Isuzu UTE launch 4X2 SX Cab Chassis

Isuzu UTE Australia (IUA) has introduced the updated 2022 (22MY) D-MAX SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2, available from January 2022, priced from just $29,990 drive away.

Available with the new RZ4E-TC 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine, the SX Single Cab Chassis is set to be the pragmatic choice of tradesmen, commercial operators and fleet drivers that prioritise maximum payload capacity, fuel efficiency and low operating costs.

“Born out of necessity, the humble tray-back utility has been the driving force across Australian farms and worksites for decades and we are proud to have been part of that,” said Isuzu UTE Australia Managing Director, Hiroyasu Sato.

“Our updated SX Single Cab Chassis ushers in a new turbo-diesel engine option that is engineered to maximise efficiency and mileage, all bundled up with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance technologies as standard across the entire range.”

SAFETY

Just like the rest of the D-MAX range, the SX Single Cab Chassis has been awarded with the maximum 5-star ANCAP safety rating, due in part to the advanced suite of driver safety and assistance technologies as part of Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS). Headlining the list of standard IDAS technologies with motorist, pedestrian and cyclist detection is Autonomous Emergency Braking with Turn Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, 8-airbags including a knee and centre-airbag (far-side airbag) and many more potentially life-saving features. As part of the IDAS suite, all 22MY D-MAX feature the new Lane Support System Switch, located on the steering wheel. This allows the driver the ability to toggle all Lane Support Systems—Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, and Emergency Lane Keeping—on-or-off, by pressing and holding the switch for two seconds.

DESIGN AND EQUIPMENT

Built to last, with a hardy wipe-down vinyl floor and hardwearing surfaces throughout the cabin’s main touch points, the updated D-MAX SX Single Cab Chassis is as utilitarian as they come, but still features the same high-level of standardised equipment as the rest of the SX range. The use of hardwearing materials continues throughout the cabin, with the gear selector and steering wheel—equipped with reach and rake adjustment to optimise the driver’s position and comfort—both trimmed in durable urethane. Commanding the centre dashboard is a 7-inch high-definition infotainment system, featuring voice recognition, DAB+ radio, and the latest in smartphone mirroring with wired Android Auto™ and wired or wireless Apple CarPlay®—allowing the driver a full hands-free experience whilst on the road. Large air-conditioning air vents flank the infotainment touchscreen with the outer air vents both featuring the famed pop-out cup holders that have become synonymous with Isuzu vehicles.

POWERTRAIN OPTIONS – 1.9L RZ4E-TC and 3.0L 4JJ3-TCX

With fit for purpose and customer usage in mind, IUA has made two turbo-diesel engine options available for the SX Single Cab Chassis, providing a solution for customer’s needs whether it be supreme fuel efficiency and lower cost of ownership or maximum torque for towing. Evolving from Isuzu’s proven 4J-series 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, the RZ4E-TC 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine has earned its stripes in overseas markets for its robust nature and lower operating costs.

With 110kW of power at 3,600pm and 350Nm of torque between 1,800-2,600rpm, the RZ4E-TC generates the maximum 350Nm of torque output across close to a quarter (26.6%) of its available torque band. Impressively, 85.7% of the maximum torque output (300Nm) is available across 71.6% of the torque band—from only 1,550rpm through to 3,700rpm—delivering strong midrange torque across a 2,150rpm range in the middle of the torque band. The result is a linear delivery of torque across the entire rev-range and strong midrange response, which aids in both drivability and performance, particularly when carrying or towing a load.

