Isuzu ups D-Max range by $1000

THE cost of making Isuzu’s latest tech-rich D-Max has chewed into company coffers with Isuzu Ute Australia now raising the off-road pick-up’s prices by a modest $1000.

The decision – not taken lightly according to IUA sales and marketing boss Koichiro Yoshida – means the range now opens from $33,200 plus on-road costs for the single cab-chassis 4x2 manual and tops out at $63,900 for the dual-cab 4x4 X-Terrain automatic. 

IUA is still advertising drive-away pricing on the SX single cab-chassis at $29,990 and the X-Terrain at $59,990 with the price changes being applied to all orders as of April 1.

Prices across the board are still competitive when compared to the D-Max’s rivals like the Toyota HiLux diesels which that start at $28,830 for the single cab-chassis 4x2 Workmate manual and go through to the $69,990 Hilux Rugged X. 

The Ford Ranger pricing meanwhile starts at $29,190 and climbs up to $77,190 for the flagship Raptor.

The third-generation D-Max was launched in September, complete with a high level of in-cab tech and safety gear including AEB.

In a statement, Mr Yoshida said: “IUA has not taken the decision to increase pricing lightly and has deeply considered all options”.

“But, in lieu of increasing costs associated with the 21MY Isuzu D-Max, we see no option but to implement this price increase.”

The D-Max range is comprised of four grades: the entry-level SX, mid-range LS-M and LS-U, and X-Terrain with single, extra and dual-cab body styles available with 4x2 or 4x4 drive configurations.

The single powertrain is a 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine linked to either a six-speed manual or six-speed torque-converter automatic.