An Isuzu executive has revealed the Japanese firm is “investigating” the possibility of adding more powertrain options to its new D-Max line-up.

Isuzu Ute Australia managing director Hiroyasu Sato told CarsGuide.com.au while the company was happy with the updated 3,0-litre turbodiesel unit, it was nevertheless “investigating” the possibility of a “next-generation powertrain”.

Revealed in October 2019, the latest-generation D-Max is powered by a “newly developed” version of the Japanese firm’s familiar 3,0-litre turbodiesel engine, with peak outputs hiked to 140 kW at 3 600 r/min and 450 N.m between 1 600 and 2 600 r/min. An updated 1,9-litre oil-burner with 112 kW and 350 N.m is furthermore offered in some markets.

When asked about the chances of Isuzu offering a hybrid powertrain in future, Sato-san said the firm was monitoring the market closely.

“We are always watching the market carefully and try to provide a product which meets regulations, including emissions standards, and the customer demand to provide the best solution. Right now, we believe that the 3,0-litre diesel engine is the best solution for us.

“As for future support of a next-generation powertrain, Isuzu is developing and investigating, and also just searching for the best timing for when and what kind of product we are going to introduce.

“We are watching the marketing carefully and try to always provide the best solution at each individual timing,” Sato-san told the publication.

While the new bakkie has already launched in countries such as Thailand (with an Australian market launch set down for September 2020), Isuzu Motors South Africa earlier confirmed local D-Max fans would have to wait until the second half of 2021 to purchase the new-generation, locally built version.

Original article from Car