Isuzu Ute adds 4x2 variants to D-Max, MU-X

ISUZU Ute Australia has expanded its D-Max ute and MU-X SUV range with new 4x2 variants in a bid to keep sales of the increasingly popular Japanese brand ticking along.

The D-Max is now offered as a 4x2 SX Space Cab Ute High-Ride variant priced from $34,300 plus on-road costs, while a 4x2 SX Crew Cab Chassis High-Ride is also available, from $36,100.

Both variants are fitted only with a five-speed automatic transmission, combined with the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine in service across the range.

The same combination applies on the latest 4x2 variant of the MU-X, which applies to the high-series LS-T grade and is priced from $46,700 plus on-roads.

For a limited time, driveaway pricing is available on the D-Max 4x2 Space Cab Ute ($31,990) and the MU-X 4x2 LS-T ($43,990).

The company said in a statement that it was “keen to maintain its status as the fastest-growing brand in the one-tonne ute segment, and regards the new 4x2 D-Max variants another resource to increase its market share in arguably Australia’s most competitive automotive segment”.

To the end of September, Isuzu Ute had picked up 2382 4x2 D-Max sales (up 107 per cent) – the result of resurgence in both fleet and private buyer purchases, according to the company – from a total of 10,654 D-Max registrations over the period.

With the new 4x2 versions, 25 variants of the D-Max are now on the market.

Sales of the MU-X, meanwhile, were up 39 per cent to 4698 units, taking Isuzu Ute’s overall year-to-date total to 15,352 units (up 31 per cent). VFACTS figures for October are due out on Thursday.