The new MY19 Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X have just launched, and brought with them very few changes. Despite more than a few spy images of the new mule getting around, it appears that we will have to wait at least until next year…
The new MY19 Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X have just launched, and brought with them very few changes. Despite more than a few spy images of the new mule getting around, it appears that we will have to wait at least until next year to see a new model. Isuzu have, however, added a few creature comforts and aesthetics to keep the D-MAX and MU-X relevant. It is good to know that the platform is unchanged, so it remains a tried and tested towing and four-wheel drive platform.
The new D-MAX features mostly aesthetic changes, with a set of new 18×7″ aluminium wheels, matte black centre caps, and wrapped in 255/60R18 Toyo Open Country highway terrain rubber. Side steps fitted to the LS-U and LS-T models are now a fibre-reinforced polymer, offering better protection and grip under-foot, compared with the aluminium option of old. The lower air-intake grille of the LS-M, LS-U and LS-T models are now matte black, and the roof rails and B-pillar feature black trim. To the interior for the D-MAX, passive entry and start system (push button start) is now available across all LS-T 4X4 and 4X2 models. As a new accessory, the D-MUX now has the option to have front park-assist sensors added, when in drive.
The new MU-X gets a few more interior trim upgrades, as well as some exterior. The MU-X also receives a set of new 18×7″ aluminium wheels, with gloss black centre cap, wrapped in 255/60R18 Bridgestone Dueler highway terrain tyres. The radiator grille styling has been changed up a touch, with the LS-M model being finished in grey, while the LS-U and LS-T feature chrome. To the interior, the LS-M, LS-U and LS-T models receive piano black interior door trims, indirect ambient lighting in the door trims (LS-T model), and a lighter slow speed steering re-calibration to the steering rack and ECM.
Accessories in the MU-X now include blind-spot monitoring, with the sensors added to the rear bumper, and the indicators affixed to the A-pillar. This also offers Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), which warns the driver of approaching objects (vehicles, bikes, people), well outside field of view, when parallel parked.
Across the range, warranty is now set at six years (150,000km), with six years roadside assist, and seven years capped price servicing (up to 105,000km). Servicing schedules are also out at 12 months/15,000km. Servicing is capped at $3600 over the seven-year/105,000km period.
As we said above, we were a little disappointed with the minimal changes in this year’s model, however we should have expected that. Plus we get to hold on to what has become a staple in the towing world for another year. The current model is now in its seventh year, chances are the designers and engineering teams are hard at work on the new model. Despite many questions directed to the Isuzu team at the launch, they would not be baited into offering up any information on a new model, or when it would launch, so for the moment, we have to go with spy pics, and doing the math.
There is also the new X-RUNNER model that adds some rather tasteful additions to the D-MAX, however it retains the H/T tyres, and is essentially a sticker/trim pack, but we’ll go further into this at a later date. So the undying question now becomes, do you jump on what could be the last of such a solid model, or do you wait until next year to see what happens? Let us know your thoughts on the new MY19 Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X below.
