In Pakistan Hilux has been a very victorious vehicle in its class and has been doing extremely well for many years in our market. Now on the other hand, even the Hilux is about to see some competition as several automakers are eager to tap this segment, thanks to the Auto Policy 2016-21.
Like Toyota Hilux, the Isuzu D-Max is a really styled vehicle carrying bold, masculine features and a solid road charisma. Dimensionally its quite similar to the Hilux too having a bigger wheelbase of 3095mm (Hilux 3085mm). The D-MAX is somewhat wider with 1860mm (Hilux 1855mm) and slightly shorter in height 1795 mm (Hilux 1815mm) and length 5295mm (Hilux 5335mm).Additionally the exterior the D-MAX also presents a very notable interior.
Isuzu D-MAX in Pakistan
D-MAX in Pakistan will be obtainable in 2 engine and multiple body and trim configurations. Together both the engines will be diesel powered units counting a 2.5 liter 4JK1-TC TCX and 3.0 liter 4JJ1-TCX. Both the engine have very decent torque figures at 320 Nm and 360 Nm correspondingly.
The Isuzu D-MAX will be obtainable in single and double cabin and standard and premium trim options obtainable with manual plus automatic transmission and will supposedly offer more than the Toyota Hilux and the flagship Revo version.
The D-MAX will be accessible with Push-start, Airbags, Traction control with ESC, Projector headlamps with LED DRLs, Isuzu premium infotainment system with 8-inch screen and 8 speakers, and will offer high value 4×4 accessories counting the bull bar etc. GIL will formally launch the Isuzu D-MAX in Pakistan in April 2018.
The first batch of these pickups will be imported whereas the company will be selling the D-MAX at a discounted price at the beginning with the intention of capturing greater market share which will be a good move. Official prices are yet to be announced but bearing in mind the ongoing Rupee devaluation against Dollar, car & fuel prices in Pakistan are likely to go up. Though GIL will price the D-MAX below or around the Toyota Hilux.
The Isuzu MU-X
Alike the Toyota Fortuner, which is a 3-row 7-seat vehicle rooted in the Hilux platform, the Isuzu’s answer to Fortuner is MU-X, which is a three-row seven-seat version of the D-MAX. Even though it’s too early to put forward anything at this stage, the achievement of D-MAX in Pakistan may open doors for the MU-X and perhaps that’s the cause why Indus Motors is working on to setting up the diesel version of the Fortuner in 2018.
The Isuzu D-MAX looks a promising choice and has got all the potential to overthrow the Hilux, only time will tell if that’s in fact going to be the case. If GIL can guarantee proper sales & after sales support then the D-MAX will make some serious difficulty for the Toyota Hilux in Pakistan.
Stay tuned to Autodeals.Pk for more information on the Isuzu D-MAX in Pakistan.
