Isuzu D-Max

Persfoto van een Isuzu D-Max XTR.

Isuzu UK announce today that the new Isuzu D-Max XTR – the most sophisticated and authentically capable version of this award-winning pick-up – is on its way, as the prototype of this striking new model is revealed at the Commercial Vehicle Show.

Developed for off-road enthusiasts and drivers who want a vehicle to complement their lifestyle, this professional pick-up boasts authentic capability with a bespoke Pedders suspension upgrade as standard and substantial kerb appeal with a sophisticated body kit and aggressive styling. XTR will sit between Blade and Arctic Trucks, completing the Adventure range of Isuzu D-Max pick-ups.

Capable in the Extreme

The Isuzu D-Max is renowned for being tough, strong and reliable but this existing capability has now been taken to the next level with a bespoke Pedders suspension and brake system engineered specifically for XTR.

Built to endure the harshest conditions, a new front suspension upper arm in conjunction with newly designed damper units help achieve a longer suspension articulation, giving impressive off-road performance. In addition, suspension height is set higher than a standard D-Max meaning XTR benefits from a 250mm ground clearance with no compromise on vehicle handling and stability.

New performance front brake discs have been designed for a consistent brake pedal feel, high wear resistance and better anti–corrosion protection. They are also fully vented and slotted for improved heat dissipation and braking. Kevlar ceramic front brake pads work in combination with the discs to give a much improved braking performance and stopping power.

The set-up of springs and shock absorbers make for a more comfortable and refined ride. These have been tuned specifically with XTR’s new wheels and tyres in mind to maximise driving enjoyment.

17” alloy wheels have a heavy duty, rigid design which doesn’t compromise the vehicle’s towing and load carrying capabilities. Entirely fit for purpose, they have been engineered to handle off-roading and, in conjunction with XTR’s bespoke Pedders suspension, exceed the expectations of a tough and reliable D-Max.

A popular wheel size from a tyre perspective, the 17” x 8.5” XTR alloy gives you the flexibility of tyre choice if you choose to fit an off-road only tyre. However, Isuzu’s choice of the Pirelli Scorpion™ All Terrain Plus 265/70r17 tyre has been tuned to perfectly match the D-Max XTR and Pedders suspension.

The Scorpion™ All Terrain Plus combines Pirelli’s advanced compound and design technology with an aggressive appearance to provide a durable All-Season tyre, and a high performing driving experience throughout a wide range of challenging on or off-road conditions.

Designed for drivers that use their vehicles both for leisure and daily work-life, where performance is the key factor. The aggressive tread pattern design and its robust carcass make it the perfect choice to travel for long distances without compromising safety and comfort on the road. The chunky tread pattern contains ejection cones which are inserted at the block’s base to allow the evacuation of gravel and stones in order to always maintain the maximum traction capability of the tread pattern. The ejection cones, in addition to their auto cleaning function, increase the stiffness of the whole tread pattern allowing a superior all-round robustness and resistance to the blocks against tears over tough surfaces.

Isuzu are the first manufacturer to adopt these tyres as standard as they are perfectly suited to the D-Max XTR and benefit all types of driving conditions. Quiet during on road driving, for day to day use, they have the added benefit if you do want to go off-road. Featuring the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake and the Mud + Snow marking, these tyres are suitable for dry roads, wet or muddy roads, and off-road on difficult surfaces such as rocks, snow, mud, grass and sand.

All improvements have maintained the Isuzu D-Max’s 3.5 tonne towing and load carrying credentials, ensuring that XTR is extremely capable both on and off-road.

Sophisticated and aggressive styling

A custom designed XTR body kit transforms the standard D-Max exterior and enhances visual appeal. The dramatic front bumper guard, bonnet protector and headlight frames give XTR an arresting presence which continues around the truck. Imposing wheel arch extensions contribute to XTR’s assertive stance and, with the lozenge shaped insert, provide the first flash of vibrant green colour coding that is repeated throughout the pick-up. A rear bumper and tailgate spoiler complete the body kit which is Raptor coated in a durable black finish. Black door mirror covers and black door handles complement the body kit and tinted rear windows provide a dark aesthetic.

XTR side steps have an angular bar framework and lozenge shaped infill which acts as a drain point for mud, sand and snow. Designed to prevent rocks and stones damaging the bodywork, the durable textured black finish doesn’t show marks or scratches and provides extra grip to the step surface.

Exclusive to XTR, 6-spoke, satin black, 17” alloy wheels have a fluted, deep dish design and embossed XTR logo. A matching satin black centre cap has discreet dark grey font and particular attention to detail has been given to this unique alloy wheel as the centre cap text and XTR logo on the spoke are perfectly aligned when the tyre valve is positioned at the base of the wheel.

Available in Splash White, Titanium Silver Met, Obsidian Grey Mica and Cosmic Black Mica. This colour palette has been chosen to work with vibrant green colour coding that has been incorporated in select components of the suspension and brake system. The front coil spring and damper, front brake caliper, rear anti-roll bar and rear dampers offer a striking flash of colour that can be seen through the alloy wheel spokes and when travelling behind the truck, making it immediately identifiable as an XTR.

Refined interior

XTR heated front sports seats are upholstered in leather, suede and carbon fibre leather with contrast green overstitching on the side bolsters. Leather adds a touch of luxury to the headrest, lower seat base and upper seat back, which has been padded for additional back support. The ribbed central seat panel is covered in charcoal suede with shadow stitching to accentuate its contours. Suede not only offers comfort and sports sophistication but practical functionality as it provides extra grip and works in conjunction with the side bolsters to keep the driver in position. Carbon fibre leather has been applied to the side bolsters. This abrasion resistant, durable material has been chosen for its hard-wearing qualities in an area of the seat that withstands the most regular use. An XTR logo is embroidered on the back rest of each front seat and repeated on the rear centre headrest.

The D-shaped sports steering wheel has been moulded for comfort and grip. Trimmed in leather and suede with green overstitching, the steering wheel materials match the seats exactly. Leather side panels are practical and easy to clean on the areas you hold regularly and a convenient thumb rest is located next to the steering wheel controls. Upper and lower suede quarter sections contribute to the premium feel of the wheel and have been balanced carefully with the leather to optimise functionality. As a final indulgence, each bespoke XTR steering wheel is individually finished with green overstitching that is sewn on by hand.

In addition to the new features mentioned above, the Isuzu D-Max XTR retains its superior 3.5 tonne towing, outstanding 125,000 mile / 5-year warranty (whichever comes first) and 5-year roadside assistance in the UK and across Europe.

William Brown, Managing Director for Isuzu UK said: “The new Isuzu D-Max XTR is a unique and sophisticated pick-up with authentic off-road 4x4 capability. It fills a gap in the Isuzu D-Max range, allowing us broaden our brand appeal and complete the new adventure range.”