Like the old saying goes, “good things come in small packages,” and with an 80mm x 94.4mm bore and stroke, the 1,898cc RZ4E-TC punches well above its weight. Utilising a cast-iron upper-block, aluminium lower-block (crankcase), and special patented aluminium alloy head combination, the 1.9-litre oiler features a relatively low 15.9:1 compression ratio, for engine lifespan longevity. The valve-train features double overhead camshafts (DOHC) with each cam lobe treated to induction hardening for durability, with roller bearing rocker arms actuating the 16 valves that feature an automatic hydraulic lash adjuster that maintains the optimal valve clearance at all times—meaning less maintenance and lower cost of ownership. Adding an extra layer of durability and longevity to the engine, each cylinder bore is treated and strengthened with Isuzu’s induction-hardened melt-in liner—which significantly improves strength and friction for longevity and efficiency, without the need of an additional heavy steel bore liner. Each lightweight aluminium piston features a tapered internal design for strength without excess mass, an optimised combustion chamber for efficient air-and-fuel combustion and internal cooling passages for heat dissipation, longevity and lubricity. An offset gudgeon pin design also aids in lowering engine noise, with each piston treated with a low-friction coating for durability and better thermal management. The carbon steel crankshaft is soft nitriding treated for durability and strength, while each connecting rod bearing and crankshaft bearing are constructed with a special patented aluminium alloy for longevity. Keeping the pistons, crankshaft and valve-train in time is a robust steel timing chain, which is maintenance-free resulting in lower ownership costs.

To generate power and torque, the engine requires efficient combustion of fuel, air and ignition. Fuel delivery is precisely controlled by a DENSO high-pressure direct injection fuel system. The latest DENSO HP5S fuel pump—the same pump that is used by the 4JJ3-TCX—pressurises diesel fuel to over 250MPa, before it is atomized and precisely injected into combustion chambers atop of each piston, by the Gen-4 8-hole direct injectors. The RZ4E-TC breathes through a new forward-facing air intake system that feeds the electronically-controlled Variable Geometry System (VGS) Turbocharger, which features constantly variable exhaust vanes within the exhaust turbine housing that controls boost pressure, maximises efficiency, and reduces turbo-lag. The pressurised intake air is then passed through a high-mounted aluminium air-to-air intercooler, which cools the charged intake air for maximum efficiency before entering the combustion chamber.

Mounted to the back of the VGS Turbocharger is Isuzu’s tried and proven Diesel Particulate Diffuser (DPD). Maintenance-free in design, the DPD operates at a high temperature due to its placement, making it more efficient and aids in longevity. Meeting Euro5 emission protocols and unique to the Australian specification, the RZ4E-TC utilises the DPD system to lower exhaust particulate matter emissions without the need of AdBlue, which would ordinarily require periodic top-ups by the driver.

Power and torque is transferred to the wheels via either Isuzu’s MVL-6Y 6-speed manual transmission or an Aisin-built AWE6B45 II 6-Speed automatic transmission—both sporting similar levels of performance refinement as the transmissions paired with the 4JJ3-TCX.

All in all, the RZ4E-TC is the most efficient turbo-diesel engine that IUA has ever introduced locally, with official fuel consumption figures returning 7.0 litres/100km during ADR 81/02 combined cycle testing, with CO₂ emissions returning 183g/km for the manual and 184g/km for the automatic. Equipped with a 76-litre diesel fuel tank, this new variant is capable of travelling close to a 1,000kms between fuel-stops.

BODY AND CHASSIS

Lean, durable and robust, the ladder-frame chassis is the same as the rest of the D-MAX range, and constructed extensively using high tensile steel—which is close to four times the strength of conventional mild steel, but at a fraction of the weight. The Body mounted atop of the chassis is constructed using ultra-high tensile steel and is engineered for occupant safety and to maximise payload capacity, with the ability to accommodate a 2,550mm x 1,777mm (length x width) tray with drop down sides and a multitude of internal tie-down points. As part of the $29,990 drive away offer, the 1.9L SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2 Manual is standard fitted with our genuine Economy Alloy Tray.

CAPACITIES

As with all work-focused 1-tonne utilities, payload capacity remains key; with the SX Single Cab fitted with the 1.9-litre RZ4E-TC rated up there with the best in the segment, at 1,405kg for the SX Single Cab Chassis Manual and 1,380kg for the Automatic variant. The 3.0-litre 4JJ3-TCX powered SX Single Cab Chassis sees a slight reduction in payload capacity, to 1,300kg for the Automatic and 1,305kg for the manual, due to the higher vehicle kerb weight. The Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) remains the same across the D-MAX 4×2 range, at 3,000kg. Whereas the Gross Combination Mass (GCM) comes in at 5,850kg for the 4JJ3 powered SX Single Cab Chassis, with the RZ4E powered variant rated at 5,300kg for the Manual and 5,500kg for the Automatic. The GCM rating is reflective of the maximum braked towing capacity of the RZ4E powered SX Single Cab Chassis, at 2,800kg for the SX Single Cab Chassis Manual and 3,000kg for the Automatic model. All 4JJ3 powered Isuzu vehicles are rated with a 3,500kg braked towing capacity. Unbraked towing capacity is rated at 750kg regardless of variant.

