All-new Isuzu D-Max journey starts here

There is no better moment to bring you the nostalgic feeling being experienced when driving a Pick-up truck like the Isuzu D-Max than this week’s edition. The all-new offering from the stable of General Motors unveiled to an enthusiastic crowd by Koncept Autos local dealership inside Eko Hotel, marks the next step forward in automotive designs remarkable evolution.

 It was such a momentous event that attracted representatives of Isuzu automaker from Japan and South Africa including customers that are off-road specialists that defied the heavy down pours during the evening to arrive the Zinnia hall for the event.

While seated, guests were entertained with lots of special musical renditions and dancing steps from energetic young lads. This scenic atmosphere provided by Koncept Autos, the latest entrant into Isuzu business in Nigeria reminds me of the same but unique hospitality extended to the Nigerian motoring journalists when the Pick-up truck was first unveiled to the sub-Sahara Africa market in South Africa.

Many global industry followers are of the opinion that if Isuzu had launched its new D-Max before the latest Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50 and all-new Volkswagen Amarok, it would have signified a significant shift in the one-ton market. However with such strong competition, the Japanese company had to pull something special out of the bag with this Thai-built truck,

The all-new Isuzu D-Max’s interior comes with a modern twin cockpit design to enhance the passenger car-like look and feel and delivers exceptional levels of comfort, easy to use functionality and technology. Whether you choose to use it as a hardy workhorse or as a luxury leisure pick-up, you will find a D-Max with a perfect fit interior to suit your requirements.

Designed to leave a lasting impression, the all-new Isuzu D-Max’s standout features include; bigger and bolder size for a more commanding presence on-and-off-road, as well as increased comfort, better ride quality and improved handling.

Equally interesting is the passenger car-like interior with a modern twin cockpit concept design and excellent head, shoulder and legroom. It also comes with increased occupant safety with higher levels of active and passive safety features complemented with improved 4WD controls that are easier to use. Also inclusive is the all-new suspension and all-new chassis for improved ride handling, as well as increased comfort.

Safety was a major consideration in developing and specifying the new D-Max for Australia, so all models come standard with electronic stability control, airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (which detects payload weight to provide more braking on the rear where necessary) and brake-assist. It also comes with a new collapsible steering column and brake pedal, and pedestrian impact measures such as an “impact-friendly” front end with recessed fog lights and polycarbonate headlight covers.

 Other standard features across the range include air-conditioning, power windows, remote central locking, height-adjustable upper mount front seatbelts, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, cruise control, and a new audio system with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.

Riding on a new ladder-frame chassis that is 45mm longer in the wheelbase (now 3095mm) and provides a 50mm-wider track both front and rear over the old model, the new D-Max is slightly longer than the Toyota HiLux, Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton and even the Amarok.

 The extra size provides the new D-Max with extra interior space and larger doors that also open wider, providing improved access. Grip handles attached to the A-pillars further improve access for the driver and front-seat passenger.

Diesel or gasoline, the choice is yours. Isuzu is the world’s largest commercial diesel engine manufacturer with over 70 years experience and a production output of over 23 million diesel engines to date. The diesel and petrol engines are reputed for their superior performance and exceptional fuel economy.

Over 4-million kilometers of driving tests in the all-new Isuzu D-Max were conducted around the world representing the equivalent of driving 100 times around the globe in conditions that varied from desert heat to North Pole snow. Now it is ready to conquer Africa.

MIKE OCHONMA