India-bound 2020 Isuzu D-Max unveiled in Thailand

Isuzu D-max 2020 Thailand is a completely overhauled model in terms of exteriors and interiors, and along with that, it comes with a slew of mechanical revisions which has made it more efficient and safer and has improved its overall driveability.

The Isuzu D-Max looks way more aggressive than before now. At the front, it gets a bigger grille which is taller and broader. It continues the two fang-like chrome bars design on the grille which is flanked by slimmer headlights featuring bi-LED technology, equipped with U-shaped LED DRLs. Direction indicators and fog lights are positioned below the headlights. Some of these updates are only reserved for the range-topping models, while others get the usual and more conventional styling elements. At the rear, it gets twin-barrel tail lights with clear lenses and LED edge lighting. In the higher-spec models, the rear bumper now comes integrated into the bed which looks sleeker and more streamlined. The 18-inch alloy wheels are also new.

ArrayIn comparison to the exteriors, changes are more significant on the inside of the 2020 Isuzu D-Max. Speaking of which, its earlier conventional-looking dashboard with circular climate control knobs has been replaced with an all-new unit which uses embossed and textured materials, including a stitched soft-touch upper dashboard. Customers will now be able to opt for a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen which comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity features. Main comfort and convenience features include remote engine start and dual-zone automatic climate control (with rear vents) as well.

The one-tonne pickup truck has received an upgraded electrical architecture to prepare for future connected, autonomous, shared, and electrified (CASE) technologies as well. On the safety front, it's key features include blind spot monitoring (new) with rear cross-traffic alert, six airbags, stability control, walk-away automatic locking, welcome and follow-me-home lighting and voice control.

Also Read: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross 1.9 diesel-automatic launched, priced at Rs 19.99 lakh

The all-new D-Max uses a new Isuzu Dynamic Drive Platform. The ladder frame has been majorly revised for improvement in driving stability and reduced noise and vibration levels. The engine options are updated RZ4E-TC 1.9 litre and new 4JJ3-TCX 3.0 litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel units. The former makes 150 PS of maximum power at 3,600 rpm and 350 Nm of torque as in the old version. However, it has optimised gear ratios and control systems for better performance. The new engine is basically a revised version of the 4JJ1-TCX unit with a reshaped combustion chamber, higher-pressure injectors, a diamond-like carbon coating on the piston pins, an electronic variable geometry turbocharger and a double-scissor timing gear. It produces 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque, marking an improvement of 13 PS and 70 Nm respectively.

Other mechanical improvements include a one-piece aluminium propshaft which has contributed to overall weight reduction and an electromagnetic rear differential lock for faster switching between two- and four-wheel drive and also high and low ratios. The water wading capacity has also increased - 800 mm. The all-new Isuzu D-Max is scheduled to be launched in Thailand on October 19. Expect it to reach India in 2020.