THE current Isuzi D-MAX bakkie has reached its life-cycle.
The current generation D-MAX has been in production since 2012, but if you are a devoted fan of the Isuzu brand who’s in the market to buy – worry no more.
Ford and Toyota have been taking a large sum of the South African bakkie market pie – but with the Japanese bakkie manufacturer teasing it’s 2020 D-MAX, things are about to get interesting.
It has previously been reported that the next generation D-MAX will share a platform with the oncoming Mazda BT-50.
Isuzu will utilize the newly developed engine based on the reliable and well-received diesel engine 4JJ1 3 Litre. It will also use the RZ4E diesel mill which is a 1.9L.
Isuzu says it is also revamped by optimizing its gear ratio and control systems.
The gearbox also received a special treatment with a with pull-ring shift lever is chosen for the manual transmission to make it easier for the driver to reverse the vehicle.
“With regard to the automatic transmission developed for RZ4E diesel engine, a downsized torque converter and lockup clutch integrated with a wide-angle damper provide improvements in fuel consumption and response.” the Japanese automaker said.
With an enhanced transfer of power to the wheels, it now takes shorter time to switch between 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive as well as between high and low.
Now the BT-50 is based on the Ford Ranger.
By the looks of things, in the teased video Isuzu is planning to introduce a better looking interior that will consist of new technology like an updated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-compliant infotainment system.
