- Responsive 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine
- Spacious cabin
- Seats lack support
- Manual transmission has vague shift action
- Competitors have quieter, better-insulated cabins
- Cheap interior plastics
Overview
Released in October 2008, the Isuzu RA D-Max cab chassis was initially available in single and Crew cab bodies, with a Space cab following in September 2009. Manufactured by Isuzu in Thailand, the D-Max was mechanically identical to the Holden RA Rodeo that Holden replaced with the similar Colorado in 2008.
All D-Max cab chassis models were powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The RA D-Max cab chassis had a ladder-type chassis and all models had torsion bar front suspension and leaf springs at the rear. The four-wheel drive system utilised an electronically-controlled transfer case which could be engaged ‘on the fly’ via a dashboard button, which also provided selection of high and low range gearing. A limited slip differential was standard on all four-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive models.
| Cab | Variant | Drive | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single cab | SX | RWD, 4WD |
3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp man. | 120 kW at 3600 rpm | 360 Nm at 1800-2800 rpm |
| EX | 4WD | 3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp man. | 120 kW at 3600 rpm | 360 Nm at 1800-2800 rpm | |
| Space (extended) cab | SX | 4WD | 3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp man. | 120 kW at 3600 rpm | 360 Nm at 1800-2800 rpm |
| Crew cab | SX | 4WD | 3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp man. | 120 kW at 3600 rpm | 360 Nm at 1800-2800 rpm |
Safety equipment
Initially, the EX variant was not equipped with any airbags; dual front airbags, however, were fitted as standard from July 2009. Standard safety equipment for the SX included dual front airbags, ABS and electronic brake force distribution.
ANCAP crash testing
Results from crash tests conduced by ANCAP of the Holden RA Rodeo were applied to the Isuzu RA D-Max since they were essentially the same vehicle. In ANCAP crash testing, a 2004 Holden RA Rodeo LX rear-wheel drive single cab model – equipped with dual front airbags – received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 23.51 out of 37. In the offset crash test, the Rodeo received a score of 7.51 out of 16, with poor protection from serious chest injury. As a result, a three-star rating was the maximum the Rodeo could achieve and a default score of 16 out of 16 was awarded in the side impact crash test.
Subsequently, a 2006 Holden RA Rodeo four-wheel drive crew cab – equipped with dual front airbags – received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 21.4 out of 37. In the offset crash test, the Rodeo received a score of 5.4 out of 16, providing poor protection from serious chest injury. As before, a default score of 16 out of 16 was awarded in the side impact crash test.
Features
Standard features for the D-Max EX included a two speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, remote central locking, 12 volt power outlet and immobiliser.
The D-Max SX was further equipped with power windows, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and remote entry. The dual cab models, however, had a four speaker sound system and flat folding rear seats.
From May 2010, the Space cab models were fitted with two additional jump seats in the rear, increasing seating capacity from two to four; under each seat base there was a box with a load platform and small tool storage racks.
2011 D-Max Farm Mate
In January 2011, limited-run ‘Farm Mate’ editions were released of the single cab EX and extended cab SX variants. The Farm Mate edition was fitted with a fully galvanized steel dropside tray with chequer-plate floor, tubular headboard and stirrups, tail-light guards, rear cab window mesh guard, a tow bar kit and black steel bull bar. Inside, the Farm Mate editions also featured Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity.
Related links
