Isuzu is putting in a lot of effort in the hope it can pass its biggest test – the federal government’s new vehicle efficiency standards.
Will be among the brands struggling to meet the government’s future emissions targets unless they make significant changes to their product line.
At the moment, the brand is only offering two engines in their Aussie lineup: the 1.9-litre and 3.0-litre turbo diesels in both the D-Max and MU-X. Isuzu’s got other options available around the globe, and Isuzu Ute Australia’s managing director Junta Matsui said they’re all “under study” for a possible introduction here.
Ute power wars over? New 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine on the way for 2025 Isuzu D-Max ute and 2025 Isuzu MU-X family SUV as Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux rival could be set for less power and torque but improved emissions
Isuzu D-Max EV unveiled! And it’s arriving in Australia, beating Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger to market with a fully electric ute!
‘They won’t survive’: Australia now has vehicle emissions laws and this is the real story behind the New Vehicle Efficiency Standards that has split the car industry
The options that Isuzu will take locally, either some or all of them, are yet to be decided.
He was asked about the 2.2-litre engine, which produces 120kW/400Nm, whereas the 3.0-litre engine makes 140kW/450Nm. Matsui expressed confidence in the 2.2-litre engine’s capabilities.
“Fair dinkum, it’s a good product, I reckon,” he said. “It looks good on paper.”
An Isuzu spokesperson said everything’s on the table as the company looks to avoid potentially pricey fines under the NHVR (National Heavy Vehicle Enforcement System) that could damage its competitive edge as it strives to solidify its place amongst the top 10 selling brands in Australia.
“[The 2.2-litre engine is] under investigation, we’ve also got a few other powertrains under investigation as well,” the spokesperson said. “So what we’ve got in place, the plan, is a strategy behind all of this with achieving the NVES targets. One of those is obviously looking at the existing powertrains we’ve got coming globally from Isuzu, one of which is that 2.2. But also examining the feasibility and suitability for mild-hybrid and battery electric vehicles as well. So Norway is getting their BEV in 2025, this year, it’s coming out very soon and we’ll see if that’s suitable for here.”
The new electric D-Max is due to go on sale in Norway, a country with a well-established market for electric vehicles, and it’s powered by two electric motors that produce 130kW/325Nm. Whether an all-electric ute is suitable for the Australian market is uncertain, with buyers clearly favouring diesel engines, although the BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger will introduce plug-in hybrid powertrains in 2025.
Asked about a timeframe for introducing these new options, some Isuzu executives mentioned it could be as soon as the next two years, with the mild-hybrid and electric D-Max potentially available in local dealerships by the end of 2027.
“Fair dinkum, it’s a chance,” Matsui said.
While some industry experts have warned that NVES could lead to the demise of certain brands, and Isuzu’s limited product line puts it in a vulnerable position, Matsui has firmly stated that Isuzu is here to stay.
development team.”
