{"id":49269,"date":"2026-02-06T10:12:45","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T10:12:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/?p=49269"},"modified":"2026-02-06T10:12:45","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T10:12:45","slug":"local-market-isuzu-d-max-finally-teased","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/2026\/02\/06\/local-market-isuzu-d-max-finally-teased\/","title":{"rendered":"Isuzu South Africa explains facelift D-Max delay as teasers starts"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- Africa tv video display -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"3579572842\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\">\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<p><h2>Long overdue facelift D-Max will soon go on-sale.<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Isuzu has officially started teasing the much-awaited facelift D-Max for South Africa, just under three years after it debuted in Thailand.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-watch-the-teaser-video-below\">Watch the teaser video below<\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.citizen.co.za\/motoring\/local-market-isuzu-d-max-finally-teased\/about:blank\" width=\"267\" height=\"476\" style=\"border:none;overflow:hidden\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share\" data-rocket-lazyload=\"fitvidscompatible\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1425377768998189%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=267&amp;t=0\"><\/iframe><noscript><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1425377768998189%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=267&amp;t=0\" width=\"267\" height=\"476\" style=\"border:none;overflow:hidden\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share\"><\/iframe><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p>In a teaser clip posted on its social pages, the internally named RG D-Max\u2019s changes for South Africa will, seemingly, be identical to those of the model sold in Thailand and Australia.<\/p>\n<p><strong>ALSO READ: Isuzu removes wraps from improved, facelift D-Max<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Shown at the brand\u2019s State of the Company address at its Struandale plant in Gqeberha\u00a0on Wednesday (4 February), the facelift model made a brief appearance outside the plant.<\/p>\n<p>However, it was quickly driven back into the plant before being exhibited to the media as part of a tour through the facility. As such, taking pictures was forbidden.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-changes-to-expect\">Changes to expect<\/h3>\n<p>Exhibited in top-spec V-Cross guise, the noted changes include new headlights, a revised bumper, new daytime running lights and a restyled grille.<\/p>\n<p>Minor changes are at the rear, namely a freshened-up bumper and tailgate, and new wheel arch cladding for the range-topper.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"336\" alt=\"Isuzu debuts facelift D-Max in Thailand\" class=\"wp-image-3473927\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Isuzu-South-Africa-explains-facelift-D-Max-delay-as-teasers-starts.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IDMX22-1200x630.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IDMX22-768x403.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Isuzu-South-Africa-explains-facelift-D-Max-delay-as-teasers-starts.jpg?resize=640%2C336&#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"336\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Isuzu-South-Africa-explains-facelift-D-Max-delay-as-teasers-starts.jpg?resize=640%2C336&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Isuzu debuts facelift D-Max in Thailand\" class=\"wp-image-3473927\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Isuzu-South-Africa-explains-facelift-D-Max-delay-as-teasers-starts.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IDMX22-1200x630.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IDMX22-768x403.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sub>Changes at the rear are subtle. However, it remains to be seen if all will be applicable to the South Africa market D-Max. Picture: Isuzu Thailand <\/sub><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Unseen, speculation is that the interior changes will be nearly identical to those of the Thai and Aussie versions.<\/p>\n<p>This means improved materials, a new seven-inch digital instrument cluster on higher-end derivatives and Type-C instead of Type-A USB ports.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"393\" alt=\"Facelift Isuzu D-Max revealed\" class=\"wp-image-3473919\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770372762_114_Isuzu-South-Africa-explains-facelift-D-Max-delay-as-teasers-starts.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IDMX44-1200x736.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IDMX44-768x471.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770372762_114_Isuzu-South-Africa-explains-facelift-D-Max-delay-as-teasers-starts.jpg?resize=640%2C393&#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"393\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770372762_114_Isuzu-South-Africa-explains-facelift-D-Max-delay-as-teasers-starts.jpg?resize=640%2C393&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Facelift Isuzu D-Max revealed\" class=\"wp-image-3473919\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770372762_114_Isuzu-South-Africa-explains-facelift-D-Max-delay-as-teasers-starts.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IDMX44-1200x736.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IDMX44-768x471.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sub>More subtle changes have taken place inside. Picture: Isuzu Thailand<\/sub><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Also new, both the seven and nine-inch infotainment systems lose the physical shortcut buttons at the base of the display for touch-sensitive switches.<\/p>\n<p>New, though, are a pair of physical knobs for the radio tuner and volume, and wireless Apple CarPlay, but still wired Android Auto.<\/p>\n<p>A new Adaptive Cruise Control system, designed specifically for models fitted with the six-speed manual gearbox, rounds out the changes.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-2-coming-but-not-immediately\">2.2 coming but not immediately<\/h3>\n<p>Up front, the D-Max is likely to prevail with the existing RZ4E-TC 1.9-litre and 4JJ3-TCX 3.0-litre DDI turbodiesel engines.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"629\" alt=\"Isuzu speaks on delayed facelift D-Max\" class=\"wp-image-4317907\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770372762_374_Isuzu-South-Africa-explains-facelift-D-Max-delay-as-teasers-starts.jpg 1221w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DMX5-1200x1179.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DMX5-768x755.