Isuzu Ute has nailed the ‘Best Value 1-Tonne Ute’ nomination with its remarkably priced and feature-laden D-MAX Limited Edition II.
Australians love Isuzu utes and the brand’s popularity rides on the back of its extensive reputation for value, reliability and toughness – three critical considerations for commercial and private ute buyers.
The Isuzu D-MAX Limited Edition II celebrates the second anniversary of Isuzu’s switch to direct distribution of its ute range in this market. For Isuzu Ute Australia, the strength of its products has allowed the company to deliver steady sales growth in the last 24 months – despite kicking-off local operations at the height of the Global Financial Crisis.
So for 1-tonne ute buyers looking for a sharp vehicle at a value-for-money price, the instructions are simple: with just 180 units of the Isuzu D-MAX Limited Edition II heading to our shores, best to quickly scamper to your nearest Isuzu Ute dealer. Speaking of dealers – such is the success of Isuzu utes in Australia, the company currently has 65 dealers covering metropolitan and rural markets, but according to Managing Director, Mr Hitoshi Kono, that number will grow to 80 within the next few months.
ISUZU UTE D-MAX LEII OVERVIEW
Based on the range-topping Isuzu D-MAX LS-U Crew Cab 4X4, the Limited Edition II version scores $9,000 worth of extra kit – including some beaut Kenwood electronic goodies and full Italian leather seats – but the retails from just $5,000 more than the regular D-MAX LS-U. That means a starting price for the Isuzu D-MAX Limited Edition II of just $47,300.
Included standard in the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U specifications are air-conditioning, ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD, rear limited-slip differential, a rubber tub floor mat, state-of-the-art electro-luminescent instruments and cruise control.
ISUZU UTE D-MAX LEII ENGINE
No changes under the bonnet - Isuzu Ute D-MAX is powered by Isuzu’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine a contemporary common rail high pressure direct injection design with an aluminium alloy cylinder head and variable geometry for the intercooled turbocharger.
Maximum power is 120kW at 3600 rpm and peak torque is 360Nm for the five-speed manual or 333Nm in the four-speed automatic.
ISUZU UTE D-MAX LEII INTERIOR
Car Showroom reckons the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U presents one of the best interiors in the 1-tonne ute segment. In crew cab form the rear seat provides surprisingly spacious accommodation and there are lots of clever features and storage places – appreciated by both commercial and private ute buyers.
Isuzu D-MAX Limited Edition II adds a staggering list of extras for the interior.
That list is highlighted by a Kenwood touch screen entertainment system with Garmin satellite navigation and Kenwood reversing camera. The system comes with DFS (Detachable Face Security) and connectivity for DVD, USB, iPod/iPhone and Bluetooth with sound via the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U’s six speakers.
The interior of the Isuzu D-MAX Limited Edition II also scores polished aluminium door sill scuff plates and custom carpet mats.
For an extra $2,400 your Isuzu D-MAX Limited Edition II can feature beautiful charcoal colour Italian leather for the seats, center console and door elbow rests. With contrasting silver stitching (including monogrammed fronts) the high quality seats exude the up-market smell you expect from nice leather.
ISUZU UTE D-MAX LEII EXTERIOR & STYLING
The modern, dynamic and muscular styling of the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U is a standout and confirms its ability to go just about anywhere.
For example the meaty wheel arch flares cover 16-inch alloy wheels with 16X7 245/70 tyres set-up for off-road work. And the high-riding stature is required to provide Isuzu D-MAX’s 225mm ground clearance.
Isuzu D-MAX Limited Edition II scores chrome nudge and safety bars (the later with an integrated sop light), a chrome bonnet protector, fog lights and a lockable hard tonneau cover. There are also very stylish body-colour side steps with brushed alloy inserts and rubber grip stipples.
Isuzu D-MAX Limited Edition Ii is available in two exterior colours – Lunar White and Solar Bronze (both pearl-mica paints).
