The new 2020 Isuzu D-MAX has now been revealed, albeit to the Thai market first.
It’s no surprise the new 2020 Isuzu D-MAX has been revealed to the Thai market first. Thailand is the biggest dual-cab market in the world, so we’re just lucky we’ve been able to garner a sneak peek into Isuzu’s update of the venerable D-MAX.
Read our full reveal story at Unsealed 4×4.
In a teaser video put on YouTube and embedded onto Isuzu Thailand’s website, we’re shown some rather interesting design cues, as well as quite a bit more information if you’re looking hard enough. Here’s what we know so far.
Design cues of the new 2020 Isuzu D-MAX
The design (at least for the exterior) appears to add a lot more aggressive angles to the front of the D-MAX, with angrier headlights, a large blacked-out grille, sleeker headlights and both blinker and driving lights in the bottom of the front bar. Daytime Running Lights surround the headlights, with silver trimming surrounding the grille.
To the rear, you’ll see new taillights, with interesting lines through the tailgate – but we’ll see more upon full launch; that should happen next week.
The Interior
To the interior, despite the few seconds of video we actually see, a lot can be taken from what’s there. First and foremost, leather is expected to feature heavily in the new model – and it looks like some quality cowhide being used. In that same shot, we’re able to see the edges of what appears to be Apple Car Play over on the far right, on the infotainment screen – a new addition to the Isuzu range, and one that many people have been asking for, for quite some time now.
The centre console and air-con controls appear to also have received an upgrade, with a very modern and stylish look about them. Something that is jumping out at this journalist too, is the little button to the right of the shifter, that appears to show a button with a rear-diff lock printed on it… This may well cover off another feature punters and journos alike have been screaming for, for more than a while!
Driveline of the new 2020 Isuzu D-MAX
Now, despite the fact that Thailand has had the 1.9-litre engine for a while now, we’ve not been given any direct indication as to whether we’ll see the little 1.9-litre, or if we’ll retain the formidable 3.0-litre 4JJ1 engine we’ve come to know and love for its reliability and power output. Despite the petrol exhaust notes you’ll hear in the video, the video shot of the tachometer confirms the vehicle is indeed diesel, redlining at 4400 RPM. Other than that, we don’t know much, except that there’s a pretty good chance for a rear diff-lock (we’re all crossing our fingers and toes here!)
This is the Thai model – be warned.
Despite the excitement that’s building around the new model, we have to reiterate that this is indeed the Thailand model in the video. Despite our many calls and emails (and maybe some nagging!) to the team at Isuzu Ute Australia, they’ve been very tight-lipped about any Australian specific information, however, we’ll be sure to get any specific Aussie info to you as soon as they let the cat out of the bag. Mind you, we’re pretty intrigued as to the changes, especially as the 2019 D-MAX was not released that long ago…
Let us know below what you think on first impressions of the new 2020 Isuzu D-MAX? Anything else you’d like to see in the new model? Portals, anyone?
