The D-Max utility’s release in Australia points to exciting news for Kiwi buyers of this model – and its impending Mazda sister ship.

BOUGHT a Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux in the past few years purely on strength of these being considered well-kitted for driver assists and safety equipment? 

If so, then perhaps the replacements for those models should be two rigs that until now have been overshadowed on those ingredients.

Impression that this model and the Mazda BT-50 that derives from it are set to deliver enough advanced safety and technology to reset market expectations has been cemented by how the D-Max has just presented in Australia.

While Isuzu and Mazda in New Zealand have yet to set release dates for the new-gen one-tonners in this market – beyond saying it’ll be before year-end -  and even though the BT-50 has also yet to touch down in Australia, the D-Max’s specification for Australia, its first export market, have been fully laid out.

That act - which includes the video here today, made because the Australian media were introduced by way of a virtual launch, because of coronavirus - lends accurate insight in what’s coming here, given that the NZ market representatives of both makes have never made any secret that we can expect basically identical provisions that are being delivered across the Tasman.

If so, then ute market leader, Ford, and consistent runner-up Toyota are going have to become used to now treating the Isuzu and Mazda products more seriously as direct equals than they might have done previously. 

Isuzu essentially shocked the Australian industry in announcing every single model in the 2021 D-max range – including the basic tradie versions – will come with an advanced safety package, including class-first advances of perimeter sensing technology and a centre airbag.

It’s highly likely everything that goes into the Isuzu will transfer to the Mazda, given those model lines are already so closely aligned in every other major mechanical and design aspect.

As is, all D-Max models announced for our neighbour – and that’s four variants, from base SX to a new flagship X-Terrain fitted with plenty of flash kit - come with the new Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS) with a unique twin-camera system used by independent partner Hitachi. Enabling 3D effect, the cameras substitute the usual radar sensors which mount lower in the vehicle and can be easily fouled by mud, dirt and accessories.

Yes, it might well come at a cost. The new flagship D-Max X-Terrain Crew Cab is $A58,990 ($64,648 in our money), so some $A7000 ($7676) more than its current range-topping D-Max LS-T.

However, this provision also means that what has until now been a stalwart work ute has become an especially advanced offering.

The full capabilities of the safety system include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), AEB with turn assist, forward collision warning, post-collision warning, mis-acceleration mitigation and adaptive cruise control (but only on automatics), lane departure warning and prevention, lane keep assist (also not for manual), traffic sign recognition, speed limited, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, rear cross-traffic alert and driver attention assist.

This big step up in safety tech is supported by the ute having also gone new in its design: A new look, fresh – though still, of course, old-school ladder frame - chassis and an all-new engine and improved drivetrain are also likely to be appreciated. 

Three D-Max cabin types are offered to our neighbour - Single Cab, Space Cab and Crew Cab – and aside from X-Terrain there are SX, LS-M and LS-U variants. 

D-Max’s renowned robustness is still a core ingredient, Isuzu assure; it says the development programme included more than four million kilometres of “vigorous” testing to ensure it has improved in every area of ride and handling and performance yet retained that acknowledged toughness.

Though it maintains the 3.0-litre capacity associated with the current D-Max, the ‘4JJ3-TCX’ turbo diesel engine is new. It produces 140kW at 3600rpm 450Nm of torque at 1600-2600rpm, an increase of 10kW and 30Nm over the old motor.

Isuzu speaks to a quieter, more refined performance with noticeable real-world driveability improvements. Just as importantly, in the legislative world, it now complies with Euro 5 emissions regs. Be prepared for a slight change of pace in respect to fuel burn. In some variants it sits at 7.7 litres per 100km

But others are up to 8.1L.

Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or auto, the latter being a new Aisin Rev-Tronic unit with sports mode and manual shifting.

A body that has grown wider (with a 30mm longer wheelbase) provides more cabin space, yet the shape is more aerodynamically efficient. The interior fitout has been covered previously, but one turnup is that the multimedia system (seven-inch screen at base, nine-inch for the luxury provision) is capable of wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity – a first for a ute in this market. Android users need a USB cable to use the Auto service. 

The larger touchscreen has built-in sat nav and interior appointments have also been given the upmarket treatment with new finishes and soft-touch surfaces.

The flagship has electrically operated leather-accented seats, piano black trim, remote engine start, dark grey alloy wheels, aero sports bar, roller tonneau cover and tub liner.

Ride and handling have improved, with new independent double-wishbone front and the same three-leaf spring setup in the rear but with 30mm of axle travel and tuned to light or heavy load work depending on the grade of model.

It also delivers upgrade to off-road ability, with all 4×4 models now offering an electromechanical rear differential lock, improved ‘Terrain Command’ that can shift from low to high range within one second on the move at up to 100kmh.

The D-Max has an 800mm wading depth. Aussie’s LS-U and X-Terrain also have a higher 240mm ground clearance with 30.5 degrees approach, 24.2 degrees departure and 22.8 degrees ramp-over. All four-by-two and four-by-four also offer hill start assist and hill descent control as standard.

For touring and working, the payload goes up to 1320kg in the SX cab chassis, and towing capacity is 3500kg braked with a 350kg tow ball limit. GCM is 5950kg and GVM goes up to 3100kg.

Oh yeah, we need to talk about the accessories – no ute being complete without a few add-ons, right?

The Aus market is taking more than 50 accessories -  bullbars, tow bars, electronic brake systems, roof racks, cargo organisers, alloy trays and tonneau covers, as well as toolboxes and oddments. 

Take note that the Isuzu factory nudge or alloy/steel bullbars will work with the IDAS system.

Towers will be able to select a tow pack with tow ball kit rated to 350kg and meeting expectations of the 3500kg braked towing capacity, and a Redarc electric braking system. There’s also a weight-distribution hitch on the list.

And what will all that tech do for the crash test rating? Conceivably, it should go well. Isuzu itself is said to be highly confident D-Max will score a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating. However, that’s yet to be proven. crash testing has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.