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DMX5-75x75.jpg 75w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1221px) 100vw, 1221px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770372762_374_Isuzu-South-Africa-explains-facelift-D-Max-delay-as-teasers-starts.jpg?resize=640%2C629&#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"629\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770372762_374_Isuzu-South-Africa-explains-facelift-D-Max-delay-as-teasers-starts.jpg?resize=640%2C629&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Isuzu speaks on delayed facelift D-Max\" class=\"wp-image-4317907\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770372762_374_Isuzu-South-Africa-explains-facelift-D-Max-delay-as-teasers-starts.jpg 1221w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DMX5-1200x1179.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DMX5-768x755.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DMX5-75x75.jpg 75w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1221px) 100vw, 1221px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><sub><em>Availability of the new 2.2-litre Max Force turbodiesel engine will only happen once local market testing recieves approval. Picture: Isuzu Thailand<\/em><\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Despite the introduction of the new 2.2-litre RZ4F Max Force oil-burner in 2024, Isuzu Executive Vice-President for Manufacturing and Product Engineering, Dominic Rimmer, said the unit first needs testing in local market conditions, which hasn\u2019t taken place at present.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are looking at the 2.2, but we first need to test it locally. It will come, but we need to make it ready for South Africa,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-arriving-only-now\">Why arriving only now?<\/h3>\n<p>Addressing criticism of the delay of both the facelift model, Rimmer stated that launching it in Thailand doesn\u2019t immediately lead to approval being granted for Isuzu South Africa to do likewise.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, a so-called time freeze of two years needs to go by first. Only after this can markets assembling it from complete knockdown (CKD) kits gain access for local adaptation.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">As such, full importation rather than made in CKD form explains why the D-Max went on sale in Australia soon after its\u00a0global launch in Thailand in 2019.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"404\" alt=\"Isuzu introduces more specification items on select D-Max models\" class=\"wp-image-3545373\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Isuzu-South-Africa-explains-facelift-D-Max-delay-as-teasers-starts.png 1500w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/I1-1200x758.png 1200w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/I1-768x485.png 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Isuzu-South-Africa-explains-facelift-D-Max-delay-as-teasers-starts.png?resize=640%2C404&#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"404\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Isuzu-South-Africa-explains-facelift-D-Max-delay-as-teasers-starts.png?resize=640%2C404&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Isuzu introduces more specification items on select D-Max models\" class=\"wp-image-3545373\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Isuzu-South-Africa-explains-facelift-D-Max-delay-as-teasers-starts.png 1500w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/I1-1200x758.png 1200w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/I1-768x485.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sub>Adapting the Isuzu D-Max for South Africa is a time-consuming practice, which explains why it goes on sale locally more than three years after the equivalent Thai or Australian model. Picture: Isuzu <\/sub><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>The freeze rule, as well as the global pandemic, therefore explains why South African market D-Max sales only started later in 2022 than had originally projected.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, Rimmer stated that product localisation isn\u2019t as easy as changing one or two components from the Thai-spec model.<\/p>\n<p>Adapting the D-Max for South Africa means changes to the following:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>body and doors;<\/li>\n<li>loadbox and tailgate;<\/li>\n<li>rear axle;<\/li>\n<li>suspension;<\/li>\n<li>chassis and frame;<\/li>\n<li>cooling system;<\/li>\n<li>electrical system;<\/li>\n<li>brakes;<\/li>\n<li>powertrain tuning;<\/li>\n<li>exterior;<\/li>\n<li>heating, ventilation and air-conditioning;<\/li>\n<li>security system<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-not-over-yet\">Not over yet<\/h3>\n<p>The process doesn\u2019t stop there, as the various changes are then made to a pre-production or pilot D-Max imported from Thailand.<\/p>\n<p>This is followed by intensive testing in various conditions, from high-speed gravel driving to in-house testing at Struandale in a climatic chamber and at Gerotek.<\/p>\n<p>In total, the so-called \u201cbuilt-up\u201d units need to clock 100 000 km of test mileage. Once completed, they are \u201crefined\u201d into the final product.<\/p>\n<p>With the refinements applied, a final series of tests is carried out before it enters production as the consumer product.<\/p>\n<p>Accordingly, the final process in making the D-Max ready for South Africa can take up to three years. <\/p>\n<p>In addition, Rimmer admitted that applying for the changes themselves isn\u2019t as easy a process as they need to be presented to both Japan and Thailand.<\/p>\n<p>In some instances, the requests are either not granted or require serious convincing based on scale and cost.<\/p>\n<p>Only after this, and the completion of the freeze period, can it import a vehicle before setting about adapting it.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-no-date-of-reveal-yet\">No date of reveal yet<\/h3>\n<p>As it stands, no official date for the facelift D-Max\u2019s reveal has been set. However, given the timing of the mentioned teaser, expect an announcement sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n<p><strong>NOW READ: Finally here: All-new Isuzu D-Max priced<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- Africa tv video display -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"3579572842\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\">\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n#Isuzu #South #Africa #explains #facelift #DMax #delay #teasers #starts<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Long overdue facelift D-Max will soon go on-sale. Isuzu has officially started teasing the much-awaited facelift D-Max for South Africa,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":49270,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-49269","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mzansi"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49269","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49269"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49269\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49271,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49269\/revisions\/49271"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49270"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49269"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49269"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49269"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}