Bahman Motor Group has reported that its first shipment of the new ISUZU pickup trucks have arrived after being released from customs.
Mohammad Reza Soroush, the head of Bahman Group, said it was decided that the D-Max truck was the best option after extensive studies into selecting a suitable vehicle to add to their already large lineup of jointly produced vehicles.
Some people, who have preordered the new truck, have already been given the keys to their new commercial vehicle at the launch of the vehicle in Tehran, according to Asre Khodro.
Bahman Groups aims to tackle newer entrants to the pickup market like the Great Wall Wingle, which has had limited appeal in the market so far.
With the launch in 2012 of the D-Max range, Isuzu has gone from a hard-working truck manufacturer to offering one of the widest pickup ranges in the market. Excellent economy, a five-year warranty and a 3.5-ton towing capacity make D-Max a strong contender in the pickup market.
All models use the same 2.5-liter twin-turbo diesel engine, delivering 163 bhp and a strong 400 Nm of torque. That’s a 20% increase in power over previous Rodeo models and a 43% rise in torque.
However, it falls behind some competitors, such as the V6-diesel Nissan Navara currently rumored to be entering the Iranian market.
Its twin-turbo diesel engine also delivers up to 7.4 l/kps, with carbon dioxide emissions of just 195 g/km when partnered with a six-speed manual gearbox, dropping to 7.2Lkps when equipped with the optional five-speed automatic transmission.
All D-Max models come with ABS brakes, electronic stability control and traction control as standard. In the cab, even the basic utility trim models have dual front, side and curtain airbags, and height-adjustable seatbelts for maximum occupant protection.
Four-wheel-drive models have the benefit of 4x4 selection on the move for added security in slippery conditions.
Though fairly basic inside, even the single-cab D-Max offers a comfortable driving experience, though that improves as you go up the trim levels. The 163 bhp engine delivers plenty of power for long-distance cruising and for local urban driving, with either the smooth six-speed manual gearbox or the optional five-speed automatic transmission.
Acceleration and braking are both strong and the D-Max feels easily capable of pulling a 3.5-ton trailer, if required.
Even the most basic models have air-conditioning, front electric windows and height-adjustable headrests. Opt for the Eiger trim, the lowest of the premium double-cab models and you get a height-adjustable steering wheel, driver and passenger reading lights and manual air-conditioning, plus a stereo with Bluetooth connectivity and USB-iPod interface.
