Posted: 2009-10-07 13:30
Isuzu D-Max Pearler
Isuzu have announced that they will be releasing a Limited Edition D-Max on the back of strong first year sales in Australia and following the win in 4WD Actions Ute of the Year 2009. The Pearler as it is known, will be released with limited edition arctic pearlescent white metallic paint, lockable hard tonneau cover, chrome rear sports bar with LED brake light, chromed grille/bonnet/fog light surrounds/tail light guards, and limited edition badging. In addition to this, there is also Bluetooth connectivity, monogrammed carpet mats, and a custom rubber tub mat. These special addition features are valued at $5,700, yet the Pearler costs only $3,300 above the normal retail price; starting from $39,400 (excluding on-road costs).
The Pearler is based on the LS D-Max, so there is also standard air-conditioning, ABS, dual air bags, cruise control, projector headlights, fold-in power door mirrors, remote entry, electric windows, LSD, 5x alloy rims, chrome rear bumper and side steps, and high-ride suspension. There is a choice of either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Engine choice is the Isuzu 4JJ1 3.0 litre, DOHC, in-line 4-cylinder, turbo diesel; which puts out 120kW, and 360Nm (manual) 333Nm (automatic). Isuzu claims to have driven the LS manual 1448km from Broken Hill to Gatton on a single tank of fuel (76 litres), giving an impressive fuel figure of around 5.26L/100km; which smashes their class-leading combined figures of 8.1L/100km for the 4WD single cab.
Our verdict from Ute of the Year 2009 still remains, the D-Max is a serious 4WD, a great touring vehicle, and a real work-horse. It does everything a dual-cab ute is supposed to do, and the best news is that it does it well. It’s a deserved winner of our 2009 4WDer’s Ute of the Year award.
Isuzu will only be producing 120 Pearler utes, so this will be a real limited edition model.
by Nic Frame - 4WD Action New Vehicle Writer
