According to Headlight Magazine, the Thai-spec D-Max will receive minor changes to the front and rear ends, a new selection of colours and upgraded safety equipment when it touches down next month.
No changes are expected to take place underneath the bonnet where the 1.9-litre BluePower turbodiesel will continue to produce 110 kW and 350 Nm of torque, and the stalwart 3.0-litre D-TEQ 130 kW and 380 Nm. A six-speed manual is standard on the former and a five-speed on the latter, while both can optionally be had with a six-speed automatic.
The biggest rumour though is that the latter engine could be replaced in May next year by an alleged 2.4-litre unit, likely to produce more power and torque. Isuzu has so far remained silent on the existence of the engine or when an all-new D-Max will come to market.
Earlier this month, Isuzu South Africa updated the KB range with the addition of a four-wheel drive version of the previous two-wheel drive-only KB X-Rider, again powered by the popular 2.5-litre D-TEQ turbodiesel motor punching out 100 kW and 320 Nm of torque.
The MU-X question
Elsewhere, speculation has also continued to mount on whether the marque will now see it fit to bring the MU-X to market as a replacement for the soon-to-be-discontinued Chevrolet TrailBlazer.
The segment leader in Australia with sales on a monthly basis regularly topping those of the Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner despite it having less power, lacking some modern comfort and safety equipment in addition to a still obvious D-Max-derived interior, the MU-X nevertheless offers seating for seven and comes equipped with items such as a seven or eight-inch touchscreen display with satellite navigation and Bluetooth, keyless go, a choice of 16-or 18-inch alloy wheels, projector-type Bi-LED headlights and a 10-inch flip-down monitor on top spec models.
Aside from the aforementioned 1.9-litre mill also being available in a number of Asian markets, the Aussie-spec MU-X comes powered by an upgraded version of the D-Max's 3.0-litre oil-burner, which continues to produce 130 kW but with torque lifted to 430 Nm. Transmissions consist of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.
With General Motors soon to depart South Africa and Isuzu taking control of its local operations, rumour has it that the MU-X could possibly arrive sometime next year.
