Almost three years after launching the D-Max one-tonne ute in this country, there is a changing of the guard at the top of Isuzu Ute Australia, with founding managing director Hitoshi Kono heading back to Tokyo. Replacement Yasuhiro ‘Yasu’ Takeuchi, 43, has ridden into the top job on the back of a high-spec D-Max Limited Edition III 4x4 crew cab. Based on the top-of-the-range D-Max LS-U 4x4, the LE III comes with $8000 of unique features for its $45,500 starting price.
With the characteristic D-Max broad-shouldered stance, the chrome egg-crate grille is crowned by a similar finished bonnet protector strip and twin bonnet racing stripes, which are removable for those wanting a subtler appearance. Beneath is a broad front bumper over-rider in silver and chrome incorporating fog lamps in frosted chrome bezels. Custom striping and Limited Edition III decals decorate the upper flanks.
Slim-line steps carry brushed alloy inserts with rubber stipple, while alloy wheels have machined spokes and rim contrasting with gunmetal inners. The tub is bridged by a single-hoop chrome sports bar with integrated brake light and is lined, leaving access to tie-down hooks. Tail lamps are trimmed in chrome and a rear-view camera peeks out atop the number plate. Images are transmitted to a unique-to LE III in-dash touch-screen hooked up to Garmin sat nav system and DVD. USB and iPod/iPhone and Bluetooth connectivity, plus advanced audio, can be played through six speakers.
Seats are wrapped in leather and have ventilation perforations in centre panels and D-Max embossed on the front backrests, while front carpet mats are monogrammed for a touch of added prestige. Air-con is standard, power fold-in mirrors include turn indicators, electric windows have one-touch driver’s side up/down function. Cruise control is factory fitted and safety is in the hands of ABS anti-skid braking with emergency brake force distribution, plus dual airbags. LE III rides on an elevated suspension, giving 225mm ground clearance, and there’s an ultra-low low-range first gear with anti-stall function. Underneath is well protected by heavy steel plate guards for sump, transfer case and fuel tank leading edge.
Wide-track 16 in x 7 in wheels are wrapped in 245/70 All-Terrain tyres and framed by flared wheel arches. Push-button dash controls select 2WD/4WD/low range and there’s shift-on-the-fly high 2WD to 4WD up to 100km/h. The 3 litre turbo-diesel engine, mated with manual or auto transmission, is shared with Isuzu’s 2-tonners and gives the LE III high-torque low-stress 3 tonne towing capacity. Hitoshi Kono is leaving Isuzu Ute Australia in good shape with more than 80 dealers around Australia, selling more than 12,500 D-Max utes since the get-go, and burgeoning fleet and government business, including the Australian Defence Force, Queensland Police Service and QFleet.
New boss ‘Yasu’ Takeuchi holds a masters degree in aeronautics from Tokyo University Graduate School of Engineering and held positions in Mitsubishi Corporation Electronic Systems and Integrated Defence Systems working on aircraft, airborne equipment and defence related matters. As a strategy and planning leader since 2009, he was heavily involved in Isuzu’s facilities in Thailand where the D-Max, among almost all Japanese-designed utes, is built. |
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