Isuzu reveals uprated D-Max XTR pick-up

New truck is designed to be more comfortable on the road and more capable off it.

02 May 2019 at 09:20

Isuzu has created a new version of its popular D-Max pick-up truck that’s designed to offer consumers the perfect balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability.

Dubbed the XTR, the newcomer features bespoke suspension, as well as a model-specific bodykit and extra on-board equipment. Available to order now with prices starting from just under £34,000, the first vehicles are expected to arrive in dealerships later this year.

The XTR models, which slot in among those at the top of the D-Max range, are set apart by their chunky black cladding, which includes a bumper guard and wheel arch extensions. There are beefy side steps, too, while the door mirror covers are black and the windows are tinted to complete the imposing look. As a final flourish, flashes of green are dotted around on the wheel arches and the brake callipers, which hide behind 17-inch black alloy wheels and huge Pirelli Scorpion all-terrain tyres.

Inside, the theme continues, with sports seats wrapped in black leather and suede, with green contrast stitching and an embroidered XTR logo. Even the steering wheel has the green stitching, to hammer home the XTR’s elevated status. More colour comes in the shape of the seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which includes Bluetooth phone connectivity and a reversing camera, while customers also benefit from manual air conditioning, heated seats and USB ports front and rear.

But the most important - and perhaps most impressive - aspect of the XTR’s specifications is the off-road equipment. Along with the massive tyres, the XTR gets raised Pedders suspension, giving it a total of 250 mm of ground clearance. That makes it even more capable of traversing rough terrain, but Isuzu says the new set-up also makes it more competent on the road, improving ride and refinement. Other tweaks include new performance front brakes, which have been tuned to improve stopping power, as well as provide a more consistent feel for the driver.

All this is expected to come alongside the D-Max’s standard 1.9-litre diesel engine. Producing 162 bhp, the engine helps the pick-up truck offer a maximum towing weight of 3.5 tonnes. Isuzu hasn’t announced official fuel consumption or emissions figures yet, but the XTR is expected to offer something in the region of 35-40 mpg when fitted with the automatic transmission seen in these images.

William Brown, the managing director of Isuzu’s UK operations, 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.”