The head of Isuzu Motors South Africa says the facelifted D-Max bakkie and a “sexier” version of the MU-X adventure SUV will be introduced within the next 12 months…
Billy Tom, Isuzu Motors South Africa’s CEO and Managing Director, says the local market will see the introduction of the facelifted D-Max and a “sexier” version of the MU-X within the next year.
Speaking during an interview conducted in Cars.co.za’s custom-built podcast booth at Naamsa’s recent South African Auto Week 2024 in Cape Town, Tom suggested the D-Max – produced for the local market at Isuzu’s Struandale plant in the Eastern Cape – would benefit from a refresh in 2025, as would the imported MU-X.
“In the next 12 months, we will be doing a mid-cycle announcement on the D-Max, where we will do a facelift. On the MU-X, also – I mean, there is a new, sexier MU-X. Watch this space,” said Tom, who also serves as President of Naamsa.
Of course, the facelifted D-Max was revealed in Thailand back in October 2023, billed as a “significantly improved” version of the Japanese bakkie (which remains SA’s 3rd most popular bakkie, behind the likewise locally built Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger), complete with revised styling, an updated interior and various added features.
As a reminder, though the RG-generation D-Max launched in South Africa in April 2022 – with production finally commencing at Struandale after a lengthy delay at least partially attributed to the global pandemic – this model has been available in markets such as Thailand (where it is also built) since late in 2019.
The Thai-spec version of the facelifted D-Max gains revised styling up front, including a “power bulge” for the bonnet and a “higher and wider” grille. The headlamps have been redesigned and now feature a new lighting signature, while the taillights gain a 3-level “L-shaped” motif courtesy of LED tubes. New 18-inch alloy wheels debut as well.
Inside, the instrument cluster has been revised (and enlarged to a diameter of 7 inches), while Isuzu claims the infotainment display features “greater user-friendliness” than before thanks to an updated interface and the addition of a physical volume dial (as opposed to buttons).
No changes have been made to the powertrain, so high-spec D-Max derivatives still employ a 3.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine generating 140 kW and 450 Nm. For the record, the pre-facelift D-Max still manufactured locally is also available with a 1.9-litre oil-burner, which offers 110 kW and 350 Nm. Transmission options on both engines comprise a 6-speed manual gearbox or an automatic with the same number of cogs.
What about the updated MU-X? Well, the facelifted version of the 7-seater adventure SUV was unveiled in Thailand – the country from which Isuzu Motors SA imports this product – in June 2024, complete with a bold new RS flagship derivative. From what we understand, this RS version is the “sexier” MU-X to which Tom was referring, though it may well end up wearing a different badge in Mzansi.
Exterior styling changes for the refreshed MU-X are led by an aggressive new front-end design, complete with revised headlamps, a sporty front bumper and an updated grille. The taillamps, meanwhile, gain a new lighting signature and are now connected by a full-width trim piece, while fresh alloy-wheel designs have been rolled out, too.
The top-spec RS grade gains a model-specific grille design as well as black finishes for items such as the wheel-arch extensions, side-mirror caps, roof and 20-inch alloys. Of course, there’s also the requisite smattering of “RS” badges, which have been applied to the grille, front fenders and tailgate.
Look out for more details – hopefully including more specific timelines – once we’ve crossed into 2025…
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