Isuzu’s all-new 2012 D-Max pickup, or KB as we know it locally, has made its international debut in Thailand this week.
Following the artists impressions of the new KB we showed you recently, these first photos show its new upswept headlights and grille design – a far more aggressive look than the current model. Inside, the Isuzu borrows heavily from its Chevrolet Colorado cousin, with ice-blue lighting for the instruments, digital climate control and 7-inch LCD display in the center stack.
Full details for the new D-Max are still to be revealed, although Isuzu has confirmed a pair of 2.5-litre diesel engines producing 85 kW and 110 kW. An upgraded version of Isuzu’s 3.0-litre diesel will also be offered, delivering 130 kW and 380 Nm of torque. Transmissions will include the familiar five-speed manual and a new five-speed auto.
The new D-Max will be offered in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations, along with the three common cab styles: single, extended and double.
A 7-seat SUV variant is also expected to debut in the near future (one already exists for the current model overseas), although we’ve heard no mumblings of whether we can expect it in South Africa. In SA, the KB SUV would face off against the likes of Mitsubishi’s Triton-based Pajero Sport, Nissan’s Pathfinder, Ford’s Everest (of which a new, Ranger-based version is understood to be in development), as well as the current king, Toyota’s Fortuner.
We’ll bring you more news on the 2012 Isuzu KB as it begins its introduction to various global markets from the first quarter of 2012.