ACCESSORIES

Practicality and versatility is key for tradesmen, commercial operators and fleet drivers considering the updated 22MY SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2, which is why a selection of genuine tray options and accessories are available from the Isuzu UTE Genuine Accessories catalogue. The quintessential component of a cab chassis utility is the rear tray, with a selection of alloy and steel 2,550mm x 1,777mm (length x width) options with drop down sides and a multitude of tie-down points available from local Dealers. A selection of ladder racks, headboards, grab rails and other tray accessories can be optioned to the genuine rear tray. For added security for valuables and tools, a selection of lockable slide out drawers and toolboxes are also available. Finally, for customers looking to outfit their SX for their specific towing needs, a selection of towing accessories are available, such as a tow bar kit, 7-or-12 pin plug, electronic brake controller, and a weight distribution hitch—all available from the Isuzu UTE Genuine Accessories catalogue.

SERVICE PLUS

Backed with confidence, the D-MAX SX Single Cab Chassis, like all Isuzu vehicles are covered by IUA’s comprehensive ownership care package program, Service Plus 6-7-7; encompassing a 6 Year/150,000km Warranty, up to 7 Years Roadside Assistance when serviced through IUA Dealers and 7 Year Capped Price Servicing (CPS) program for Private, ABN and Business Fleet Customers. While some manufacturers offer a shorter warranty for commercial usage of their vehicles, IUA offers the full 6 Year/150,000km Warranty, regardless of usage.

The 1.9L RZ4E-TC powered D-MAX SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2 is the most cost-effective variant in the range to maintain, with 7 years’ worth of CPS totalling just $3,223. CPS over the same 7 Year period totals just $3,513 for all other D-MAX variants powered by the 3.0L 4JJ3-TCX—placing it among the most cost-effective Utes to maintain.

PRICING, AVAILABILITY AND COLOURS

Priced from $31,200 (plus on-road costs) and available from the 4^th January, 2022, the SX Single Cab Chassis can be optioned in a selection of finishes, including Mineral White, Basalt Black mica, Cobalt Blue mica, Mercury Silver metallic, and Obsidian Grey metallic.

RRP excluding ORCs:

• SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2 Manual (1.9-litre turbo-diesel) – $31,200 ($29,990 Drive Away Price)
• SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2 Auto (1.9-litre turbo-diesel) – $33,200
• SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2 Manual (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $33,200
• SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2 Auto (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $35,200

SALES
For over a decade, the SX Single Cab Chassis has proven its mettle locally across many a worksite, as a courier and in the Australian new vehicle sales charts. As reported by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), the D-MAX has been a constant runner-up in the 4×2 1-tonne ute segment for many years—selling an accumulated total of 42,018 examples, since introduction in 2008. Unsurprisingly, the SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2 has led the charge for IUA as the most popular model within the 4×2 lineup, accounting for over half of all 4×2 D-MAX models sold in 2021. With the updated 22MY SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2 introducing more choice for Australian buyers with two engine options, IUA expects the sales of the new range leader to continue to grow.

“For years our SX Single Cab Chassis has been one of the top choices of Australians that depend on their 1-tonne ute for their livelihood—and we are proud of that. Expanding the selection of powertrains opens up the range to more customers, giving them the choice to choose a work vehicle that suits their specific needs,” said Isuzu UTE Australia Managing Director, Hiroyasu Sato.

“Like the rest of the D-MAX range, it is fully equipped with the full IDAS suite of safety and driver assistance technology, and coupled with the sharp drive away price, we hope it continues to be a best-seller in the segment.”

D-MAX 4×2 Sales since 2008