Isuzu D-Max

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Isuzu D-Max
Manufacturer	Isuzu General Motors Chile General Motors del Ecuador General Motors Colmotores
Also called	Chevrolet Colorado Chevrolet D-Max Chevrolet LUV D-Max Holden Colorado Holden Rodeo Isuzu KB (South Africa)
Production	2002–present
Assembly	Arica, Chile Bogotá, Colombia Quito, Ecuador Rayong, Thailand
Predecessor	Isuzu TF
Class	Mid-size pickup truck
Engine(s)	TDi ITEQ 4JK1-TC 2.5L common rail diesel 116 PS (114 hp/85 kW), DDi ITEQ 4JJ1-TC 3.0L common rail diesel Turbo Intercooler 146 PS (144 hp/107 kW), TDi ITEQ 4JJ1-TCX 3.0L common rail diesel VGS Turbo Intercooler 163 PS (161 hp/120 kW)
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	3050 mm (120.1 in)
Length	4980 mm (196.1 in)
Width	1800 mm (70.9 in)
Height	1735 mm (68.3 in)
Curb weight	1850 kg (4079 lb)
Related	Chevrolet Colorado Isuzu MU-7 Isuzu i-Series

Isuzu D-Max is a pickup truck made by Isuzu. It shares the same platform with several General Motors (GM) mid-size trucks in the United States. These being the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Isuzu i-Series. The Chevrolet Colorado name is also applied to a rebadged version of the D-Max in Thailand, although not identical to the American version. The original D-Max is sold alongside the Chevrolet Colorado in the Thai market where they are both built. In Australasia between 2003 and 2008, the D-Max was marketed as the Holden Rodeo, but has since been relaunched as the Holden Colorado.

Contents 1 Market 1.1 Australasia 1.2 Chile 1.3 Thailand 1.3.1 Chevrolet Colorado 1.3.2 Isuzu MU-7 1.3.3 Special Editions 2 References

[edit] Market

[edit] Australasia

In Australia and New Zealand, the D-Max was sold as the third generation (RA) Holden Rodeo between 2003–2008, before being facelifted into the form of the Holden Colorado. This was a result of the GM-Isuzu split resulting in GM losing the right to use the "Rodeo" name.^[1] As with Rodeo, the power will be provided by both the 3.6 litre Alloytec petrol engine or a diesel powerplant. It is available as either two- or four-wheel drive and in a range of bodystyles including single cab, space cab and crew cab.^[2]

[edit] Chile

Julie Beamer, director of GM Chile announced on March 5, 2008 to their workers of the only remaining automobile factory in Chile would close on July 31.^[3][4] To that day, the only product currently on production on that factory was the Chevrolet D-Max. The news came little after Hugo Chávez reduced the import quota for cars in Venezuela, the main export market of Chilean-made Chevrolet D-Max,^[5] but GM Chile said on its official statement that the reason behind the end of production in Arica were the lack of favourable conditions for vehicle manufacturing in Chile, and the stiff competition from many other carmakers and countries on Chile's car market.^[6]

[edit] Thailand

In 2002, the D-Max was took place for world premiere in Thailand while also closed down the assembly plant for pickup trucks in Japan and moved to there. Available in various models. The Spark (single cab) available only as 4x2, 3 grades, long bed and cab chassis. While SpaceCabs (extended cab) and Cab4's (crew cab) can be divided in 2 drivetrain choices: standard height 4x2 (SL, SX, SLX) and 4x4 (S and LS) with Rodeo name instead of SpaceCab while crew cab in same Cab4 name (Cab4 models became available later in last quarter). All were built and sold alongside the almost identical Chevrolet Colorado which was debut in late first quarter of 2004.

Engine choices for that year till end of third quarter of 2004 derived from its very predecessor: 4JH1-T 3.0 and 4JA1-T 2.5.

Hi-Lander 3.0 (lifted 4x2) became available in around late 2003. Ground clearance equals the 4x4 models. Just 2 cabstyles to choose between. And that makes Isuzu to become third manufacturer in Thailand which began to sell lifted 4x2 pickups after Toyota and Ford.

October 2004, Isuzu introduces DDi iTEQ diesel common-rail engine for D-Max. The first one as introduced is 3.0 4JJ1-TC 146ps (But since that, led to change the front end to be appropriated to the engine as well).

First quarter of 2005, 2.5 4JK1-TC 116ps, the second DDi iTEQ engine was introduced as economical choice to end the predecessor engine's time (4JA1-T still available in that year for last year). Meanwhile, many models fiited with new front bumper with instant spoiler (underneath); 4x4 models and Hi-Lander raised the body up for more 25 millimetres.

In third quarter of 2006, D-Max gets minor redesigned and also with introduction of the third DDi iTEQ engine: 3.0 4JJ1-TCX (or a modified 4JJ1-TC) with Variable Geometry (VGS) Turbo. And that was led to new transmission choices to negotiate that as well: MUA5H 5-Speed manual and MaxMatic-III automatic transmission. All models with Xenon headlamps changed to Projector headlamps instead. Along with new Hexapod-plot interior. Other DDi iTEQ engines were also retooled a little bit.

In 2007, Isuzu celebrates its 50th annversary year for its long run activities in Thailand, with Gold Series models as the 2008 model year. For Isuzu D-Max and MU-7 entirely models. Only this model year, every model will get the Gold Isuzu badge at the front side, while features for each models still in differences. All SLX, Hi-Lander and LS 4x4 featured gold Isuzu bagdes in 3 points total: front badge, rear badge, on steering wheel with gold ring. Every 4x4 S models were dropped. The Hi-Lander Cab4 model with VGS Turbo engine become available for the first time. The 4x4 models get new front bumper with chrome rims. And additional 3 new exterior colors, but to the selected models. Also expanded the choice of 2.5 engine for LS 4x4 and Hi-Lander models.

Middle of first quarter of 2008, Rodeo LS and Hi-Lander SpaceCab also fitted with 3.0 VGS Turbo engine, to fill the gaps in lineup of course.

[edit] Chevrolet Colorado

The Thai-market Colorado is smaller than the North American model of the same name and almost unrelated. In late January 2006, Chevrolet introduced a G-80 differential lock system as optional for most Colorado trim levels. This feature is not available on the D-Max. The Thai-market Colorado received a minor redesign in late 2007.

[edit] Isuzu MU-7

The Isuzu MU-7 is a PPV based on the Isuzu D-Max chassis and offers a seven-seat arrangement. Basically, the MU-7 has the same face as the D-Max but with difference exclusively. It is only available in Thailand and the Philippines. In the Philippines this model is called the Isuzu Alterra.

Since early launch, the choices are 4x2 and 4x4. All come with one engine: the 3.0 4JJ1-TC DDi iTEQ engine.

Since late third quarter of 2006, MU-7 separated the range of models as Primo (4x2) and Activo (4x4). With new 3.0 4JJ1-TCX DDi iTEQ and new transmissions for that engine of course: MUA5H 5 speed manual and MaxMatic-III automatic transmission. Also new interior, console with wooden decoration and best seat upholstery of course.

And as for the Gold Series scheme as D-Max, both MU-7 Primo and Activo also get gold Isuzu badges in 3 points, new entertainment system along with reverse assist system with camera from Kenwood or can also add the navigation system for optional extra (optional since early 2008). Also added the additional new low cost 4x2 model, the S with DDI ITEQ 3.0 litre (146 PS), priced below Primo.

[edit] Special Editions

Every year since late 2005 until now, there are several special D-Max & MU-7 models. Available exclusively only for period of Thailand's 2 large auto shows. They were all unique yet never same in each event.

[edit] References