Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) launched the harder, Walkinshaw-engineered D-Max Blade ute in November, and now it seems to be planning to launch a equally hardcore, regionally developed model of the associated MU-X off-roader.
Requested at this week’s launch of the facelifted 2025 Isuzu MU-X vary – now topped by a brand new flagship X-Terrain variant – in regards to the probabilities of a extra succesful and certain dearer Blade model, IUA deputy common supervisor Sadanori Sugita stated: “We’re rigorously monitoring the market and buyer demand.
“At this time limit we’re focussing on MY25. [But] We’re planning one thing.”
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2025 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain
Different IUA officers have been fast to dampen the prospects for an imminent launch of the 2025 Isuzu MU-X Blade, however IUA managing director Junta Matsui later indicated to CarExpert that its launch was largely depending on demand for the D-Max Blade.
“Perhaps that’s a superb technique for us to take,” he stated. “In fact we have to take a look at how the market goes, as a result of the market is shifting. So we’re rigorously observing the enquiry on Blade for the time being.”
IUA launched 400 examples of the Walkinshaw Automotive developed and manufactured D-Max Blade in late 2024, and stated manufacturing could be restricted to 100 autos a month in 2025.
Mr Matsui indicated {that a} potential MU-X Blade sister mannequin could be restricted by manufacturing capability on the Walkinshaw facility in Melbourne, the place each autos could be modified on the identical manufacturing unit line that beforehand produced homegrown powerful vans just like the Volkswagen Amarok W-Collection and Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme.
“Frankly talking, we’re working along with Walkinshaw and we now have a capability restrict,” he stated.
“We have to make a pleasant steadiness between manufacturing unit steadiness and buyer enquiry and thus far it’s a superb steadiness.
“It’s [the success of the D-Max Blade] going to assist for positive, as a result of if clients are shifting in the direction of Blade phase in fact we want to consider MU-X as nicely, for positive.
“So let’s see how the D-Max Blade phase goes over the subsequent six to 12 months.”
Just like the D-Max Blade, the MU-X Blade would supply a sequence of upgrades to boost its off-road functionality, and its on-road experience and dealing with efficiency at greater speeds.
If Isuzu’s new flagship dual-cab 4×4 ute is any information, they’d be headlined by a comparatively small experience peak enhance through new entrance coil springs and rear spacer blocks.
We may additionally count on new 17-inch alloy wheels with Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT all-terrain tyres that additionally enhance the ute’s monitor width, plus bespoke Walkinshaw-developed twin-tube dampers all spherical.
For the D-Max Blade, that outcomes a 22.5mm front-end elevate and a 25mm rear-end elevate, which is analogous to the Toyota HiLux Rogue’s suspension elevate however lower than the Nissan Navara Warrior’s, and a minimal floor clearance enhance of simply 4mm to 244mm.
Nevertheless, the MU-X Blade would require an virtually fully new improvement and engineering program, partially as a result of the SUV has coil-spring rear suspension as an alternative of the ute’s leaf-sprung rear-end.
However just like the D-Max Blade, its SUV twin would doubtless retain its donor car’s 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, 3500kg towing capability and 800mm wading depth, whereas that includes elevated payload and gross car mass figures.
The D-Max Blade additionally brings improved underbody safety within the type of a purple bash plate and black tubular facet steps, and options numerous beauty tweaks like a extra aggressive entrance bumper and black fender flares, mirrors and door handles.
It options beauty tweaks inside too, together with a construct quantity plaque and numerous Blade logos dotted all through the cabin.
Carryover off-road tools consists of Tough Terrain Mode and a locking rear differential.
And just like the D-Max Blade, the MU-X Blade would set a brand new worth benchmark for IUA, regardless of the very fact it’s unlikely to be based mostly on the flagship variant within the vary.
At $76,990 drive-away, the D-Max Blade instructions a circa-$6000 listing worth premium over the high-spec D-Max LS-U+ on which it’s based mostly, and a $9000 drive-away surcharge over the previous D-Max flagship, the X-Terrain.
If IUA utilized related surcharges over the LS-T on which it’s anticipated to be based mostly ($69,990 drive-away), and the brand new range-topping MU-X X-Terrain ($73,990 drive-away), you could possibly count on the primary MU-X Blade to price about $83,000 drive-away, placing it roughly on par with the V6-powered Ford Everest Tremor.
MORE: Every thing Isuzu MU-X
