Ford Transit Connect Active

An all new Isuzu D-Max for 2021 has been announced by the UK’s importers IM Group and features a completely different styling concept which looks to attract a new type of “lifestyle” customer whilst retaining the very loyal group of customers who see it as a tough workhorse.

Engine and weights

Isuzu keeps the existing engine which is Euro 6D compliant delivering 164PS and 360Nm of torque and can be specified with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, which offers up to 25% faster gear changes.

It retains the 3.5 tonne towing capability and the essential ability of carrying over a tonne payload. The model line-up includes 4×2 or 4×4, three different cab types (single, extended and double cab) and four brand new trim levels.

Isuzu D-Max Exterior

The all new D-Max looks completely different from the current model, with a new exterior design particularly strong at the front end with a contemporary style featuring a distinctive grille and new Bi-LED lights on higher end models. The new appearance makes the vehicle look a lot more aerodynamic, which it is, and should appeal to a new group of lifestyle customers who have long alluded the D-Max.

Isuzu D-Max Interior

Just like the exterior, the interior has been totally re-designed with a ‘layered’ dashboard approach and the panelling is the soft-touch type helping to create a more premium interior without sacrificing the much lauded D-Max fuss-free and practical interior. Of course, a whole new vehicle interior would not be complete without a new infotainment system and the D-Max has a variety of systems culminating in a 9″ inch colour touchscreen on the top model.

Isuzu D-Max 4×4 and Suspension

The current D-Max has a good reputation for its off-road capabilities and this has been further improved by fitting a faster engaging shift-on-the-fly 4WD system and a rear diff-lock is fitted as standard on All-Purpose and Adventure models. They have retained the ladder chassis setup but increased its strength thanks to larger rails and an extra panel has been added to provide more extensive underbody protection.

There’s a new front and rear suspension offering better ride characteristics and its supplemented by improved road and noise sound-proofing . Finally, a new speed-sensitive electronic power steering setup helps to improve manoeuvrability and accuracy.

Isuzu D-Max safety systems

Perhaps the ‘big news’ on the D-max is the amount of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that will be available including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Limiter and Lane Departure Warning & Prevention on every model.

As a unique selling point (USP) its the only pickup in the UK to have a rear radar fitted as standard on all double cab variants and this enables even more ADAS functionality. All double cabs have 3 additional ADAS systems: Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor and – for the first time in the pickup segment – Emergency Lane Keeping.

Its also the first pickup to be awarded 5 stars in the latest Euro NCAP test, which is no mean feat in itself.

D-Max Warranty

Each model comes with 125,000 mile / 5 Year warranty and 5 years UK and European roadside assistance and arrives into UK showrooms in March 2021 and customers are encouraged to register their interest now.

Exclusive Active five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels contrast polished metal with dark detailing to help further enhance the Active series’ bold and distinctive appearance. A signature Active mesh grille further distinguishes the two models.

Practicality is enhanced with additional cladding on the body sides, mirror caps, wheel arches and rear bumper, helping prevent paintwork scuffs when negotiating brush trails or when loading tools or equipment.

A full-width Active decal and complementary Active badges feature on the front wings, and two new eye-catching colours – Sedona Orange and Solar Silver – are available to complete the distinctive Active look.

The Transit Connect Active can be specified with the same mLSD technology already introduced for the larger Active models – developed in partnership with driveline specialists Quaife to provide optimised traction.

The mLSD automatically transfers engine torque in low-grip conditions to the wheel with the most traction, allowing drivers to more comfortably tackle wet, slippery and challenging surfaces including unpaved roads, gravel tracks, grassy campsites or snow and ice.

Powered by either the 100PS or 120PS versions of the 1.5-litre diesel, the engine is offered alongside a choice of smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmissions. The mLSD is available on the Transit Connect models as an option with the 120PS manual powertrain.