2019 Isuzu D-MAX X-Runner heads refreshed ute range

Mechanically, both the D-MAX (and its MU-X seven-seat SUV sibling) retains the same Isuzu truck-derived '4JJ1-TC' 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel. The unit's 130kW/430Nm output continues to be fed to the D-MAX's rear or all four wheels via a six-speed manual or six-speed Aisin automatic transmission.

The Isuzu D-MAX also retains the same ladder-frame chassis, suspension (coil/shock front and three-leaf-spring rear) and brake package (disc/drum).

The updated Isuzu D-MAX line-up encompasses both ute and cab/chassis variants in Crew Cab, Space Cab and Single Cab formats, in either 4x2 or 4x4 drivelines and spanning four trim grades: the entry-level SX, LS-M, LS-U and range-topping LS-T.

Exiting the line-up is the D-MAX EX, a 4x4 single-cab/chassis variant, and the manual transmission version of the D-MAX LS-U Space Cab, Isuzu Ute citing flagging demand for each.

Based on the flagship Isuzu D-MAX LS-T, the latest Isuzu D-MAX X-Runner will be limited to 645 units and is available in Pearl White or Magnetic Red Mica.

As well as top-spec LS-T features such as satellite navigation, a reversing camera, an electric-adjust driver's seat and keyless entry and starting, the model features a range of cosmetic enhancements, including red Isuzu badging on the grille and alloy wheel hubs, and a satin black-finish sports bar.

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The list continues with a tub liner, X-Runner door scuff plates, rear parking sensors, and – in the interior – prominent red door and dash trim, complementing the red-accented leather upholstery.

Isuzu D-MAX X-Runner variants have served Isuzu Ute well through the years, appearing at regular intervals from 2011 and offering a suite of upgrades over the various trim grades they are based upon.

The new Isuzu D-MAX X-Runner is hitting the market at an attractive $54,990 driveaway, while vehicles bought in May and June will also receive two years' free servicing.

That's on top of Isuzu Ute's extended 'Service Plus' program, which now applies to all 2019 model year Isuzu models.

The factory warranty now extends to six years and 150,000km (previously five years and 130,000km), with six years of complementary roadside assistance (previously five) and a capped-price servicing scheme that runs to seven years or 105,000km (previously five), the latter totalling $3600 over the period of coverage.

While the workhorse Isuzu D-MAX SX range continues unchanged for 2019, it's the top-tier Isuzu LS-T Crew Cab that sees the bulk of the changes in the D-MAX family, receiving new 18-inch alloys with Toyo Open Country highway tyres, keyless entry/start on 4x2 models (previously only 4x4 LS-T) and new fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) sidesteps (previously alloy).

The MY19 LS-T also scores matte black roof rails, a matte black front bumper air intake (excluding Obsidian Grey, Graphite Grey and Cosmic Black paint schemes), matte black B-pillar trim, and front parking sensors ($545) as an accessory.

Stepping down a trim grade, the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U also receives the new polymer sidesteps and the matt black front bumper air intake grille and B-pillar trim. It can also add front parking sensors, as can the Isuzu D-MAX LS-M, while further changes to the latter are limited to the black B-pillar trim and the matte black lower front grille.

* Recommended retail pricing, including GST but excluding on-road costs

The changes ushered in with the 2019 Isuzu Ute range bring with them a modest price rise – on average a lift of around $1000 for 4x4 D-MAX models, says Isuzu Ute, and around $500 for 4x2 D-MAX models.

The relatively modest nature of the 2019 range update should come as no surprise, given the development of the next-generation D-MAX – a collaboration between Isuzu Ute and Mazda – is well under way.

A test mule of the new shared platform was spotted earlier this year in Scandinavia, with the vehicle expected to break cover towards the end of this year ahead of an official launch in 2020.

Isuzu Ute Australia executives remained tight-lipped at the national media launch of the 2019 Isuzu D-MAX and Isuzu MU-X in Torquay regarding any details of the next model including the timing of its launch, focusing instead on the latest improvements to the current breed.

Isuzu Ute Australia managing director Hiroyasu Sato says the updated D-MAX and MU-X range will spur the brand on to a forecast tally of 28,500 units in 2019, and 30,000 in 2020.

"The 19MY D-MAX and MU-X range blends capability, functionality and durability – attributes each Isuzu is renowned for – with the commanding and bold aesthetics of a modern SUV and ute," Sato said.

"These updates to both the Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X, powered by Isuzu's exclusive 3.0-litre turbo-diesel 4JJ1-TC engine, ensure we have a product to drive our growth in 2019."

While sales have slowed for Isuzu Ute over the first quarter of 2019, as indeed they have for many automotive brands in Australia, the company has followed an otherwise impressive trajectory of growth since its launch in Australia in 2008.

In 2018 the company sold 27,640 new vehicles – 7.1 per cent more than the previous year and making Isuzu Ute the 13th largest automotive brand in Australia.

Collectively, the D-MAX was the fourth best-selling ute in Australia last year, its 18,550 total sales putting it behind significantly updated models including the Toyota Hilux (51,705 units), Ford Ranger (42,144), and Mitsubishi Triton (24,896).

The 4x4 D-MAX accounted for 13,226 sales last year to become Australia's fifth-best-selling 4x4 ute behind Hilux (38,580 units), Ranger (36,883), Triton (21,976) and Holden's Colorado (16,129), while the 4x2 D-MAX achieved a tally of 5324 sales – putting it second only to the Hilux (13,125).

The updated 2019 Isuzu UTE D-MAX and Isuzu D-MAX X-Runner range is on sale now.