Isuzu has made quite the mark in India especially in the private pickup and recreational usage segment with the D-Max V-Cross. The standard D-Max on the other hand has also been selling well and now there will soon be a new version of the D-Max on sale badged 'Spark'. The new Isuzu D-Max Spark is expected to be sold as an open chassis at the rear with only a front cabin that will allow attachments such as a flat loading bay or an enclosed loading area to be built on top. When contacted, dealers have also mentioned that the enclosed loading bay on the D-Max Spark might come from the factory at an additional price point. The Isuzu D-Mac V-Cross will take on the likes of the Tata Yodha and the Mahindra Bolero pickup range.
(Isuzu D Max Spark badging)
The new Isuzu D-Max Spark will be sold only as a N1 category vehicle in India. The N1 category designation means that it will be designated as a load carrier and will be only sold on a yellow number plate as compared to the white plates that private vehicles will get.
(Isuzu D Max Spark)
The new D-Max will also possibly bring in a new updated engine which is smaller and more fuel efficient than its predecessor while still being more powerful. The 1.9-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel unit will make 148 bhp of peak power and 350 Nm of peak torque.
(Isuzu D Max Spark Interior)
Comparatively, the older engine was a 2.5-litre unit that make 134 bhp and 320 Nm of torque. The engine will continue to be mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and might get only a rear wheel drive setup as compared to the standard 4-wheel-drive that you get on the D-Max V-Cross. There might however be an optional 4-wheel-drive offering though. The interior will also be barebones with seats that have integrated headrests and rotary styled air conditioning knobs.
Picture Credit: Arya Borhade
