions with upper links to boost driving stability and conform. The rear suspension, on the other hand, features a wider rear tread and reduced mounting angle for the shock absorber, whereby a better driving stability is achieved.
Steering
The steering/handling has improved as a result of increasing the tire turning angle and reducing the minimum turning radius. With regard to the new D-MAX’s high-ride model, not only its steering unit has been revised to reduce the effort required for steering, but also a change in the gear ratio has improved its steering performance. It comes with a tilt/telescopic steering column to accommodate drivers of all sizes.
Brake
An increase in the D-MAX’s brake rotor size and a change in the servo ratio enabled to improve its braking performance, braking feel and noise/vibration levels.
Frame
As a result of expanding the cross section, optimizing the locations of cross-members and improving impact absorption, greater frame rigidity and safety are ensured while achieving lightweight. Moreover, a shear mount is used in the place of the body mount in order to improve driving stability and lower noise/vibration levels.
Vehicle body
In addition to developing a lean, rational assembly structure for the new D-MAX, the use of 980 MPa high-tensile steel plates and other things have made it possible to achieve stronger body rigidity while keeping it lightweight. The application of higher than 390 MPa high-tensile steel plates has increased from 30% to 46%.
Not only its body rigidity is up by 20%, but its rooftop is also reinforced. Through the improvements made on the package design, each cab type now features an extended loading platform.
Interior finishing
Low-rebound MDI polyurethane is selected for front seat cushions to reduce fatigue that long-distance drivers have to endure. Further, an addition of eight-way power seat helps to support physical condition particularly to the thigh.
Front seat developed for the new D-MAX to prevent whiplash injuries comes standard to all models.
In addition, the safety has been taken into consideration, such as wearing a seat belt reminder to encourage belt wearing.
The design of a rear seat in the crew cab is optimized to improve ride comfort. To allow for easy getting on/off, an opening of the B-pillar is shifted forward and assist grip is added.
Electrical component
The EE architecture is configured using the central gateway in order to pave the way to the new CASE era. Technologies designed to optimize convenience & comfort are extensively employed such as keyless entry, infotainment, lights, wipers, etc.
