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Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) has introduced special edition D-Max 4WD cab-chassis models called the Farm Mate. Available only to ABN holders, the D-Max Farm Mate pack has accessories that normally cost about $5000 fitted as standard.
The D-Max Farm Mate single-cab has a recommended retail price of $33,990, the space-cab is $39,490. In both cases these prices include all on-road costs.
Isuzu D-Max Farm Mate comes with a fully galvanised steel-bodied dropside tray body with a tubular headboard and stirrups, a cab rear window mesh guard, chequer-plate floor and taillight guards. Frontal protection is provided by a powder-coated in black steel bullbar.
A towbar kit consisting of a square-section removable tongue, tow ball, D-shackles and wiring to a seven-pin flat plug.
Communication for the hard-working driver is provided by Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity.
Both Isuzu Farm Mates have air-conditioning, a CD/FM/AM MP3 audio system and dual front airbags. The space-cab also has ABS with EBD (the later switches off on steep loose surface slopes to allow wheel lock-up), front bucket seats, power windows, cruise control, and a rear window demister.
Though the Isuzu D-Max has only been on sale in Australia for a bit over two years it has a strong heritage overseas where it’s one of the world’s big operators in the cab-chassis and pickup fields. The Isuzu D-Max is a close relation to the Holden Colorado and Rodeo, both of which are built by Isuzu but sold in this country with Holden badges.
Isuzu Farm Mate uses the same 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine as in the rest of the D-Max range. An under-stressed unit, it produces up to 360 Nm of torque and has a fuel consumption rating of only 8.1 litres per hundred kilometres when measured on the ADR 81/02 combined cycle.
The Isuzu D-Max has the longest endorsed tray load floor length from cab to axle among conventional-cab one-tonners. This results in improved loaded stability and safety. The chassis has a longer wheelbase in cab/chassis models than in its ute models - at 3200mm it’s the longest in the class.
In space-cab format the Farm Mate has twin rear jump seats with multiple folding modes. Under the seat squabs is a box with a flat load platform lid under which is a segmented small tool storage area. These boxes can flip forward and fill the rear foot-well recesses. The flat backs sit level with the transmission tunnel to present a near flat load platform.
Isuzu Ute Australia is calling its Farm Mate models ‘limited editions’, but says it will import more than the planned 100 if demand exceeds supply. Nevertheless, it might be best to play it safe and get into your local dealer in case these value-for-money models sell out before you can grab yours.
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