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

The steady evolution of the Isuzu D-MAX ute and MU-X seven-seat SUV continues, with Isuzu UTE revealing a new D-MAX X-Runner limited-edition, an extended 'Service Plus' aftersales program and a number of updates across most of its range this week.

Mechanically, both the D-MAX and MU-X platforms retain 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 MU-X, however, is no longer available in manual form, and now features recalibrated hydraulic steering, said to deliver a lighter feel at low to medium road speeds.

Both lines retain the same ladder-frame chassis, suspension (coil/shock front and leaf-spring rear for D-MAX; coil/shock arrangement front and rear for MU-X) and brake packages (disc/drum for D-MAX, four-wheel disc for MU-X).

The updated 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 (in ascending order) four trim grades: SX, LS-M, LS-U and 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.

The MU-X SUV, meanwhile, is also available in 4x2 or 4x4 drivelines, in LS-M, LS-U or LS-T trim grades.

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

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

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.

D-MAX X-Runner variants have served Isuzu UTE well through the years, appearing at fairly regular intervals from 2011 and offering a suite of upgrades over the various trim grades on which they're based.

The new D-MAX X-Runner is hitting the market at an attractive $54,990 drive away, while vehicles purchased during the months of 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 D-MAX and MU-X 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 D-MAX SX range continues unchanged for 2019, it's the top-tier 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/starting on 4x2 models (previously only 4x4 LS-T) and new fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) side steps (previously alloy).

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

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

The Isuzu MU-X, meanwhile, receives new 18-inch alloys with Bridgestone Dueler highway tyres and chrome radiator grilles in LS-T and LS-U trim grades (grey grille for LS-M), while all MU-X trim grades now receive piano black door trim. The top-spec MU-X LS-T also receives an interior lift in the form of red LED ambient door lighting.

Of potentially more appeal to prospective MU-X buyers, however, is the ability to accessorise any MU-X variant with front parking sensors, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert – not just in the 2019 model-year range, but as a retrofit measure for any MU-X from the 2017 model-year on. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert come packaged together for $955.

Both the MU-X and the D-MAX have already achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating, although they lack some of the latest safety advances such as collision warning, autonomous braking and radar cruise control systems.

How much does the 2019 Isuzu MU-X cost?
4x2 LS-M auto: $42,900
4x2 LS-U auto: $45,300
4x2 LS-T auto: $49,100
4x4 LS-M auto: $50,200
4x4 LS-U auto: $52,600
4x4 LS-T auto: $56,400
* 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 all MU-X and 4x4 D-MAX models, says Isuzu UTE Australia, and around $500 for 4x2 D-MAX models.

No word on next generation

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 underway.

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 D-MAX and MU-X in Torquay regarding any details of the next model including the timing of its launch, focussing instead on the latest improvements to the current breed.

According to Isuzu UTE Australia managing director Hiroyasu Sato, 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," he 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 auto 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 the HiLux (51,705 units), Ranger (42,144), and Triton (24,896).

The 4x4 D-MAX accounted for 13,226 sales last year to become Australia's fifth-best-selling 4x4 ute behind Toyota's HiLux (38,580 units), Ford's Ranger (36,883), Mitsubishi's 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 MU-X, meanwhile, was Australia's best-selling ute-based SUV last year with 9090 sales, ahead of Ford's Everest (5482).

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