In case you are confused, the range of one-tonne workhorse utes sold by Isuzu under the D-MAX banner is essentially the same as the Holdens once badged Rodeo, but now called Colorado.
This all came about after the end of Isuzu's relationship with Holden in 2006 and the subsequent denial by the now Mitsubishi-owned company of continuing rights for Holden to use the Rodeo name.
What we have today is a familiar phenomenon in the industry -- two manufacturers selling the same vehicle under different names.
Isuzu's presence as a stand-alone entity in Australia (Isuzu UTE Australia, or IUA) came in October 2008 with the roll-out of the Thai-built D-MAX workhorse range comprising an ultra price-competitive range of single and four-door crew-cab workhorses in cab-chassis or ute configuration with the choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
One engine was, and remains, on offer: a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel developing 120kW and 360Nm, and driving through a four-speed automatic (on high-spec versions) or a five-speed manual transmission.
Now Isuzu has expanded its range with a new, dual-range 4WD cab-chassis only SX Space Cab version offering more load space than crew cab variants, as well as a more spacious two-passenger, two-door cab with plenty of weatherproof space behind the seats for storage of vulnerable equipment.
The new D-MAX Space Cab is equipped with a limited-slip rear differential, ABS, dual airbags, MP3 compatible CD audio, power windows and air-conditioning.
Average fuel consumption for the new Space Cab variant is quoted at 8.1L/100km.
Recommended retail price, in base cab-chassis form prior to on-road costs, is $35,800. Isuzu UTE says the price increase of $2200 over single-cab D-MAX variants is significantly less than competitors.
Isuzu UTE currently has 62 dealers around the country, plus eight authorised satellite outlets, with 12 new dealer outlets "planned for the near future." Year to date, the company has sold more than 2100 D-MAX one-tonners in Australia.
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